Family: Matrimonial Finance

Charles Geekie KC Renowned for his handling of extremely complex children matters such as international adoption and abduction. Charles Geekie KC engages in serious cases relating to sexual abuse and is well respected for acting in contentious child arrangement disputes. Geekie also sits as a Recorder and a High Court judge.

"Charles is everything you want in a top children silk - he's clever, calm and completely unflappable. Lots of barristers are clever, but few are wise. Charles has wisdom in bags."

"Charles was very careful and very commanding in the way he dealt with issues. Technically very good and a very fine advocate, he also had a good bedside manner with the client."

"Excellent at every level."

Janet Bazley KC is highly regarded for her extensive experience of complex children cases. She has notable expertise in cases involving technical medical or forensic evidence. On the private law side of matters, Bazley regularly acts in cases involving jurisdictional issues, and those concerning issues relating to modern families.

"Janet is a fountain of wisdom and a canny operator in the family courts. There is no problem in private children work that she cannot produce a clear plan to solve."

"Janet's experience, client care and gravitas are unmatched."

"Janet is clear in terms of her judgement, guidance and advocacy. Absolutely at the pinnacle of her profession, she has this incredible way of managing cases."

Pamela Warner is an experienced and respected practitioner who specialises in public law children work. She primarily deals with matters relating to the most serious abuse and harm connected with children. Warner is accustomed to dealing with cases involving concurrent criminal proceedings and was appointed a Recorder in 2009. She further attracts recognition for her representation of guardians in care proceedings.

"Pamela is my go-to barrister for complex cases and is well respect by peers, judges and other advocates. Her ability to establish novel points to support the case for her client is fantastic."

"Pamela is an outstanding advocate and a delight to work with. She is a silk in all but name and routinely represents children and parents in complex matters."

"She is excellent with vulnerable clients and a forceful advocate."

Sally Stone KC mainly acts in public adoption and care proceedings, representing local authorities, children and parents. She specialises in cases concerning injured children and those surrounding issues of mental health and technical medical evidence. The quality of her written work attracts great praise.

"She is able to master the most complex of cases, and present them through her advocacy in a clear and decisive way that fills her clients (both professionals and lay) with absolute confidence."

"A go-to every time."

"She is incredibly analytical, knows all of her papers and has the ear of judges."

Alev Giz is an experienced barrister who maintains a broad children practice covering both public and private issues. She is instructed to act for guardians, children and parents. Giz has particular experience in matters involving non-accidental injury and serious sexual abuse to children.

"Alev is a fighter and very good in the trenches on a difficult case. She is firm but sensitive with clients, and inspires their trust."

"I just want to sing her praises. Working with her is just great. Her attention to detail is just incredible and her judgement is just spot-on. She always manages to adopt the right approach and tone."

"Alev is superb. She is calm with the client, yet offers robust and highly intelligent advice. The client certainly feels he/she is in very safe and capable hands."

Andrew Bagchi routinely represents local authorities in highly sensitive public law cases relating to child abuse, and is particularly well versed in cases involving complex medical evidence. His private law practice also covers issues of sexual and physical abuse and non-accidental injury.

"Andrew is a go-to silk for complex, forensically challenging cases."

"Andrew is an exceptional advocate, who expertly tailors his cross-examination technique to the witness in front of him."

"The clients were really happy with Andrew due to his calm demeanour when tackling difficult issues."

Catherine Jenkins handles a range of children law matters, with a particular focus on care proceedings. She regularly represents children, parents and local authorities in cases involving abuse and non-accidental injury. She also offers expertise in disputes involving addiction and matters concerning medical issues.

"Kate Jenkins is always a pleasure to have on care cases. She is able to quickly grasp the issues, has excellent advocacy skills and is very popular with clients."

"Catherine (Kate) is exceptional. She handles complex cases calmly and with great expertise. She is very supportive to both the client and the instructing solicitor."

"An experienced and impressive counsel, who is always happy to discuss a case in further detail. She is a pleasure to work with."

Daisy Hughes is an experienced child practitioner who handles all manner of adoption and Children Act cases. She has particular expertise in acrimonious cases involving domestic violence and non-accidental injury. Hughes also frequently acts in serious care proceedings, including those touching on sexual abuse issues.

"Daisy is a fabulous barrister, who is measured but firm. Tactical and pragmatic in her advice, she is a real champion for her clients and also very empathetic towards them."

"Daisy is an incredibly impressive barrister, loved by the most demanding of clients. Her instructing solicitors feel totally reassured that their case is in the best of hands."

"A go-to for complex children work, including leave to remove cases. She is smart, always well prepared and a dream to watch when on her feet."

Well-regarded matrimonial finance lawyer David Burles focuses on disputes concerning the distribution of assets after relationship breakdown. He is also proficient in financial remedy work involving cross-border and jurisdiction issues. Burles further handles private children work.

"David is a consummate professional who adopts an easy-going style with clients. He takes a focused and robust approach to his advocacy."

"Due to his judicial experience, he can see both sides of the argument very clearly. As a result, in court he is always calm and courteous to opposing counsel."

Eleri Jones enjoys a reputation as a dedicated and analytical practitioner who operates across both private children and financial work. She earns particular praise for her knowledge of European law and the implications of family law in the context of Brexit.

"Eleri has an encyclopaedic brain and is one of the brightest juniors on the block. She is incredibly well prepared, knowledgeable and great on her feet."

"Eleri is a gem. She is a tough advocate, both in children and money cases, but never loses perspective. She can also deliver difficult advice better than most."

"Sensible, unflappable and great with clients. You want her on your case."

Gemma Kelly has a strong reputation for her handling of a wide range of children work. Her experience includes cases concerning allegations of sexual abuse and fictitious illness. She has notable experience in high-profile matters before the High Court.

"She works tirelessly on behalf of her clients, who are immediately reassured by her gentle manner and determination."

"She has the ability to dictate the shape of the case through the force of her clear and persuasive advocacy and has the ear of most judges, as they admire her intelligent and pragmatic approach."

"Gemma's written work is incredibly strong. She is razor-sharp, very capable, and particularly good with high net worth individuals."

Lucy Sprinz covers the full spectrum of children issues, specialising in particular in care proceedings. She additionally has a burgeoning practice dealing in cases concerning alternative families. Sprinz attracts praise from sources for her handling of sensitive cases and her excellent client care.

"Her approach to children work is always measured, compelling and sophisticated. You very rarely see a judge who is not won over by her advocacy."

"She is very calm but her conversational style of cross-examination is deceptively lethal. Undoubtedly a silk in the making."

"Her grasp of the case papers and key issues (whether legal or factual) is always excellent, and her preparation is obviously very detailed."

Nkumbe Ekaney KC represents parents and children in public and private child law cases, with particular expertise advising on matters concerning serious non-accidental injuries. He is also experienced at handling matters that concern FGM, radicalisation, sexual assault, neglect and child death. His practice takes in cases with prominent international, cultural and religious aspects.

"He is an excellent practitioner, who is calm and well organised. His advocacy is deceptively friendly."

"Nkumbe has a great manner with clients - he puts them at ease. In court, his advocacy is calm and measured."

Penelope Clapham has a mixed practice and handles both high-value matrimonial finance and sensitive children matters, tackling work which often features a strong international element. She is also experienced at handling TOLATA disputes and cases involving medical concerns.

"Penny really understands the practicalities of family law and has a great insight as to how to present a case to achieve the best outcome."

"Penny is a fearsome opponent, who has a keen analytical mind that lends itself to difficult and complex financial cases. She couples this with a deep understanding of the context of divorce."

"Penny is a gifted advocate with excellent client care."

Richard Jones is recognised for his expertise in challenging private law children proceedings and noted for his charming client manner. He handles a large volume of complex cases relating to parents seeking contact with their children and exhibits strength in the growing area of surrogacy. He is also instructed by local authorities, guardians and parents in serious cases such as those concerning radicalisation.

"Richard is instructed in some of the more complicated and protracted private law cases. He fights hard and fearlessly for his clients, and provides wonderful support to his instructing solicitors."

"Extremely eloquent and adored by his clients, he should be a silk. A dream to work with, he's a superb advocate, who is strategically very smart."

"An exceptional and very human advocate."

Siobhan Kelly is an expert in public law children proceedings, who acts on behalf of guardians and parents in complex care cases, often in the context of non-accidental injury, child death, neglect and serious criminal proceedings. She has extensive experience of cases involving factitious induced illness allegations.

"When I know Siobhan is involved in a case, I instantly relax. She is always very well prepared and has an excellent grasp of all the issues involved."

"Incredibly bright and astute, she really gets straight to the issues and is never distracted. She's very plain-speaking, which is attractive to both the judiciary and also her own clients."

"Anything she doesn't know about children law isn't worth knowing. She's a formidable advocate."

Andrew Norton KC is a children law specialist, equally at home handling public and private law cases. He is routinely instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children. He demonstrates adroit judgement in sensitive cases involving complex medical evidence.

"He has great people skills and always makes sure his client's case is properly put."

"Andrew Norton is very good and has a nice manner about him."

"Andrew has a very subtle style of advocacy. He's very gentle but effective with his questioning."

Claire Heppenstall handles complex financial and children law work and often leads proceedings concerning both. She often represents clients in domestic and cross-border child arrangement disputes. Heppenstall is commended for her tactical approach to her cases, which involve issues of serious abuse and related concerns.

"Claire is an authoritative presence, both inside and outside of court, and instils confidence in clients. She is well liked and respected by judges and opponents."

"Claire was brilliant, both in conference with the client and in court, where her cross-examination was something to behold. She's a strong, calm and persuasive advocate, who reassures clients."

"Claire has a certain gravitas about her. Clients think she's great and love the way she represents them in court."

Children law barrister Doushka Krish has a reputation as a fearsome opponent. She appears in private children law disputes concerning transfers of residence and parental contact. She also acts on behalf of local authorities in public law proceedings, and has experience of handling cases involving non-accidental injury and child death. Doushka regularly appears before the High Court.

"Doushka is a class act who fights very hard for her clients in an exceptionally eloquent and sophisticated way."

"She always understands the emotional needs of the client and provides highly strategic advice."

"Whenever I instruct her I feel very reassured that I'm going to get an amazing service and someone who's incredibly strong as an advocate,"

Henry Lamb is a respected barrister recognised for his representation of children and extended family members. He has acted on child abduction and non-accidental injury cases, as well as physical and sexual abuse allegations. He has appeared before all levels of court.

"An incredible barrister in whom I have absolute confidence. His preparation, knowledge, client-handling and delivery are phenomenal. Henry delivers results time after time."

"He is a calm presence in the courtroom, but he's also someone with a burning desire to achieve the absolute best result for his client."

"He's a brilliant advocate, who's very sought after. Clients love him because he instils confidence in them."

Laura Briggs KC is a children law silk focusing on complex public law matters including sexual abuse and non-accidental injury cases, often with an international element. She is also experienced in complex proceedings involving radicalisation and refugees. Briggs further sits as a Recorder on the South Eastern Family Circuit.

"Laura is a superb advocate, a shrewd tactician and a force of nature in difficult negotiations. She never misses."

"She has this amazing ability to work with any client, and, in particular, vulnerable clients, as she is a really supportive advocate. She is well respected in the profession."

"She is a brilliant tactical technician with a great eye for detail."

Family practitioner Louise MacLynn KC has a practice that encompasses sensitive matters which often have parallel criminal proceedings or multi-jurisdictional aspects attached. She routinely acts in cases concerning investigations into child deaths, sexual assault allegations and fabricated illness. MacLynn has experience of appearing before the Supreme Court.

"Louise's attention to detail and knowledge of a wide range of statutes and legal arguments is truly exceptional. On her feet she argues cases with such gravitas and poise."

"She is forensic in her approach and prepares each case rigorously. She understands the issues very well and grasps them quickly."

"She is a breath of fresh air and someone who treats everyone respectfully."

Regarded as a rising star by sources, Marlene Cayoun has assisted with historic abuse inquiries of the most serious and sensitive nature, both led and unled. She also handles matters concerning adoption and international abduction.

"Thoughtful, strategic in her thinking and a strong advocate, she's really impressive. She punches above her weight."

"Experienced in international cases, always extremely well prepared and very empathetic with the clients."

Nasstassia Hylton is a respected barrister with growing recognition in children law. She is notable for her ability across a range of matters, including leave to remove and international adoption cases. She has additional strength in sensitive child arrangement disputes.

"She prepares every case extremely diligently and gives pragmatic and sensible advice. Always calm and reassuring with clients, she is a tenacious advocate who fights hard."

"Client's love her and she is absolutely fearless, often outwitting leading counsel with her razor-sharp intellect and meticulous preparation."

"An impressive, clear and commanding advocate with fantastic client care skills. She will always go the extra mile."

Philip Perrins is a family barrister who has experience of acting on multi-jurisdictional Part III claims. Perrins frequently advises on enforcement orders and also handles financial remedy disputes involving pensions, properties and offshore trust structures.

"Philip is brilliant. He is highly intelligent and can expertly navigate cases with complex finances. The client always feels that he/she is in safe hands and will get the best result."

"Philip Perrins is a silk in the making. He's an unbelievable barrister and often the most knowledgeable counsel in the room. Clients are in brilliant hands with him."

"A good performer and a pleasant advocate, who puts his client's case extremely effectively."

Sam Momtaz KC has a real depth of experience in children matters, and is frequently instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children in public law care issues. He is accustomed to handling cases which include sexual and physical abuse and non-accidental injury matters.

"He's very bright and good at dealing with difficult clients."

Highly regarded child specialist Steven Ashworth frequently represents vulnerable mothers and local authorities in care proceedings. He has an impressive portfolio of cases concerning allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse, as well as severe mental health problems.

"An excellent barrister who is no doubt headed for silk. He is organised, efficient, thoughtful and an opponent to be reckoned with."

"An extremely able advocate, who is very thorough and very supportive."

"I am always impressed by Steven's clear and persuasive advocacy skills. His written work is also very good."

Susan George is an international children specialist handling complex cases mainly relating to mental health, neglect, abuse and vulnerable clients. She represents all parties, though largely acts on behalf of local authorities and guardians. George is well versed in dealing with cases concerning complex jurisdictional issues.

"Sue is an outstanding advocate with a personable style. She is laser-focused on the detail in every matter and a joy to work alongside."

"A personable, well-versed barrister, who provides excellent client care."

"A lawyer of brilliant judgement, who never wastes words and just gets it from the start."

Tom Wilson is a well-regarded barrister who has a specialised practice in surrogacy issues, and is experienced in non-accidental injury matters. He also assists with cases which have international aspects, and has expertise in adoption, abuse and radicalisation matters.

"Tom is an absolutely brilliant barrister. He is unflappable in court and delivers his advocacy with calm and persuasive assurance."

"Tom intuitively considers novel approaches to resolve difficult legal positions and is able to soundly communicate legal advice in clear language."

"Tom is a veritable family law encyclopaedia. There is a reason he is led by some of the finest senior counsel at the bar."

Alison Moore handles very serious public law children matters with a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with vulnerable witnesses. She has significant experience in very complex matters, including death cases and high-stakes medical treatment matters.

"Alison is a strong advocate who is friendly and easy to work with. She has an approachable manner and quickly grasps what is needed in a case."

"Alison is very accessible and makes herself available when required. She handles complex cases well and doesn't get flustered."

"Alison is very clear and concise, always well prepared and a pleasure to work with."

Annabel Barrons is a recognised junior with a broad practice in both financial and children proceedings. She frequently handles cases concerning non-disclosure, company accounts, offshore assets and domestic abuse. Barrons further garners praise for her work with vulnerable clients.

"Clients and solicitors feel confident knowing they have Annabel fighting their corner. She handles anything that comes her way with brilliance, and nothing is ever too much trouble for her."

"She is great with the clients. She's assertive and straight-talking in a manner which gives them confidence."

"Annabel is very hard-working and goes above and beyond, producing well-detailed and clear advice. She is creative in putting her case forward and is brilliant on her feet."

"Her advocacy is powerful but humane. She is a star in the making."

Helen Jefferson is a family junior who handles both private children and matrimonial finance cases for a range of clients including high net worth individuals. She has a broad practice and experience of cases with Schedule 1 aspects attached to them.

"Unflappable in the most trying of cases, Helen is a great advocate, who helps clients see the wood for the trees."

"Helen is always well prepared and calm under pressure. She is a fierce advocate, who has a fantastic facility for understanding, and connecting with, the clients."

"A robust advocate full of warmth and humour."

Jessica Lee is a family law barrister with particular experience of handling both public and private law children's cases. She frequently represents clients in non- accidental injury, fictitious illness and parental alienation cases. She has additional experience in Court of Protection work.

"A very strong advocate, who at the same time is very sensitive to vulnerable clients/witnesses. She always has a very thorough knowledge of the case papers."

"Jessica has appeared in a number of leading cases. She provides a calm, reassuring manner to clients and is known for arguing novel and sophisticated points of law."

"Jess is extremely professional, highly responsive and someone who has got a lot of empathy for her clients."

Joseph Moore has a strong matrimonial finance practice that sees him acting in a wide range of high net worth matters. He is able to act in cases involving TOLATA issues, asset tracing and Schedule 1 matters. Many of Moore's cases also involve cross-border issues.

"Joseph is a superstar in the making, who puts client at ease immediately with his calm manner. His approach in the courtroom is one of quiet determination."

"Joseph's calm but firm manner with clients is exceptionally effective."

Julia Gasparro specialises in cases relating to children. In the public law sphere, she assists parents and children with matters involving non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. In private law, she is on-hand to guide clients through child abduction and relocation cases.

"Julia is a lion for her clients, who homes in on the essentials in a case. Even difficult briefs do not faze her."

"Julia is a strong advocate, who works hard for her clients. She gives helpful, realistic advice."

"A tough opponent, both dogged and determined, who will always fight her client's corner. She's a very experienced advocate in care proceedings."

Katherine Dunseath is a respected advocate whose busy family law practice encompasses financial remedy cases and private children law. She is experienced in handling cases concerning relocation and child abduction, and also represents clients in applications relating to periodical payment orders.

"Katherine is a highly impressive advocate. Clients are always impressed by her thorough preparation and her steely advocacy."

"Katherine is razor-sharp and fights like a tiger for her clients. Her tenacity and technical ability instil confidence in her clients."

"Katherine is simply exceptional in every way. She is fiercely intelligent, yet incredibly personable, and goes above and beyond to assist with matters."

Matthew Fletcher offers clients a multidisciplinary approach, having a background in both children law and immigration law. His practice ranges from internationally focused matters to work aiding vulnerable clients in proceedings against local authorities. He also has experience in the overlap between family law and human rights issues.

"If a case can be won, Matt will win it. He works hard, he prepares thoroughly and he's loved by clients."

"He has a manner that plays well with all levels of the judiciary."

"Matthew is practical, knowledgeable and someone who works hard to achieve the best outcome for his clients. He is a commanding performer, who is excellent when a case needs a firm approach."

Olivia Magennis handles a range of complex public and private children law matters. She has significant experience acting in parental order issues, declarations of parentage and abductions at all levels of court including the Court of Appeal. Her work often involves international elements. She is also a qualified arbitrator.

"She is utterly committed to the client and the case, giving it her all. She is so good at managing difficult cases and is always 100% on board with the client."

"Olivia is an excellent advocate, who turns around cases with the strength of her submissions."

"Her cross-examination is a masterclass to behold."

Rachel Gillman is a private and public law barrister with a strong market reputation. She frequently appears in children proceedings involving the most serious allegations of sexual abuse and murder. Gillman is further skilled at representing parents in international child abduction cases.

"Incredibly intelligent and someone who thinks 'outside the box', she never fails to deliver. Rachel effortlessly navigates her way through every complex scenario, and is very intuitive."

"Rachel is extremely knowledgeable and has impeccable advocacy skills. She always builds good relationships and clients are always pleased with how she has handled their cases."

Rebecca Mitchell is recognised for her representation of vulnerable people in difficult children law cases. She also acts for parents, guardians and local authorities in non-accidental injury and abuse matters, among numerous otherissues. Mitchell is very well versed in cases involving international elements.

"She always has excellent knowledge of both the legal issues and facts in a case. Hers is a very clear and straightforward approach backed up with brilliant advocacy."

"She has a deeply principled approach to dealing with clients."

Samantha Whittam has notable experience in both the public and private sides of the Children Bar. She has extensive expertise in non-accidental injury, deprivation of liberty and contentious care proceedings.

"Sam is always a joy to work with as she prepares her cases well and delivers them well in court. She is also very good at client care."

"Sam is a very strong advocate, who is a pleasure to work with. Whether representing professionals or lay parties, she presents her client's case with strength and conviction."

"A strong advocate, who is always willing to assist."

Simon Sugar is noted for his work dealing with complex matrimonial finance cases often for high net worth individuals. He is adept at handling financial remedy disputes involving Chancery and property claims, and has particular experience in TOLATA matters.

"A really effective barrister with a great reputation. He's a very good cross- examiner, who's really on top of the chancery side of the law as well as the family matrimonial side."

"He's confident and pragmatic in what he does."

Lucy Maxwell frequents the High Court and Court of Appeal in domestic abuse cases amongst other family law matters ranging from coercive control to foster care. She is also notable for representing clients in international relocation matters.

"A brilliant advocate. Very few counsel, if any, will work harder for their clients."

"Lucy is brilliant with clients and a ferocious advocate."

"Lucy is a strong junior with a glittering career ahead of her."

Melissa Elsworth has an impressive growing family practice in which she regularly acts in modern families matters. She has significant strength in such issues as surrogacy and assisted reproduction.

"Melissa is a very well-prepared advocate, who will always go above and beyond to get a good result. Clients love her, and rightly so."

"Melissa is a calming barrister whose clear and concise approach to advocacy is impressive to watch. She gets to the root of an issue quickly."

"Melissa has it all. She has the law at her fingertips and adopts a practical and human approach to her cases."

Sharon Segal KC is a highly regarded practitioner who specialises in dealing with vulnerable clients in private and public law cases which can involve additional criminal proceedings. She is routinely instructed by high-profile individuals across many jurisdictions. Her private law experience includes leave to remove matters, international surrogacy and cases concerning broader child arrangements.

"Extremely diligent and hard-working, Sharon is a great hit with the clients. She is extremely impressive and able to navigate complex evidential and legal landscapes with ease."

"Hard-working, passionate, organised, committed, and dedicated. She will build the case and advise throughout on what is needed to secure the best outcome for the client."

"Sharon is always perceptive to clients' needs, and very effective at meeting them. She is always the best prepared barrister in the courtroom and never misses a point."