Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family: Children - London (Bar)

4
Band 4

What the Team is Known For

A set with demonstrable strength at silk and junior level which assists clients in both children and divorce proceedings. Members here are sought after by high net worth clients for their extensive experience of handling financial cases involving complex business structures, assets, trusts, Schedule 1, TOLATA and tax issues. Many of these are multi-jurisdictional and international in nature. The barristers also have significant expertise in private and public children law work, and are equipped to represent their clients in all manner of care, relocation, and child abduction proceedings. Their diverse clientele consists of people from all levels of society. One interviewee states that the set is "blessed with standout counsel with the robustness to handle anything thrown at them."

James Shortall is the senior clerk.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

S
Timothy Scott KC
S
Senior Statespeople

Timothy Scott KC is a renowned international matrimonial finance specialist who demonstrates impressive knowledge of all matters relating to jurisdiction. He has frequently appeared in the Court of Appeal on cross-border issues. His expertise includes EU regulations and forum disputes.

Technical Tim is superb on jurisdiction cases.

The king of jurisdiction and a real gent - long may he not hang up his boots. He provides clear, unequivocal advice every time.

Timothy is just superb. He is calm, incisive and the person I go to for all matters jurisdictional.

Paul Storey
Star Individuals

Paul Storey KC is a standout children specialist who is renowned for his formidable advocacy and involvement in highly complex public and private cases. His expertise extends to non-accidental injury, death and abuse issues. He is particularly experienced in representing parents accused of negligence and abuse.

Paul Storey is, quite simply, a titan in the field of public children law. who is a formidable presence in the courtroom. He combines fearless advocacy with an unwavering moral compass.

Paul Storey is the number one choice for cases involving complex medical science.

Paul is a great advocate to work alongside. He is always thoroughly prepared and meticulous in his advice. His advocacy is absolutely first class.

1
Alexis Campbell
1
Band 1

Alexis Campbell KC is a silk with a solid reputation for assisting high net worth business clients with domestic and international matters involving complex company and trust issues. She sits as a Recorder in both criminal and family law matters.

Alexis has a warmth and practicality which complements her expertise, strategic skills and killer advocacy.

Alexis is the complete package and an absolute worker. She approaches every case with 20:20 vision and compassion. Under her calm composure, she is a street fighter.

Alexis is outstanding in her field and manages the most complex cases with ease. She gives clients thorough, considered advice. Her strategic skills and instinct as to likely outcome are exceptional.

1
Brent Molyneux
1
Band 1

Brent Molyneux KC is a well-regarded lawyer who handles highly complex financial disputes involving high-value assets. He is lauded for his understated advocacy style and conciliatory approach.

Indubitably one of the best advocates at the matrimonial Bar.

Brent writes engaging submissions.

Brent is a stand out. He is very client-friendly and puts clients at ease with his plain approach. He prepares for consultations and court impeccably.

Brent delivers his advocacy with passion and flair. Judges enjoy listening to him.

1
Jonathan Southgate
1
Band 1

Jonathan Southgate KC has a formidable practice representing household names and high net worth individuals in tremendously high-value matrimonial finance proceedings. He is commended for his tenacity in court and his commercial awareness during divorce.

Simply the best financial remedy practitioner at the Bar today. He combines an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law with tenacious advocacy.

Jonathan Southgate sticks up for clients and puts fear into his opponents. A KC to keep on side.

He is an extremely clever and tenacious litigator.

1
Laura Heaton
1
Band 1

Laura Heaton is a mediator and collaboratively trained junior who specialises in a wide range of financial proceedings and is recognised for her prowess in ADR. Her cases mainly consist of matters with complex business elements, many of which involve a third party. She has particular expertise in Schedule 1 and TOLATA disputes.

Laura's advice is always absolutely clear and incredibly well considered. She instils ultimate confidence in her clients and is a real pleasure to work with.

Laura is great to instruct. She is thorough, excellent with the client and someone who 'gets' the issues immediately.

I am always impressed with Laura Heaton's ability to engage with clients and advocate for them. She has consistently delivered results.

Laura is sensible and has great judgement.

Excellent all round.

1
Lee Arnot
1
Band 1

Lee Arnot offers clients a dual money and children service, and has extensive experience in both the public and private spheres, appearing in cases with jurisdictional and asset issues. He is noted for his attention to detail when handling complex children proceedings, and regularly tackles cases involving issues of serious abuse and child relocation.

He is incredibly bright, very courteous, excellent with clients and at the top of his game.

He was able to instil confidence in the client swiftly due to his knowledge of the law and what he had seen in the case. When it came to his advocacy, Lee was quick on his feet.

He was clear, considerate and practical when dealing with my expectations for the case.

Lee Arnot is a barrister of quiet brilliance and formidable skill. His advocacy is lean, precise and deeply persuasive.

An excellent barrister with strong advocacy skills and the ability to advise clients sensitively but pragmatically.

Max Lewis
1
Max Lewis
1
Band 1

Max Lewis is a well-regarded financial barrister who is comfortable handling all aspects of financial remedy proceedings. He has particular expertise in disputes involving complex company and trust issues. Lewis is further noted for his experience in family disputes involving a religious element.

Max Lewis is very approachable. Clients love him as he's very down to earth in his manner.

Max is a super junior to have in your corner in the most complex of cases. He is all over the papers and can pick up detailed and complex issues quickly.

Very focussed on solutions, he's someone with an excellent manner, who is always prepared and incredibly supportive of the client and the solicitor.

He is personable and empathetic with his clients, and his skills in the courtroom are excellent.

Nicholas Allen
1
Nicholas Allen
1
Band 1

Nicholas Allen KC is a high-value financial specialist who regularly handles cases using the collaborative process, having trained as collaborative counsel. He is commended for his attention to detail and his sympathetic manner with clients. Allen is also a trained arbitrator.

Nick put the client at ease, clearly explaining the law and the complex issues in the case. Watching Nick speak at conferences is inspirational.

His attention to detail and has the ability to distil any complex financial matrix into arguable and succinct principles are huge skills. His technical knowledge is unmatched.

Nick is one of the best at absolutely everything. In terms of advice and drafting on complex matters, advocacy, client care and working with solicitors as part of a team, he's got the lot.

1
Patrick Chamberlayne
1
Band 1

Patrick Chamberlayne KC has earned a fine reputation for tackling substantial financial remedy proceedings, many of which involve complex business structures. His practice is mainly international and notable for its connections to the Middle East. He has substantial experience in Schedule 1 claims with an international element.

Patrick is superior to most due to the strength and quality of his advocacy. He's super smart and impressively agile on his feet.

He is an exceptional KC with a robust and strategic approach. His intelligence and deep legal expertise enable him to quickly assess intricate issues and provide clear, decisive advice.

He is simply the best at finding straightforward solutions to complex issues and settling cases.

2
Ben Fearnley
2
Band 2

Ben Fearnley is praised for his breadth of knowledge in matrimonial finance. He has a broad practice and particular experience of handling cases concerning the Inheritance Act and complex company assets. He has additional expertise in mediation.

Ben was so well prepared and focused. His attention to detail was superb.

Ben is hugely knowledgeable and shows great attention to detail. He is very thorough and you can be confident that he has considered every avenue.

Ben's technically superb and has a very good instinct for how a case will settle. He is extremely well prepared and able to put forward persuasive arguments to secure the best results for his clients.

Ben possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law which is invaluable for the more sophisticated cases we deal with.

He is highly detail-oriented and meticulous in his approach, ensuring that every aspect of a case is thoroughly analysed.

2
Christopher Wagstaffe
2
Band 2

Christopher Wagstaffe KC is a financial practitioner with a focus on representing high net worth individuals in international cases, particularly those situated in Hong Kong and the Caribbean. He is also knowledgeable when it comes to Schedule 1 disputes, as well as matters involving company or trust complications.

Chris is a go-to silk for complex international trust work and his knowledge in this area is second to none. He is extremely personable and clients love his commitment to their cases.

A strategist with a very nice client manner.

2
Helen Williams
2
Band 2

Helen Williams is a finance practitioner noted for her previous experience as a chartered accountant, which she brings to bear in matrimonial proceedings concerning complex, multi-jurisdictional, company and trust structure issues. Her cases often involve valuation issues and corporate non-disclosure.

Helen has an eye for detail and gives 100% of herself to any case. She is constantly thinking about different avenues to settlement.

Helen is a fantastic advocate, who is always completely prepared and able to strike up a good relationship with even the most anxious or apprehensive client.

Helen is brilliant with numbers and very down to earth.

Helen has an ability to distil difficult problems into solution-focused answers. She has a lovely manner with clients and is very approachable and available.

I regularly instruct and recommend Helen for complex financial remedy cases, particularly those concerning business interests. She is very firm but fair and able to deal with the most difficult cases.

Nicholas Bennett
2
Nicholas Bennett
2
Band 2

Having spent ten years working in top London family law firms, Nick Bennett returned to the Bar in 2021. An expert in pre- and postnuptial agreements, he is the only barrister in England to have such agreements as the core specialism of his practice.

Nick is a go-to for nuptial agreements and a real expert. He is a great person to have on the team for the most complex and contentious agreements.

Extremely hard-working, he provides clients with a fantastic service and is a pleasure to deal with.

He knows his stuff and clients respect him for his vast knowledge in this area. His commercial vision is very strong.

2
Petra Teacher
2
Band 2

Petra Teacher is a versatile junior who covers a broad range of private matrimonial finance cases. She is noted in particular for her expertise in relation to Schedule 1 matters, and proceedings involving complex business assets.

Petra has exceptional intellect and outstanding judgement.

She is thorough, detailed and someone with clear judgement. She will doggedly pursue what she thinks the right outcome to be.

Petra Teacher is incredibly hard-working, excellent with clients and also just generally a lovely person.

3
Anthony Geadah
3
Band 3

Anthony Geadah often acts in financial remedy disputes involving third-party claims, business structures and jurisdiction issues. He handles cases with both onshore and offshore assets, and has recognised skill in cross-border matters. He is also instructed to sit as a judge in private FDRs.

Anthony's principal skill is to see the wood for the trees and to be able to strategise on the basis of the bigger picture.

Anthony is great on the law, wonderful with the client and someone whose written work is as convincing as is his advocacy.

3
Charlotte Trace
3
Band 3

Charlotte Trace is a matrimonial finance practitioner with expertise in high net worth disputes. She often handles matters with jurisdictional issues and offshore assets, and is well regarded for her knowledge of all manner of financial issues.

Charlotte is exceptional in all areas.

Charlotte is always very well prepared and very responsive. She goes the extra mile.

Charlotte is an outstanding advocate, who navigates intricate legal challenges with ease, providing clients with clarity and confidence from start to finish.

3
Christopher Butterfield
3
Band 3

Christopher Butterfield is regularly instructed in very complex public and private Children Law cases. He is very well versed in handling fact-finding hearings involving complicated medical evidence. He appeared in the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse for the Metropolitan Police Service.

Christopher is a rare barrister who can handle both complex financial and child arrangements issues with ease.

Christopher is excellent; he's always very well prepared and fully knowledgeable about the case, which means a lot to clients.

An extremely experienced child specialist.

Christopher is extraordinarily impressive when handling complex private law children work. He is very well prepared and clients warm to him instantly.

3
Dafydd Griffiths
3
Band 3

Dafydd Griffiths is a children barrister whose practice encompasses proceedings in both the public and private spheres. He is particularly experienced in issues of parental alienation, as well as cases involving serious abuse and complex medical evidence, in which his criminal law background comes to the fore.

Dafydd is a joy to work with - he absolutely gets the complexities and sensitivities of working with highly emotional clients.

Dafydd is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also possesses exceptional soft skills that make him stand out in his field.

He is particularly good at cross-examination and exposing coercive control.

From a solicitor's perspective I find Dafydd a delight to work with. He is on the ball with the case and always understands any difficulties experienced with the client.

Lucy Owens
3
Lucy Owens
3
Band 3

Lucy Owens is a recognised family practitioner who routinely acts in multi-jurisdictional financial disputes. She acts on cross-border Schedule 1 and maintenance orders at all levels of court. She has further experience in cases involving the forensic tracing of assets.

Lucy Owens is collaborative and fabulous with clients, putting them at ease.

Lucy always knows every page of her brief and inspires confidence in the client and the judge. She gets great results.

Lucy Owens never fails to impress.

3
Miriam Foster
3
Band 3

Miriam Foster handles a wide array of family work, both children and money-based. Experienced at appearing in the higher courts, she routinely acts on finance disputes involving significant assets and parallel criminal proceedings.

A great lawyer, a great person and one you would want in your corner always.

Miriam is a fantastic advocate, who is a favourite with my clients. She is an aggressive advocate, who really fights the client's corner but balances this with warm and thorough client care.

Miriam Foster is energetic and effervescent, and she brings that to all of her cases. She has the energy that's needed to drive something forward.

3
Philip Cayford KC
3
Band 3

Philip Cayford KC is a prominent barrister who represents high-profile clients in significant financial remedy proceedings. He is highly regarded for his knowledge, and his experience covers the full range of high-value disputes, including those concerning Schedule 1 disputes.

Philip's handling of clients’ family matters has always been excellent.

Philip is reassuring, pragmatic and someone with an unrivalled depth of knowledge.

3
Richard Bates
3
Band 3

Richard Bates handles mainly matrimonial finance cases on behalf of wealthy individuals, especially those involving complex business and trust structures. He additionally engages in Schedule 1 proceedings and has further knowledge of farming-related cases.

Richard provides excellent levels of client care combined with a reassuring, detailed knowledge and application of the law.

Richard Bates is excellent in terms of client care, availability and teamwork.

A wonderful barrister who is incredibly tenacious and really cares about the clients.

3
Richard Tambling
3
Band 3

Richard Tambling is a matrimonial finance junior who handles a wide variety of issues surrounding divorce, including matters concerning Schedule 1, TOLATA and significant wealth. His practice encompasses cross-border cases, often those involving offshore assets.

Richard has an excellent manner with clients and works hard to ensure that the client's interests are pursued in a pragmatic and proportionate way.

Richard Tambling is a pragmatic, calm, measured and incisive lawyer who is excellent with clients. He is incredibly supportive to solicitors and always available and approachable.

3
Roshi Amiraftabi
3
Band 3

Roshi Amiraftabi is a specialist children law junior who demonstrates great expertise when it comes to jurisdictional issues, among other private law matters. Her caseload consists of complex relocation, abduction, enforcement and leave to remove cases, some of which are highly acrimonious.

Roshi is extremely thorough and detail-oriented - nothing is left unturned. She is responsive and always happy to help, even with ad hoc queries.

Her thorough grasp of complex issues fills me and the client with immediate confidence.

Roshi is wonderfully positive, engaging and measured. Clients warm to her for her sensitive approach, but feel safe knowing that she will take the most robust and proactive approach.

3
Sally Max
3
Band 3

Sally Max is a family junior practising mainly in the high net worth matrimonial finance arena. She has particular expertise in issues concerning cohabitation, Schedule 1 matters and cases concerning complex business and trust structures. Sources compliment her grasp of technical issues and her in-depth knowledge of the law.

Sally gets to grips with the nuances of the most complicated cases quickly. She always makes herself available to solicitors and has excellent client care skills. Her drafting is also outstanding.

Sally Max is the complete package.

3
Victoria Domenge
3
Band 3

Victoria Domenge handles substantial financial matters for a range of clients and has experience in cases concerning company assets. She is commended for her constructive approach, which stems from her experience as a mediator and collaborative counsel.

Always well prepared and simply a pleasure to work with or against.

It is a joy to instruct Victoria as she homes in on the issues immediately. Her preparation is both thorough and excellent, and her advocacy likewise.

She is always looking for the practical solution that will enable clients to settle their cases whilst also feeling that they have been treated fairly and can get on with their lives.

4
Conor Fee
4
Band 4

Conor Fee focuses his impressive practice on financial remedy mandates. He is frequently sought by high net worth individuals to handle cases involving international elements.

Conor is great to work with. His advocacy is brilliant as is his written work, and he always responds to emails and calls. .

His preparation, client skills and advocacy are exemplary. He delivers time after time in court.

Clients feel very reassured when Conor is acting due to his attention to detail and superb advocacy.

His paperwork is of a high standard, and he is always available to his instructing solicitors to help. He is always very efficient and timely with his responses.

4
Indira Ramsahoye
4
Band 4

Indira Ramsahoye is a children law practitioner who is well regarded for her considerable experience of handling complex international children matters. She possesses a specialism in matters concerning external relocation, abduction and jurisdictional disputes.

Indira is a great advocate to work alongside. She is always thoroughly prepared and meticulous in her advice.

James Cooper
4
James Cooper
4
Band 4

James Cooper has an impressive track record in acting in highly complex financial remedy cases. He is well versed in matters that include business asset disputes, Schedule 1 matters and remuneration packages, among a myriad of other issues.

A junior barrister who appears to be far more experienced than his call. He shows great empathy with clients but is tough on opponents.

James is very approachable and has a friendly manner with clients. He is always well prepared, cutting through the complexities of the case with ease.

James is wonderful. No problem is too great or too small for him. He has the ability to explain complex legal scenarios in a clear, concise way, providing solutions for the client.

4
James Pullen
4
Band 4

James Pullen's matrimonial finance practice sees him act in a wide variety of high net worth cases. He is extremely well-versed in complex issues including corporate structures, shares and stock options and property.

His exceptional ability has no doubt been assisted by his banking experience in his pre-law career.

An excellent junior advocate - he excels beyond his year of call.

Joseph Switalski
4
Joseph Switalski
4
Band 4

Joseph Switalski is a matrimonial finance junior who is accumulating a reputation well beyond his year of call for his financial remedy and divorce work. He has experience of handling cases involving complicating issues such as loans, company valuations, and property portfolios. Switalski is fully equipped to represent clients on cases with an international flavour.

Joseph has excellent technical knowledge.

He is a proactive, practical and solution-focused barrister, who delivers time after time in court.

4
Mark Ablett
4
Band 4

Mark Ablett is a very experienced matrimonial finance barrister who is extremely well-versed at dealing with cases involving international elements. He is able to handle everything from modest to high-net-worth asset disputes involving personal property and corporate entities.

Mark consistently demonstrates an extraordinary ability to navigate cases with exceptional legal acumen.

Mark is my go-to choice for matrimonial finance matters, including those with an international element.

Mark is astute and reliable as counsel. His demeanour with clients is exceptional and his preparation and advocacy skills are excellent.

Mark is a calm, collected and excellent barrister. He is knowledgeable and always willing to help.

Mark handles complex matters expertly and gets great results.

4
Nicholas Chapman
4
Band 4

Nicholas Chapman is a considerably experienced practitioner who tackles contested divorce proceedings concerning high net worth individuals. He additionally sits as a deputy district judge on the Western Circuit. Chapman earns praise for his ability to digest complex numerical information.

A solid dependable barrister.

Nick is knowledgeable, approachable, reliable and very supportive.

4
Samara Brackley
4
Band 4

Samara Brackley is experienced at dealing with complex financial remedy proceedings that involve such issues as child maintenance disputes and jurisdictional aspects.

Samara is extremely skilled and someone who delivers pragmatic advice, always with a view to long-term strategy. She builds good relationships with the client and is always courteous.

She always knows a case inside out and is able to give robust advice even in the most delicate of situations.

Samara immediately makes clients know she is on their side. Her client care skills are first rate and she works closely with instructing solicitors.

4
Simon Calhaem
4
Band 4

Simon Calhaem is a finance specialist who handles a broad range of related matters, including complex trust and divorce cases. His practice extends internationally, encompassing offshore trusts and jurisdictional issues. He is noted by sources for his effective advocacy and his encyclopaedic knowledge.

Simon is a no-nonsense, straight forward problem-solver. He cuts through the issues providing clear, concise advice on financial remedies.

He gets straight to the point on paper and in court. A future star at the Bar.

4
Tara Lyons
4
Band 4

Tara Lyons regularly handles cases (some international in nature) involving significant assets, business interests, trusts and pensions.

Tara is a calm, confident and powerful presence in court - judges listen to her and are persuaded by her. Her expertise and precision in handling complex matters inspires confidence.

Tara is able to get to the heart of the case very quickly and is more than happy to go the extra mile to assist. She fights hard for her clients and gets great results.

An accomplished and smooth advocate who is unflappable. She is able to handle senior opponents adeptly.

4
Victoria Francis
4
Band 4

Victoria Francis is a very well-regarded financial specialist with in-depth knowledge of cases with an international aspect. She is regularly instructed to handle financial remedy proceedings involving business assets and family trusts.

She works tirelessly for her clients and has huge energy and commitment to the knottiest of cases - nothing is too much trouble for her. She's a brilliant mix of a technical and pragmatic lawyer.

Victoria's advocacy and client skills are perfect for difficult financial remedy cases.

Victoria is a pleasure to work with. She is diligent, forensic and very hard-working. She knows every page of her brief and shows the right degree of empathy towards the client.

Sassa-Ann Amaouche
New Silks

Sassa-Ann Amaouche KC is in high demand for her expertise in sophisticated divorce proceedings involving significant assets, complex business structures and issues of non-disclosure. She is well regarded for her manner and her tenacious, no-nonsense advocacy style. Sources agree that she is able to handle clients who require a direct approach.

Sassa is personable, empathetic and technically brilliant. She does not shy away from providing robust advice and her ability to manage difficult clients is exceptional.

A truly outstanding barrister, combining exceptional legal expertise with sharp, strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes.

Sassa-Ann Amaouche is driven, focused and committed. A fantastic leader.

Sassa is extremely impressive. She is hugely authoritative, and her advocacy and preparation are second to none.

Ranked Barristers at
29 Bedford Row Chambers

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Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Family: Children

Paul Storey KC
Star Individuals
Family: Matrimonial Finance

S
Timothy Scott KC
S
Senior Statespeople
1
Alexis Campbell KC
1
Band 1
1
Brent Molyneux KC
1
Band 1
1
Jonathan Southgate KC
1
Band 1
Nicholas Allen KC
1
Nicholas Allen KC
1
Band 1
1
Patrick Chamberlayne KC
1
Band 1
2
Christopher Wagstaffe KC
2
Band 2
3
Philip Cayford KC
3
Band 3
Sassa-Ann Amaouche KC
New Silks

Juniors

London (Bar)

Family: Children

1
Lee Arnot
1
Band 1
3
Christopher Butterfield
3
Band 3
3
Dafydd Griffiths
3
Band 3
3
Roshi Amiraftabi
3
Band 3
4
Indira Ramsahoye
4
Band 4
Family: Matrimonial Finance

1
Laura Heaton
1
Band 1
Max Lewis
1
Max Lewis
1
Band 1
2
Ben Fearnley
2
Band 2
2
Helen Williams
2
Band 2
Nicholas Bennett
2
Nicholas Bennett
2
Band 2
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