Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Community Care - London (Bar)

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

The barristers at Garden Court Chambers are experienced in a wide range of community care matters, drawing on the set's recognised strengths in complementary areas such as public law, human rights, immigration and social housing. Members are highly adept at handling cases involving the closure of care homes and hospitals, needs assessments and the funding of community services. Disputes between social services authorities are also a key area of focus for the set. The barristers often appear before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, as well as the ECtHR. Acting for claimants in judicial reviews has been a particularly fruitful area of work for Garden Court this year. A recent example is CR v Director of Legal Aid, a claim brought on behalf of the mother of a child engaged in an appeal against the contents of her Education, Health and Care Plan.

Colin Cook is the director of clerking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

2
Bethan Harris
2
Band 2

Bethan Harris is well placed to handle a range of community care matters. She is particularly strong in cases that concern the housing needs of people with disabilities. Along with others at her set, she produces the Community Care Law Reports and delivers training and conferences related to the area.

Bethan is wonderfully knowledgeable, highly skilled, committed, generous and kind.

Bethan is an extraordinarily thoughtful and knowledgeable barrister. She is generous with her time and has a very positive approach to cases.

3
Amanda Weston
3
Band 3

Amanda Weston KC has a broad community care practice where she represents both vulnerable children and adults. She frequently handles cases related to asylum support and welfare benefits.

3
Connor Johnston
3
Band 3

Connor Johnston is recognised for his expertise in the intersection of housing and community care, particularly when acting on behalf of asylum seekers. He is also regularly sought out by charity organisations in strategic challenges to government policy. He returns to practice in early 2025 having been on sabbatical with the Law Commission.

3
Gráinne Mellon
3
Band 3

Gráinne Mellon focuses her community care practice on matters concerning care and accommodation for children and young people. She is also well experienced handling cases related to age assessments and asylum support.

Gráinne is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful practitioner.

Gráinne is brilliant. She has excellent advocacy and was very good to work with.

3
Timothy Baldwin
3
Band 3

Timothy Baldwin has a busy practice in challenges to the provision of care for those with a variety of needs. He frequently represents claimants in cases concerning asylum support accommodation, mental health or SEN support, and other matters.

Timothy is very respected and knowledgeable in this area.

Tim is very helpful, knowledgeable and quietly forceful in his advocacy.

U
Ollie Persey
U
Up and Coming

Ollie Persey is a well-regarded up-and-coming barrister with a wide-ranging community care practice. His has grown his expertise through high stakes and sensitive cases involving asylum support issues, health matters, safeguarding and welfare benefits, among many more matters.

Ollie has been an excellent barrister to work with.

Ollie is such a positive barrister and is willing to take on urgent cases; he is incredibly collaborative and client-focused.

Ranked Barristers at
Garden Court Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Community Care

3
Amanda Weston KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

London (Bar)

Community Care

2
Bethan Harris
2
Band 2
3
Connor Johnston
3
Band 3
3
Gráinne Mellon
3
Band 3
3
Timothy Baldwin
3
Band 3
U
Ollie Persey
U
Up and Coming