Family: Children

Alex Verdan KC is indubitably a force in the field of children law. His caseload sees him handling matters concerning the most severe and complex of children issues. He has expertise in everything from the most serious public law issues to the placement of high-profile people's children.

"Alex Verdan remains a superstar of the family law world. He never puts a foot wrong."

"An outstanding advocate and a great family lawyer, he is rightly regarded as a leader in private family law matters due to his exceptional experience."

"Calm and strategic in his approach, he is a real presence in the courtroom. Clients feel very reassured by him."

Deirdre Fottrell KC is a leading silk who is recognised for her expertise in matters relating to surrogacy and broader fertility issues. She is also praised by sources for her international expertise in child adoption, and has additional experience in relocation and abduction matters. Fottrell further handles domestic child disputes involving cases of abuse and radicalisation.

"Deirdre is an exceptional talent, who is one of a kind. There are many strong children law barristers out there but, for many, she stands out as the best."

"Fearsome and ferocious but also someone who shows a great deal of empathy to the client. Her written advocacy is sublime and her drafting is just phenomenal."

"The shining star of the Family Bar. She's absolutely formidable."

Henry Setright KC is an extraordinarily experienced children law specialist who is widely regarded as the ultimate expert on international children matters, particularly abduction. He is routinely seen in the Supreme Court, leading the most significant, law-changing cases. He is also well versed in matters concerning the overlap with immigration, human rights and Court of Protection issues.

"The king of international work. My first choice and an absolute master of strategy."

"He is an absolute super brain. There is nothing he doesn't know about international law."

"Henry is truly an exceptional international barrister. He holds a wealth of knowledge on international family law, which makes him the go-to silk for these types of cases."

Jo Delahunty KC is a highly sought-after specialist children silk entrusted with the most significant and demanding national cases. She regularly handles matters concerning the most serious injuries and fatalities resulting from sexual assault, radicalisation and abuse. She is particularly experienced in cases involving non-accidental injury to children.

"Words cannot describe the quality of Jo's analytical and meticulous legal mind. She is particularly good at complex non accidental injury cases."

"A lawyer with a down-to-earth attitude, whose way with vulnerable clients is amazing. In the courtroom, she has the judge eating from her hands."

"Professor Delahunty's analytical ability is only matched by her exceptional advocacy skills. She is dedicated to her clients and a pleasure to work with."

Alison Grief KC is a children law specialist who offers her services for the most complex cases. She demonstrates noted expertise in those matters requiring expert medical evidence, and has a particular specialism in cases regarding head injuries. She has a strong private and public law practice and represents clients in alleged fabricated illness cases among other serious issues affecting children.

"Alison Grief is the queen of medical cases. Her grasp of medical data and science is unsurpassed."

"Her drive to secure the best outcome in every situation and her endless energy means she is a force to be reckoned with. She has become my go-to for complex cases."

"She is clever and strategic and persuasive. She makes mincemeat out of opponents."

Catherine Wood KC is recognised for her expertise in private children law and has an impressive record when it comes to matters concerning abduction, parental alienation and sexual abuse. She often handles matters with an international element and complex issues attached. Sources praise her calm, sensitive approach to cases and clients.

"Catherine Wood stands out among her fellow KCs for her humanity, wisdom, knowledge and good judgement. She is the go-to person for anything 'leave to remove'."

"Clients love her, she is very supportive of them. In the courtroom she is highly persuasive and can win judges over even when the client's position is not the easiest to argue."

"Catherine is at the top of her game, and her expertise is very high. She is an excellent advocate, using a few words to very good effect."

Jacqueline Renton focuses her specialised children practice on sophisticated international issues centring on jurisdiction, relocation and abduction. She is regarded as an expert in this area by sources, and has appeared before the CJEU on behalf of her clients.

"Jacqueline is a leading barrister in the field of international cross-border children matters and has a wealth of experience in this area."

"She gives every client, whether an international celebrity or asylum seeker client on legal aid, the same attention and diligence."

"Extremely well-prepared and robust in court, she is strong in terms of both her written and oral advocacy. A future KC for sure."

Rebecca Foulkes manages a diverse children practice which spans both public and private law proceedings, and has additional experience of handling arbitration proceedings. Her particular expertise includes serious public law issues centring on complex non-accidental injuries.

"An extraordinarily gifted tactician. One of the best."

"Great analytical skills, great client care skills and a great eye for detail."

"Rebecca is superb. She is great with clients. She instils confidence and is calm, reassuring and empathetic. She is extremely hard-working and well prepared and unbelievably efficient."

Teertha Gupta KC focuses his well-respected practice on public and private international children disputes. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom. Sources see him as one of the foremost abduction silks.

"He's one of the foremost practitioners in the field of international abduction cases and has a level of expertise that few people can rival."

"His ability to swiftly articulate a legal argument and strategy in a case is impressive."

"He's very popular with clients. He inspires confidence."

Andrew Powell is a children law barrister with a domestic and international practice. He is proficient in child abduction cases and has particular expertise in surrogacy issues. Powell has further notable expertise in fertility and legal parenthood cases.

"Andrew is exceptional and the go-to barrister for international surrogacy or any complex fertility matters. He exudes charm and competence, and is adored by judges and clients."

"He has incredible international experience and is truly brilliant at getting to grips with complex cross border cases. His empathetic nature means he goes over and above for his clients."

"The barrister I would want if I were facing my darkest hour in respect of my own children. He's never less than beautifully prepared."

Barbara Mills KC is joint head of chambers and a highly regarded family barrister with recognised expertise in private children proceedings, who often assists clients with cross-border cases in the High Court. She also has equal strength in domestic child disputes involving welfare issues. Mills demonstrates further expertise in mediation and is a private judge.

"A measured, calm voice of reason in the most stormy of cases. She shows exemplary patience and calmness when trying to unlock really knotty problems."

"A great all-rounder, who takes time to dig deep into the psychology of a case and examine the driving factors."

"Barbara Mills is outstanding and has the most amazing manner with clients."

Chris Barnes is a well-respected junior who is well versed in both public and private law work. He has experience in cases involving radicalisation and also has particular expertise in adoption cases.

"Chris is a brilliant advocate, who goes over and above for his clients. His calm, confident and robust approach means his client's case is put in the best possible way."

"Instructing him is like instructing a silk as he's really clever and really tactically astute. He's quietly formidable - when I see other barristers around him, they pale in comparison."

"Chris is calm, intelligent and articulate. His advocacy is excellent and he is wonderfully adept at explaining complex concepts to vulnerable clients. A real go-to barrister for children work."

Christopher Hames KC has a notable international children practice and deep expertise in matters concerning the application of the Hague Convention. His financial practice sees him representing high net worth individuals in divorce proceedings. He wins plaudits for his willingness to get fully involved with a case.

"He is well prepared and has amazing knowledge of international cases."

"He always speaks with authority. He's able to adapt his advocacy skills to read the bench, ensure he keeps the ear of the court and ensure his submissions are always effective."

"He's been brilliant with the client, he's excellent in court and judges love him."

Cyrus Larizadeh KC is a specialist children law barrister well versed in non-accidental injury matters and sexual abuse allegations. He represents parents and local authorities in international and domestic cases including those concerning factitious illness disputes and placement orders.

"He is extremely personable and helpful and is always willing to go the extra mile."

"His humanity shines through in the work he does."

"He genuinely has a desire to do a good job for the clients."

John Tughan KC has expertise in both public and private children proceedings. He possesses great experience of handling complex cases concerning abuse at the most serious end of the spectrum. Tughan is particularly effective in matters concerning allegations of fabricated illness, risk assessment and medical issues.

"He is all over the issues. He knows what you're going to ask and is able to cut through the issues. His cross-examination is succinct and does the job effectively."

"He prepares meticulously and is a joy to work with."

"He has an ability to dissect the facts that's combined with brilliant advocacy as well as being down to earth."

Justine Johnston is renowned for her strong courtroom performances in complex private children matters. She also handles issues flowing from relationship breakdown. Johnston has particular experience in international leave to remove cases, and is commended for her no-nonsense and direct approach.

"Justine is absolutely fearless. She fights incredibly hard for her clients, is a highly skilled advocate, and I have seen her change a judge's mind with the force of her arguments."

"A powerhouse who can quickly and effectively get her point across."

"An extraordinarily gifted advocate."

Michael Gration KC has a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the cross-border movement of children. He is experienced in Hague Convention matters, including international abductions and the summary return of children. He is also proficient in jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.

"A brilliant advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of international children law."

"He is incredibly intelligent as a barrister. I cannot commend his brain enough. He thinks of really interesting and original legal points that most people might not."

"A delight to deal with on challenging children act matters. His written and oral advocacy is exceptional."

Sally Bradley specialises in complex public law children issues involving serious abuse and injury. She acts on behalf of parents, children and local authorities and has particular experience in matters with concurrent criminal proceedings, having previously practised criminal law herself.

"Sally brings something different to the Bar. She is calm and considered. Her knowledge of the law is excellent, but she also uses other skills to make clients feel comfortable and listened to."

Samantha King KC is a renowned family barrister in high demand due to her deep knowledge of public and private law cases, both at home and abroad. She exhibits strength in the most serious public law cases, including those concerning issues of alleged radicalisation and sexual abuse, and also has experience in private law issues relating to non-traditional families and surrogacy.

"She is all over the brief, all over the detail, incredibly articulate and has achieved some incredible results on her client's behalf."

"Samantha is always a joy to work with, providing sound and pertinent advice. Her ability to take on complex and often difficult cases makes life as a solicitor so much easier."

"She's really effective in court. Her advocacy is excellent. She makes the point without being forceful."

Brian Jubb brings extensive experience to bear in complex children proceedings, including factitious and induced illness and sexual abuse matters. He has a specialism in public law cases representing vulnerable adults, and is also experienced in Hague Convention cases. Jubb brings his criminal law experience to bear for the benefit of his clients.

"Brian is an excellent advocate. He works tirelessly for his, often vulnerable, clients leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of fairness."

"He has an amazing rapport with clients. He has an ability to put them at ease with the most complex of issues."

"He was exemplary in his preparation and conduct yet was straightforward and sympathetic in his approach to the client."

Charles Hale KC is joint head of chambers and a renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals including those with alternative family arrangements. His practice includes international child abduction and jurisdiction disputes.

"Charming in conference and compelling in court, he just never has a bad day."

"It is incredibly rare to find an all round exceptional advocate able to master both financial and children issues. In Charles you have that - he has so much to offer all clients."

"A man with a very persuasive style of oral advocacy, he is a remarkable storyteller, who brings you along with him. So smooth and relaxed, he often carries the day."

Chris Stevenson Specialist children practitioner whose practice has a particular emphasis on complex public law proceedings. Chris Stevenson is regularly instructed to act for parents and children in cases where there are allegations of significant harm.

"He has a wisdom beyond his call. He's very good at seeing what the core issues at the heart of a case are."

"It is a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre. He is very mature for his years of experience, is really determined and comes across in a very reasonable manner which judges love."

Cleo Perry KC's broad children practice spans both public and private law cases domestically and abroad. She has experience of representing both parents and children in disputes, including those concerning non-accidental injury, and also has a growing practice in radicalisation cases.

"A strong advocate with detailed knowledge who is also approachable."

"I find her oral and written advocacy to the point and compelling."

"Cleo has great client care and client management. She's super to work alongside and brilliant in court."

Dorothea Gartland KC is a private and public law practitioner focusing on complex children issues, domestically and abroad. She is active in matters involving the international movement of children, and has particular experience in surrogacy and jurisdictional dispute work.

"Dorothea is committed, excellent and very generous with her time and knowledge. She's outstanding."

"No nonsense, always thoroughly prepared and someone who gets to the heart of the issue without fuss. She drives a case forward with focus and her advocacy is understated but devastating."

"She manages clients' expectations in very difficult circumstances and is also listened to by judges."

Harry Gates is a junior with an established practice in financial remedy cases, including those with an international element. He has particular experience of dealing with complex asset structures and hidden assets, including offshore trusts and companies.

"Calm and meticulous, Harry is an extremely sensible lawyer, who is a persuasive, gifted advocate."

"He's got a very self-assured way about him that just makes the client feel at ease - he absolutely knows what he's talking about."

"A real thinker with a lovely empathetic manner, who doesn't stop considering the case."

Harry Nosworthy is a junior barrister who has a growing practice in matrimonial finance. He has particular experience in matters concerning financial remedy proceedings, and additional niche expertise in cohabitee claims and TOLATA.

"Clients immediately feel very comfortable and confident in this calm, effective and thorough advocate. He looks at all angles and thinks outside the box in order to identify solutions."

"A persuasive advocate, who is very personable, has a fantastic manner with clients, and is always very well prepared."

"Harry is a star in the making. He's reliable, focused and clever."

Joy Brereton KC is a highly experienced barrister who is recognised for her work in complex children cases. She exhibits strength in international matters, and has additional expertise in disputes concerning issues of criminal offences and abuse. Her expertise spans both private and public cases.

"Joy is a fearless and excellent advocate who is able to read the court extraordinarily well."

"She is direct and directs her advocacy like a bullseye and it reaches its target every time. She is a standout in this generation. I feel so privileged to know her."

"Joy is outstanding at cross-examination at trial. If something is not going the client's way, she is bold and will do what it takes to turn things around during a final hearing."

Judith Murray KC is a balanced practitioner who divides her practice between representing her clients in complex financial remedy and private children proceedings. She has experience across a range of Children Act issues including those concerning leave to remove matters and Schedule 1 proceedings. Murray also routinely handles acrimonious proceedings concerning alleged sexual abuse.

"Judith Murray is completely amazing. She's done some horrible children's cases where she is just the safest pair of hands. She's doing the most complicated and ferocious fought work."

"She's just so well prepared and very diligent. She does both money and children. A very, very safe pair of hands and a great advocate. I'm a huge fan."

"An excellent advocate. Undeterred in court with excellent client care handling."

Julia Townend is a children law and matrimonial finance practitioner who acts for a broad array of parents, ranging from high-profile celebrities to mentally vulnerable individuals. Her experience includes the handling of termination of parental responsibility and habitation disputes. She frequently appears before the High Court and the Central Family Court.

"Outstanding on her feet and consistently achieves fantastic results. She has impeccable judgement and displays great forensic skill."

"Brilliant with clients and super on her feet, she effectively charms judges."

"Julia is a star in the making - she's confident, considered, focused and clever."

Justin Ageros is an experienced junior who acts across both public and private law children proceedings. He has a particular specialism in public law matters, including adoption, and acts on behalf of local authorities as well as parents and guardians.

"A calm, thorough and excellent advocate, who works collaboratively with the instructing solicitor. He always ensures clients are fully informed and feel empowered to make decisions."

"He has a way with the court that is very persuasive. Excellent in cross-examination, he's a true advocate who holds the attention of the court."

Kate Branigan KC is an impressive silk who is frequently instructed in highly complex children law cases. She has extensive experience in matters involving care proceedings, adoption cases, non-accidental injuries and abuse cases, among many others. She has the skills to represent vulnerable people in extremely sensitive matters.

"Extremely well prepared and thorough, and she deals with the most difficult and complex cases. Formidable with her cross-examination! Very approachable and communicates well with the clients."

Mai-Ling Savage is experienced in complex care proceedings involving non-accidental injury, physical and emotional abuse allegations. She is noted for her expertise in both financial remedy disputes and private children matters. She has appeared on behalf of clients before the Court of Appeal.

"She's very creative in how she finds solutions."

Mark Jarman KC is a cross-jurisdictional specialist who represents notable individuals in private children disputes. Jarman mainly acts in cases concerning international and internal relocation, abduction and enforcement orders. He has experience of dealing with Hague and non-Hague jurisdictions.

"Mark's style of advocacy has the ear of Judges and his in-depth knowledge of the most complex aspects of international law shines through."

"He attacks the most complex of cases with ease."

"An unflappable and considered advocate who gives sound and strategic advice."

Michael Edwards is a children law junior with an international practice, who has handled a number of highly complex abduction cases in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. His practice spans a broad range of private and public law proceedings involving international issues.

"Michael is a fantastic individual to work with. He holds his own against more senior opponents and works methodically to pave the best way forward for his clients."

"An absolutely fantastic advocate who works well with clients and solicitors. He's incredibly knowledgeable and approachable."

"He is extremely calm, he is decisive, he's very good with the clients and diplomatic but will stand their ground. A very safe pair of hands for the most tricky children cases."

Piers Pressdee KC is an expert private law children practitioner instructed by London's top firms for complex domestic and international disputes. He demonstrates strength in child arrangements and relocation cases and is experienced in abuse and parental alienation cases.

"Piers Pressdee is totally excellent as he's very, very clever and really cares about the client. He deep-dives into a case and is very good at persuading judges."

"Piers is fantastic. He is excellent in terms of strategy and judgement, and is great with clients."

Rhiannon Lloyd is a matrimonial finance barrister who has expertise in TOLATA cases and non-disclosure-related mandates. She also represents clients in financial remedy claims involving corporate and property issues. Lloyd has additional experience in enforcement order disputes.

"She is a very persuasive advocate, whose case preparation is exceptional. She delivers a Rolls-Royce service to each and every client."

"She is client and solicitor attentive and goes above and beyond expectation in each and every case. Rhiannon is a calming presence and a voice of reason when it is most needed."

"Rhiannon has a brilliantly reassuring manner with clients, going above and beyond to robustly fight their corner in court. She is someone you want on your side."

Ruth Kirby KC Experienced family and Court of Protection practitioner who has expertise in sensitive matters. She is praised for the strength of her advocacy and for the tenacity she shows on behalf of her clients in court. Her expertise includes the representation of very high-profile families, and she is proficient in cases concerning international issues.

"Clients love Ruth because they always feel listened to, and she will fight incredibly hard for them. She is creative at coming up with solutions and strategies for complex cases."

"She is brilliant with client's and an exceptional advocate and strategist."

"She is a pretty phenomenal woman. She is tenacious, hard-working and always welcomes the instructing solicitor's opinion in the case. She has an incredible knowledge for case law."

Amean Elgadhy concentrates his practice on publicly funded children's work, for which he comes highly praised. He acts for parents and children in highly sensitive cases, including those involving allegations of sexual abuse and non-accidental injury.

"An exceptional counsel, whose advocacy is outstanding. He is good with clients and able to read judges in order to achieve the best possible outcome."

"Very keyed in to new cases and finding the right experts for a case. He puts real thought into what he puts forward."

"Excellent in his approach, he's clear and focused."

Charlotte Baker is a family law barrister gaining recognition for her children law practice. She is praised for advising on modern family matters including surrogacy, and is notable for her work on wardship cases. She also concentrates her practice on cross-border abduction and leave to remove disputes.

"Passionate and completely on top of the case law. Her great skill set and superior client service relax all around her."

"Charlotte Baker is such a promising young talent and really takes a sophisticated approach to her work."

"Charlotte Baker exhibits brilliant attention to detail and provides superb client care."

Greg Davies acts for parents, guardians and local authorities in complex children law proceedings. He handles a range of matters including allegations of non- accidental injury and abuse.

"Greg is a very good advocate with an extremely good manner in court, whose client care skills are very good."

"Greg Davies is a skilled, well-respected, calm and considerate barrister, who helps win the trust of both the client and the court."

"He is fantastic with vulnerable clients and always thinks of creative ways to solve problems."

Henry Clayton is a family finance junior who handles a range of matters, including maintenance orders and Schedule 1 cases. He routinely services high net worth clients in financial remedy proceedings and is commended for his grasp of complex issues.

"Henry is the king of detail, who has a phenomenal ability to home in on the pertinent facts in large, complex cases."

"Henry is an excellent advocate with great client-handling skills. He is always thoroughly prepared, and takes a pragmatic and commercial approach."

"His attention to detail is off the scale."

Katherine Van Rol handles a broad spread of family work, including matrimonial finance, Schedule 1 in Children Act, private law children, divorce and injunctive relief. She has particular skill in handling cases involving offshore assets.

"Kate is brilliant at what she does and a pure joy to work with. She quickly picks up and retains the details in a case, and gives firm advice in a sensitive manner in order to drive the case forward."

"She is incredible on the detail and really cares about the people she's working with. She provides exceptional advice tailored to the client's best interests."

"Katherine Van Rol is a warm-natured lawyer who is superb. She's quick on her feet, persuasive and someone who grasps cases quickly."

Katie Wood is a notable junior who is highlighted for her dual practice in matrimonial finance and children law. She is recognised for advising on financial disputes involving properties and complex company structures. She also represents clients in Schedule 1 matters.

"Supportive and available, she makes the clients feel like they have a team around them. Her utterly charming style has the judge and opponents eating out of the palm of her hands."

"Legally and emotionally intelligent and an absolutely brilliant team player. She is very creative and analytical in her approach."

"A very through barrister, Katie works very hard for her clients and her written work is excellent."

Mani Basi is a rising star in the world of children's family law. He handles a range of work including matters involving serious allegations of abuse. He has particular expertise in cases with an international element.

"He has a wealth of experience in international children law and is a pleasure to work with him."

"He's a very committed, high-quality advocate who really does put the work in."

"A campaigner and speaker on important areas of family law, he is a fighter in terms of achieving justice. Ultimately, he's a strong believer in helping people."

Nicholas Fairbank is a respected junior recognised for his strength in handling high-value financial remedy matters. He takes on cases involving trusts, pension schemes and overseas assets with skill. He has additional expertise in TOLATA and Inheritance Act claims.

"Incredibly measured in everything he does and very good on the law. He doesn't take bad points and has got great integrity."

"What he doesn't know isn't worth knowing. He runs circles around the opposition."

"Nicholas is able to drill into financial issues others cannot see."

"Technical, charming and adept."

Paul Hepher is a well-regarded children law barrister with extensive experience in international matters. He has experience with cases involving abduction and domestic abuse, among a myriad of others.

"I refer to Paul as 'the silent assassin'. He's a highly tactical advocate with a genial and approachable manner, who is excellent at cross-examination."

"Paul is a very impressive, persuasive advocate in court. He has an excellent command of the English language, which he uses to good effect to best present his client's case."

"Amazing, bold and eloquent."

Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood is an expert in complex high net worth divorce cases. She routinely handles issues relating to prenuptial agreements, the classification and treatment of marital and non-marital assets, and unmatched contributions within the marriage.

"Rosie is a hugely promising advocate. She delivers at a level well beyond her years. A junior to watch!"

"Rosanne is extremely strong in court. She ensures that the client's case has been put in the best way. Her written work has also been excellent. She is able to make it easy for the judge."

"Very persuauvie advocacy and she easily gets judges on board."

Samantha Woodham is a family practitioner and co-founder of the Divorce Surgery, handling a variety of private law matters relating to both family finance and children. Her specialism lies in high-value matrimonial disputes and Schedule 1 cases. She is frequently sought out to provide pre-emptive insight into developing problems before proceedings are issued.

"Very well prepared and all over the detail. You can really tell she's working hard to get the best possible outcome. Clients like her and trust her and she has a really excellent manner with judges."

"She's clever, thoughtful and always looking ahead."

Simon Rowbotham handles high-net matrimonial finance cases alongside private children work, and has undertaken a number of cases that have appeared in the family law reports. In 2022, he became one of the youngest Recorders ever appointed to the Family Court.

"Simon Rowbotham is an extremely intelligent, pragmatic and skilled advocate, both on his feet and on paper. He is tenacious but also has a great bedside manner with the clients."

"Simon thinks creatively and has a razor sharp legal brain. He is loved by both clients and the judiciary."

Sophie Connors negotiates a practice that takes in all areas of family law, including matrimonial finance matters and private law children work. A number of her cases have an international element to them. She handles a broad spectrum of matters, from TOLATA and Schedule 1 to cross-border relocations.

"She is a phenomenal advocate and can find solutions in the most difficult of circumstances. Clients and lawyers adore and trust her completely."

"She has a sensible pragmatic approach. She's very creative and is a formidable force both in terms of drafting and her advocacy."

"Clients love her and her written documents are flawless."

Stephen Lyon is a respected senior junior who possesses a deep knowledge of matrimonial finance proceedings, and regularly represents clients of significant wealth and international standing. He is additionally a qualified family arbitrator.

"A Gifted advocate. Stephen is extraordinarily quick at grappling with the issues, presenting them and then fighting them."

"A safe pair of hands, knowledgeable and realistic."