Ranking tables

Family: Children | UK Bar

Northern (Bar)

Rankings overview for Sets

1

  1. Clare Grundy St John's Buildings11 Years Ranked
  2. Fiona Holloran
    Fiona Holloran 18 St John Street4 Years Ranked
  3. Emma GreenhalghNine Chambers
  4. Heather HobsonDeans Court Chambers
  5. Margaret Parr7 Harrington St Chambers
  6. Rebecca GreggDeans Court Chambers
  7. Samantha Birtles18 St John Street
  8. Sarah KilvingtonNine Chambers
2

  1. Julie ForsythExchange Chambers
  2. Kate Bramall18 St John Street
  3. Paul Wright7 Harrington St Chambers

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Deans Court Chambers
    1
    Deans Court Chambers
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 1 | 6 Years Ranked

    Deans Court Chambers is a top set that maintains a strong presence in children law matters. Members are frequently instructed in cases that deal with allegations of sexual abuse and non-accidental injuries, as well as Children Act cases and care proceedings involving deprivation of liberty. Sources say: "Deans Court Chambers has highly organised and experienced barristers." Another adds: "Deans Court Chambers is such a professional and well organised set of chambers, it has a reputation for dealing with complex matters with ease."

  2. St John's Buildings
    1
    St John's Buildings
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 1 | 6 Years Ranked

    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: "St John's Buildings has a stellar group of individuals whose credibility and position as a key player is unquestionable." Another adds: "The set has a strong divorce and finance presence in the North." A further interviewee praises the set for having a "very responsive team with well-prepared and talented barristers."

    Paul Laverty is the senior clerk.

2

Band 2

  1. 18 St John Street
    2
    18 St John Street
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 2 | 4 Years Ranked

    18 St John Street is a strong set for children law work. Members handle private and public cases, and are frequently instructed by local authorities. Their cases deal with allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, parental alienation and abduction, among a wide range of other issues. Members are highly experienced in handling matters that involve dealing with complex medical evidence. An interviewee reports: "The quality of counsel is excellent across the board." Another adds: "The set offers excellent expertise and its barristers are always happy to assist." One source praises the set: "18 St John Street has a large number of members who hold vast experience."

    Camille Scott is the senior clerk.

  2. 2
    7 Harrington St Chambers
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 2 | 5 Years Ranked

    7 Harrington St Chambers draws upon remarkable expertise in family law to assist both with matrimonial finance and children matters. This Liverpool-based set offers clients the benefit of a wealth of experience in financial remedy and financial provision matters, including cases that involve high-value property or share portfolios. Members of the set also offer significant expertise in a wide range of children law cases, both public and private. One source says: "I regularly instruct counsel from 7HS to deal with complex children matters and they have a good selection of juniors."

    John Kilgallon is the practice director.

3

Band 3

  1. 15 Winckley Square
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 3
  2. Nine Chambers
    Family: Children
    2026 | Band 3