Family: Children | UK Bar

An immensely respected set recognised for its immeasurable expertise in private and public children law, as well as its complementary skill in matrimonial finance work. Its venerated silks and juniors regularly appear before the highest courts in the country, handling a broad range of matters including those relating to international child abduction, historical child sex abuse, radicalisation, non-accidental injury and many more. The set's extensive client base consists of individuals from all walks of life, including household names, businessmen and some of society's most vulnerable individuals. When it comes to matrimonial finance, the barristers here handle complex, acrimonious, high-value disputes, often involving multiple jurisdictions, offshore accounts and trusts. In recent times, the set has been heavily involved in cases at the forefront of the law relating to fertility, female genital mutilation and transgender rights. The set has been involved in a huge raft of reported cases in recent times including Tickle & Anor v the BBC & Ors, a high-profile appeal concerning the naming of judges who had previously decided family cases, arising in the context of historic proceedings relating to Sara Sharif, later murdered by her father and step-mother. One source comments: "The calibre of barristers is fantastic, and their supportive approach and availability to us as clients is invaluable."

Michael Reeves is the director of practice and business development.

A recognised specialist set for private and public children's law and matrimonial finance proceedings. Barristers here are sought out by those seeking representation across the full spectrum of children law cases. Their areas of expertise extend to inquiries into historic sexual abuse, care proceedings involving FGM, radicalisation, abuse, child death and severe mental health problems, among others. Members are further experienced in private children's work, and frequently deal with the most complex cases concerning relocation, abduction, leave to remove, allegations of domestic abuse and wardship proceedings. The set is regularly instructed in high-value divorce proceedings, and has an ultra high net worth clientele which includes members of foreign royal families. One source says: "1GC is a very distinguished set." Another adds: "The set has excellent barristers covering a wide range of family law disciplines."

Paul Harris is the senior clerk.

1 King's Bench Walk is a popular choice for high-profile children and matrimonial finance matters. Individuals here have practices that encompass both domestic and cross-border disputes, and expertise in the handling of child abduction, adoption and surrogacy cases. The barristers are sought after by high net worth, often international, clients as well as a host of professionals to handle complex proceedings. The set's money practice, in particular, receives unanimous praise, with practitioners taking on the full gamut of high-value financial disputes before the highest courts in the country. Specific prowess exists in cases involving prenuptial disputes, Schedule 1, offshore trusts, TOLATA, and many other issues. One solicitor comments: "The barristers at 1KBW are not only top notch advocates, but are also down to earth and have a knack for making clients feel safe." Another interviewee adds: "1KBW has strong barristers that specialise in both children and finance law, a quality that really sets them apart. Clients often want counsel who can do both and do both well."

Mark Betts is the senior clerk.

A renowned set that handles a wide range of public and private family proceedings. Members appear in both matrimonial finance and children cases for clients who include high net worth individuals, celebrities, politicians, and members of the general public. Matters of the greatest complexity are handled including those complicated by the presence of trusts, assets, pensions and tax issues. Individuals here also appear in highly sensitive children proceedings, many of which include serious allegations of abuse, FGM, parental alienation and drug use. The set is further noted for having specialist expertise in disputes involving unmarried couples. Commentators note: "36 Family has experienced counsel across all levels." Another adds: "It has a very good offering of high quality barristers, who have a wealth of experience of handling all aspects of private family law."

Danny Chapman is the senior clerk.

A highly regarded family set whose members are equipped to tackle the full gamut of finance and children proceedings. Barristers here are particularly renowned for their public children work, and frequently handle highly sensitive medical cases that involve allegations of abuse, neglect, non-accidental injury and child death. They have further experience in matrimonial finance litigation, with expertise in TOLATA, Schedule 1 applications, assets valuation and cohabitation disputes. Counsel are also instructed in a variety of private children cases, especially those concerning adoption and child abduction. Commentators say: "The calibre of barristers at Coram Chambers is very good in all aspects of the services they provide. Their knowledge of all applicable law and their technical ability impress." Another source adds: "The set has an amazing group of barristers, who are highly knowledgeable in their field and are happy to work alongside the solicitors, so that it is a real team effort."

Sean Gentleman is the senior clerk.

Members at Harcourt Chambers offer a full family law service, but are especially adroit in assisting a range of clients with all manner of children law proceedings. They garner particular praise for their expertise in international abduction, and routinely handle cross-border relocation cases. They are known for their expert representation of local authorities, parents and guardians in complex public law cases, a number of which relate to abuse, non-accidental injury and child death. While such cases form a large part of the set's work, a number of individuals are on-hand to also undertake divorce and financial remedy proceedings. Solicitors say: "Harcourt Chambers has highly experienced counsel for cross-border, international and High Court work."

A set with demonstrable strength at silk and junior level which assists clients in both children and divorce proceedings. Members here are sought after by high net worth clients for their extensive experience of handling financial cases involving complex business structures, assets, trusts, Schedule 1, TOLATA and tax issues. Many of these are multi-jurisdictional and international in nature. The barristers also have significant expertise in private and public children law work, and are equipped to represent their clients in all manner of care, relocation, and child abduction proceedings. Their diverse clientele consists of people from all levels of society. One interviewee states that the set is "blessed with standout counsel with the robustness to handle anything thrown at them."

James Shortall is the senior clerk.

A well-renowned children set commended by peers and clients alike. Barristers here are frequently instructed in the representation of vulnerable clients in care proceedings. The cases it handles are complex and sensitive, many of them being within the context of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. Members have further expertise in private children cases. Some of the many areas it covers include matters concerning child abduction, forced marriage, radicalisation and asylum applications. An interviewee remarks that "the set has very experienced, knowledgeable and helpful barristers who stand out and go the extra mile." Another source adds: "Their counsel are experienced and balance this with excellent client care and support."

James Tidman is the Senior Family Practice Manager.

7BR houses a team of well regarded family barristers, capable of handling both children and matrimonial finance matters. The set comes particularly recommended for its work in relation to children, with its barristers showing strength in both the public and private law cases. They have experience of advising on highly sensitive matters that often involve allegations of abuse, non- accidental injury and neglect. Individuals here have further experience in cases concerning child abduction and relocation. Solicitors comment that: "7BR has a wide range of barristers available who specialise in all areas of family law." Another adds: "7BR has enormous strength and depth, and real quality counsel."

Harry Smith is the Senior Family Clerk.

Deka Chambers has an experienced stable of barristers with expertise across all areas of family law. It has particular strength in public law children work and acts for children, guardians and local authorities, among others. The set is adept at handling a variety of cases including those involving allegations of non-accidental injury, abuse and fabricated and induced illness. It has additional experience in matters concerning surrogacy issues and frequently handles cases with an international element. Sources say: "Although Deka has a smaller family law team than other sets, it is going from strength to strength. It has quality counsel who punch above their weight and are particularly good at dealing with complex cases in a very professional, calm and effective manner."

Michael Goodridge leads the Deka Chambers clerking team.

A respected set with substantial strength in both children and matrimonial finance proceedings. Barristers here frequently appear in cases with multi-jurisdictional elements, and regularly handle matters of great complexity involving issues such as trusts, offshore accounts, and allegations of abuse. Both public and private law work is undertaken for a wide range of clients, some of whom are high net worth. Commentators say: "Fourteen offers a wide range of very knowledgeable and detailed barristers who are more than willing to help and go above and beyond."

Joe Lamb is the senior practice manager.

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: "Garden Court Chambers has specialist barristers who have exceptional skill."

Kevin McCarthy is the Senior Family Practice Manager.

A set with substantial strength in public and private children law matters, and the further capability to handle financial proceedings. The 35-plus family barristers here are well versed in highly sensitive matters involving non-accidental injury, child death, sexual abuse, FGM, fictitious illness and child trafficking. They are also equipped to handle TOLATA, Schedule 1 and parental alienation cases. Clients include highly vulnerable individuals, as well as parents, guardians and local authorities. Commentators say: "New Court Chambers has a wide range of barristers available at all levels of experience, who provide a good level of service." Another adds: "The barristers at New Court Chambers distinguish themselves from others due to their hands-on handling of cases."

Paul Bloomfield is the senior clerk.