Family: Children

St John's Buildings maintains a prominent presence on the Northern Circuit, covering the whole spectrum of children and matrimonial finance matters. The set represents high net worth individuals in high-value financial remedy cases, as well as children, parents and local authorities in complex children matters. The barristers advise on novel cases that challenge existing legislation and are highly experienced in cross-jurisdictional mandates. A source comments: "The chambers in the North West for complex cases. It has very experienced and academic barristers that can comfortably work on cases involving a magnitude of additional factors."

"The clerks are superb and offer an exceptional level of service."

"The clerks at St John's Buildings are fantastic. They are personable and go above and beyond at all times."

"The clerks at St John's Buildings are incredibly helpful, friendly and capable. They're a very commercial group who are a real asset to the barristers they clerk."

"Paul Laverty, senior clerk, is a consummate professional and a joy to work with."

"Ryan Barker, assistant senior clerk, will always go the extra mile."

Karl Rowley KC is a highly regarded silk with an impressive track record in children matters involving shaken babies and allegations of sexual abuse and failure to thrive. He regularly acts for parents, grandparents and local authorities. Rowley is renowned for his top-quality advocacy. "The best children silk bar none." "He's a very impressive performer. Karl knows his stuff, cares immensely and is very good on his feet. He can make anything sound good." "Karl is the number one silk on circuit and one of the best silks in the country. His command of the law is legendary."

Sally Harrison KC is hugely respected for her skill at taking on high-profile and high-value matrimonial finance matters. Harrison has cultivated a great reputation representing high net worth individuals in High Court cases and in relation to prenuptial agreements. She uses her wealth of experience in the area to assist in complex cases involving allegations of physical harm and non-disclosure, among others. "Sally is not just one of the best family law KCs in the North, but in the whole country. She is a phenomenal advocate and always beautifully prepared." "She truly is the queen of matrimonial finance in the North West. Sally is consistently brilliant with clients, formidable on her feet, and exceptionally intelligent." "Sally is the best financial remedy barrister in the north and one of the best in the country. She's so perceptive, so good with clients and her advocacy is spellbinding." "She is without compare. Calling her the leader in her field barely does her justice."

Charles Eastwood is a financial remedy specialist well known for his attention to detail and his firm approach on clients' behalf. He represents high net worth clients in private financial dispute resolution proceedings, often concerning shared trust and company assets, as well as inherited wealth. He acts for parties on both sides of the docket in Children Act claims. "Charles Eastwood is a top performer. He always delivers the best possible results and he's super-friendly and accessible." "He is a great advocate and negotiator and clients love his user-friendly, pragmatic approach." "He leaves no stone unturned."

Frances Heaton KC is a leading silk in family law who is regularly instructed in the most challenging public law children matters. Her practice includes cases involving sexual and physical abuse allegations, as well as cross-jurisdictional relocation. She is adept at reviewing medical evidence. "Frances is an excellent advocate. She's a strong, calm and forthright cross- examiner without verging on becoming disrespectful." "Frances is a legend. She's a superb all-round top barrister."

Lorraine Cavanagh KC has a notable public children law practice and is accustomed to handling complicated and law-changing cases that include allegations of sexual abuse and female genital mutilation. She also advises on wardship for children with major psychological issues. She has notable expertise pertaining to adoption. "Lorraine is absolutely excellent. She will fight tooth and nail and her preparation is extremely thorough." "She is a clever and very effective communicator."

Neil Montaldo is particularly recognised for his handling of high-value financial matters. He is noted for his specialism in Schedule 1 applications, as well as complex matrimonial finance matters involving trusts and other shared assets. "He's user-friendly and client-friendly and judges love him." "His advocacy is phenomenal. You can watch him talking a judge through the issues and his bedside manner is also phenomenal." "All clients love him and all the judges in Manchester love him. They listen when he's speaking."

Samantha Hillas KC is well regarded for her expertise in handling notable matrimonial finance cases, often of considerable value. She routinely handles cases involving trusts, commercial entities and bankruptcy matters. Additionally, her expertise extends to Schedule 1 cases. "She is a fantastic advocate and negotiator. She gets to the nub of the problem quickly and is excellent at putting clients at ease." "There isn't anybody more accessible than her. She will always make time to give you an answer on something and judges absolutely love her." "Clients receive a Rolls Royce service. Sam can take highly technical issues and help anybody understand them. She is robust and pragmatic, and great on her feet."

Archna Dawar specialises in matrimonial finance work and has a solid reputation for advising on cross-cultural issues. She often takes on disputes where trusts, properties and land and pension assets are at stake. "Archna is great with clients and in court. She is personable with clients, but delivers what's needed to further the case." "Archna is a very practical barrister who gives clear advice to clients. She makes clients feel at ease and she is a strong advocate."

Clare Grundy is an experienced family law expert who represents children, guardians, parents and local authorities in a range of sensitive cases. She regularly deals with allegations of serious injury or sexual abuse. Grundy is known for her ability to advocate on behalf of vulnerable clients. "She's really experienced, capable and a really strong advocate." "Clare is wonderfully empathetic to vulnerable clients."

Elisabeth Cooper is a well-regarded matrimonial finance barrister who focuses her practice on financial remedy disputes and private children matters. She possesses a wealth of experience in same-sex divorce proceedings, including issues in relation to the Equality Act and fairness within the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. "She is able to go up against very senior counsel and win. Elisabeth has a great eye for detail and provides very good client care." "She's very good and reliable."

Frances de Navarro is a prolific family law junior who specialises in financial remedy proceedings, particularly those involving high net worth individuals. Her cases cover a range of complex matters, including company valuations and freezing orders, and often have cross-border aspects. "Frances has a keen eye for detail which makes her perfect for complicated cases involving difficult assets. She is always extremely well prepared and will know cases very well." "She's always really well prepared. Diligent but with a calm manner. Frances gets the results that clients want." "Her written advocacy is powerful and often sways the case and judge before she makes any submissions. She goes above and beyond for clients."

Shaun Spencer KC has a notable reputation for children work, regularly representing parents, children and local authorities in matters concerning child deaths, deprivation of liberty, and sexual abuse. He is also experienced in handling cross-jurisdictional cases. "Shaun Spencer has a very good legal brain and has a high standard of legal arguments. His oral admissions in court are very persuasive, forensic and detailed." "Shaun Spencer is an outstanding advocate. He's very knowledgeable with outstanding advocacy skills at the highest level." "A solid, safe pair of hands and very hard-working."

Simon Charles is experienced in handling a range of matrimonial finance matters, particularly financial remedy applications involving corporate assets. He is also adept in cases involving Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. "Simon has the ability to speak and make everyone listen. He is incredibly intelligent while always remaining commercially aware." "Simon Charles is incredibly good on financial remedy work. He's forensic with the detail and phenomenally bright."

Eleanor Keehan has considerable experience and is recognised for her expertise as an advocate in family law. She regularly deals with care proceedings, deprivation of liberty matters, and abuse cases. "Her advocacy is very good. She's very clear and very passionate. I think she'll be a KC before long." "She's extremely thorough and a very good presenter. Her skeleton arguments are always very well drafted and she's well respected."

Hannah Wood acts in a wide range of challenging financial remedy cases and disputes arising from separations. She regularly acts for high net worth individuals. "Hannah is able to handle the most complex financial remedy cases and is great with clients." "She quickly builds up an excellent rapport with clients and then they see her on her feet and are amazed by how good she is." "Her written advocacy is really good and her skeleton augments are always very powerful."