Department profile
St John's Buildings

Family: Children

UK Bar Guide 2026 : North Eastern (Bar)

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St John's Buildings

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family: Children - North Eastern (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

St John's Buildings houses several notable barristers, demonstrating prominence both in private and public law proceedings related to children. Its members frequently act for local authorities as well as individuals in connection with abuse claims and injury-related mandates, as well as having experience in parental alienation allegations and cases involving complex medical evidence. Commentators note that St John's Buildings has ''a large team of experienced Counsel and can be relied upon to deliver a high level of service and skill."

Tim Booth is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerking team is excellent and very helpful.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks always responded the same day; they were always understanding, accommodating and informative.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks make my life easy. They are efficient, available and willing to help.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are always on hand to help.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Penelope Stanistreet
    Penelope Stanistreet

    Penelope Stanistreet

    Penelope Stanistreet specialises in child law and typically acts for children's guardians and local authorities. She regularly advises on challenging cases involving highly complex medical evidence, often drawing on her background in criminal as well as family law. She is also noted for her expertise in serious brain injury and sexual assault.

    • An excellent barrister and very personable.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Kate Spence
    Kate Spence

    Kate Spence

    Kate Spence is a children law expert. She regularly acts for local authorities, as well as parents, in cases involving severe bodily harm, complex placement applications and sexual abuse allegations.

    • A strong junior who is very dedicated and hard working.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Kate Spence is a very good advocate.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Natalia Levine
    Natalia Levine

    Natalia Levine

    Natalia Levine is a strong advocate with a focus on complex childcare cases. She frequently handles cases involving violence and abuse allegations, usually accompanied by extensive medical evidence.

    • Natalia is a fierce advocate. She tackles issues head on and provides robust advice to clients.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Natalia instantly made me feel at ease, listened to and validated.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at St John's Buildings (3)

North Eastern (Bar)

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