Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Family: Children - North Eastern (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Dere Street Barristers has a sizeable team of barristers, often called on to act for local authorities and guardians, as well as parents, across the full range of children work. Members handle all manner of difficult cases, from those concerning serious injury and death to private law disputes over child arrangements and contact. The set is also noted for its experience in Court of Protection cases and is particularly well regarded for the barristers' ability to act for vulnerable clients. One source says that Dere Street Barristers "have a wealth of practitioners who confidently grapple with the most complex of cases."
Neil Gibson is the senior family clerk.
Strengths
The clerks at Dere Street are responsive, efficient and courteous.
Sam Tattersall, family clerk, is an excellent clerk and will bend over backwards to help you.
The clerks are always available and understanding of the needs of our practice.
The clerks respond quickly to enquiries and are willing to accommodate my and my client's needs where possible.
Notable practitioners
Crispin Oliver is an applauded senior junior well versed in financial remedies and financial order applications. He acts as an arbitrator as well as an advocate both in financial and children-related matters.
Crispin is willing to assist between court hearings which is vital in cases which involve complex financial issues. His advocacy is excellent.
Crispin has a great rapport with the client. He is a strong advocate in court proceedings and in private settlement conferences, and always provides good and pragmatic advice.
David Rowlands specialises in private and public law child cases. He often acts for local authorities and families in connection with grave charges, such as factitious illness and physical or sexual abuse as well as cross-border welfare proceedings.
David is highly attuned to client needs and consistently delivers tailored, strategic advice. A persuasive and composed advocate.
Elizabeth Callaghan is a committed family law advocate whose practice covers both public and private law, with a focus on cases involving sexual abuse and alleged non-accidental injury. She acts for parents, children and local authorities – although she has particular experience with vulnerable clients.
Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and good at her job.
Pauline Moulder is an experienced senior junior who is exceptionally well versed in childcare law. She has experience of acting in serious sexual abuse cases that lie at the intersection of children and criminal law.
Pauline is exceptionally well-organised and proactive in case management. She is compassionate and reassuring in client interactions, yet uncompromising and formidable when advancing their interests.
Timothy Donnelly often acts for local authorities and parents in care proceedings involving complex medical evidence, such as allegations of sexual abuse and induced illness. He has particular experience in cross-examining children and other vulnerable witnesses. He also acts on child arrangement and abduction matters.
Tim is always thoroughly prepared for each case and provides excellent advice to clients who respond well to his approach.
A persuasive courtroom presence - sharp, composed and highly effective under pressure.