Family: Children
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 5
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7993 7600Chambers Review
Garden Court Chambers is home to a stable of highly able barristers who assist their clients with both children and matrimonial finance matters. Members prove particularly strong on public children law cases, often appearing in care proceedings involving accusations of abuse, domestic violence, child death, non-accidental injury, FGM and factitious illness. They also represent clients in private law children and financial remedy matters, including cases relating to TOLATA, Schedule 1 and parental alienation, some of which are international in nature. One solicitor comments: "They're an amazing set of barristers with a diversity of knowledge to deal with child law cases." Another says: "They have an impressive ability to handle complicated legal issues with determination, pro activity and attention to detail."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks will go above and beyond to try and assist and will often be able to assist with providing information about the specific expertise of their members."
"The clerks are always very responsive and provide an excellent service."
"The clerks at Garden Court Chambers are very personable and effectively do their job."
"They are always helpful and willing to hep find an alternate counsel if difficulties arise."
"The clerks will go above and beyond to try and assist and will often be able to assist with providing information about the specific expertise of their members."
"The clerks are always very responsive and provide an excellent service."
"The clerks at Garden Court Chambers are very personable and effectively do their job."
"They are always helpful and willing to hep find an alternate counsel if difficulties arise."
Notable Practitioners
Malek Wan Daud is a public law practitioner handling complex care work on behalf of all parties, with a particular interest in representing minority individuals and vulnerable clients. He is known for his participation in serious cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, drug use, domestic violence and neglect. He has expertise in contact and residency disputes both domestic and international in nature.
"A well-known advocate in the field of public children law, Malek is well liked and equally well respected. He has good attention to detail and a lovely advocacy manner."
"An absolute diamond, who infuses his presentations with so much charisma. He knows his stuff and is not someone to be taken lightly."
"His advocacy is always spot-on - he has a very fine way of getting his points across."
Maggie Jones is known for her representation of parents in complex public care proceedings as well as her skill in acting for vulnerable parties, including children. She engages in cases relating to post-adoption contact and immigration, and has further expertise in cases involving an international angle.
"Maggie Jones is the person you call when you have an extremely complex and messy case. She is able to pick the matter up quickly and work effectively, getting the client the best outcome possible."
"Whenever I have a difficult case or an appeal where we are required to think outside the box, she is the barrister I will always turn to."
"She will go the extra mile to understand the client and their objectives."
Stephen Lue's practice encompasses both public and private law work. He regularly handles cases of a highly sensitive nature, including those involving serious allegations of non-accidental injuries, and sexual abuse. He frequently acts on behalf of parents, guardians and interveners against local authorities in care proceedings. Lue is capable of handling cases with international elements attached to them.
"Stephen is an excellent advocate, who is well liked and respected. Clients are reassured by his understanding of their position and his effective presentation of their case."
"A sound and passionate advocate, who goes the extra mile to provide a comprehensive service to clients."
"Stephen is an excellent advocate, who is always well prepared. The presentation of his cases and his advocacy skills are exemplary."
Amanda Meusz is an incredibly well-respected barrister who specialises in children law work. Meusz has vast knowledge of matters including non-accidental injury, abuse and fabricated illness, among many others. She has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court.
"Amanda Meusz is an exceptional advocate, who is especially good at representing extremely vulnerable clients."
"A highly skilful and knowledgeable advocate with vast experience of dealing with complex cases."
"Her tireless dedication to the client’s cause was inspirational."
James Holmes is a well-respected family law junior with a particular focus on public children law matters. He has acted in matters covering the full range of children law including non-accidental injury and fabricated illness, as well as cases involving FGM. James represents parents, children and local authorities.
"James is extremely knowledgeable. He provides really excellent advice and has a nice way with vulnerable clients."
"Loved by clients and solicitors alike."
"He has a lovely manner with clients and other counsel, and is the sort of person who you could imagine will be brilliant as a judge."
Katharine Marks has impressive experience of handling complex care proceedings as part of her family law practice. Marks frequently acts for parents, children and local authorities in fact-finding hearings related to allegations of abuse and non-accidental injuries.
"Katherine will go above and beyond for you without hesitation. You know that the case will be well steered in the courtroom when Katherine is instructed."
"Katharine is very attentive to the client's needs and delivers her advice and advocacy with great skill and expertise."
"Katherine is very good at managing clients and their expectations and is a robust and effective advocate."