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(020) 7404 1044Chambers Review
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: "The set has an extremely wide expertise across all elements of Family Law, all of which they do to the very highest standard."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"James Shortall and Julie Holcombe, together with their team, are efficient, highly organised and very commercial."
"The clerks are utterly human and professional."
"I cannot fault James Shortall. He is a real asset of the chambers, fantastic at his job, always happy to accommodate, reasonable and sensible. He deals with things very well."
"The clerks are absolutely amazing. Responsive, charming and very supportive. I rate them highly."
"They're very well organised, helpful, provide a high-quality service and are very personable. They also go the extra mile in terms of providing support and making sure you've got the care you need."
"James Shortall and Julie Holcombe, together with their team, are efficient, highly organised and very commercial."
"The clerks are utterly human and professional."
"I cannot fault James Shortall. He is a real asset of the chambers, fantastic at his job, always happy to accommodate, reasonable and sensible. He deals with things very well."
"The clerks are absolutely amazing. Responsive, charming and very supportive. I rate them highly."
"They're very well organised, helpful, provide a high-quality service and are very personable. They also go the extra mile in terms of providing support and making sure you've got the care you need."
Notable Practitioners
Timothy Scott KC is a renowned international matrimonial finance specialist who demonstrates impressive knowledge of all matters relating to jurisdiction. He has frequently appeared in the Court of Appeal on cross-border issues. His expertise includes EU regulations and forum disputes.
"Timothy is still Mr Jurisdiction. Any hint of a jurisdiction issue and we rush to get his clerk on speed dial, hoping that that we have beaten our opponents to it."
"A very strong all-rounder with a tremendous reputation for international finance work."
Paul Storey KC is a standout children specialist who is renowned for his formidable advocacy and involvement in highly complex public and private cases. His expertise extends to non-accidental injury, death and abuse issues. He is particularly experienced in representing parents accused of negligence and abuse.
"His experience in the most serious and complex non-accidental cases is legendary. He obtains really great results for his clients when very few others would be able to."
"He is the go-to KC for complex care proceedings and non-accidental injury work. He's second to none in terms of cross-examining the medical experts and is absolutely loved by clients."
"Feared by experts and fellow KCs, but loved by his clients (whether lay or professional), he is the most sought-after barrister when it comes cases about parents accused of non-accidental head injury."
Amber Sheridan is a matrimonial finance junior with a strong reputation for handling high-value financial remedy proceedings for high-profile, international clients. She is highly regarded for the complexity of the matters she undertakes.
"Amber is a superb barrister and an asset to any case. She handles clients beautifully."
"She's bright, intelligent and engaging. Clients always love her."
"Amber Sheridan is really pragmatic, easy to work with and very well prepared."
Brent Molyneux KC is a well-regarded lawyer who handles highly complex financial disputes involving high-value assets. He is lauded for his understated advocacy style and conciliatory approach.
"As great with clients as he is with the court, he is feared by opponents for the rigour he brings to his written work and the flair he exhibits in his oral advocacy."
"He is one of the best cross-examiners at the Family Bar. He is so fast and so on top of his material that he can annihilate a liar in minutes."
Jonathan Southgate KC has a formidable practice representing household names and high net worth individuals in tremendously high-value matrimonial finance proceedings. He is commended for his tenacity in court and his commercial awareness during divorce.
"One of the best there is. He's superb on paper, great in consultation and excellent in court. Jonathan is an absolute pleasure to work with and clients love him."
"He is very creative and displays great lateral thinking."
"Jonathan's ability to grasp complex financial information and distil it into easy-to-understand language for the client is impressive."
"An effective advocate, who is highly strategic and much in demand. He likes to win and he inspires the confidence that he will do."
Patrick Chamberlayne KC has earned a fine reputation for tackling substantial financial remedy proceedings, many of which involve complex business structures. His practice is mainly international and notable for its connections to the Middle East. He has substantial experience in Schedule 1 claims with an international element.
"Patrick excels at handling complex financial information and his advocacy is very impressive."
"The stars seem to align when he is in court as he effortlessly persuades judges to go in the right direction. He is always the right person for the job."
Alexis Campbell KC is a silk with a solid reputation for assisting high net worth business clients with domestic and international matters involving complex company and trust issues. She sits as a Recorder in both criminal and family law matters.
"Alexis Campbell is grace personified. An elegant performer, she is a head above so many other barristers."
"She is bright as a button and always has the respect of the court. Her cross-examination skills are legendary."
"A very skilled advocate, who has incredible insight into judges' views. She is never fazed."
Helen Williams is a finance practitioner noted for her previous experience as a chartered accountant, which she brings to bear in matrimonial proceedings concerning complex, multi-jurisdictional, company and trust structure issues. Her cases often involve valuation issues and corporate non-disclosure.
"Helen is fantastic at unpicking thorny financial issues and marries that with an unparalleled bedside manner. She combines intelligence with pragmatism and approachability."
"She is tenacious in court, not frightened of anyone or any opponent and just hugely impressive. Her dedication is second to none."
"Her background as a chartered accountant is really where she shines. She can go toe-to-toe with the valuation experts but is also really practical."
"She is great with the lay clients who trust her and feel that she has their back."
Laura Heaton is a mediator and collaboratively trained junior who specialises in a wide range of financial proceedings and is recognised for her prowess in ADR. Her cases mainly consist of matters with complex business elements, many of which involve a third party. She has particular expertise in Schedule 1 and TOLATA disputes.
"She goes beyond the call of duty and is a cohesive part of the litigation team. The successful outcome of a case is greatly improved by having her on your side."
"Laura is financially articulate and focused on achieving the best outcome for the client."
"She takes a rigorous approach to interrogating the financial information and gives a clear and reasoned indication which gives settlement the best chance of success."
Lee Arnot offers clients a dual money and children service, and has extensive experience in both the public and private spheres, appearing in cases with jurisdictional and asset issues. He is noted for his attention to detail when handling complex children proceedings, and regularly tackles cases involving issues of serious abuse and child relocation.
"He is fearless, organised and seems to have a photographic memory. He fights for you and truly understands the emotional impact the case has on normal lives outside the courtroom and legal boundaries."
"He is calm, precise, and methodical in his approach to cases and facts. He has a brilliant ability to analyse and deal with issues in a focused and strategic manner."
"His experience as a judge gives his clients well-placed trust and confidence in him."
Lynsey Cade Davies is an international divorce specialist who focuses on complex financial matters for high net worth clients following relationship breakdown. She has a particular interest in trust and business structures in matrimonial proceedings.
"Lynsey Cade Davies is an extremely experienced and accomplished advocate. She excels in cases with difficult technical aspects to them."
"Nothing is too much trouble for her and she thinks through every angle of a case."
Max Lewis is a well-regarded financial barrister who is comfortable handling all aspects of financial remedy proceedings. He has particular expertise in disputes involving complex company and trust issues. Lewis is further noted for his experience in family disputes involving a religious element.
"As a junior in complex financial remedy work he is a dream. He gets to grips with detail at lightning speed and is always on-hand when you need him."
"Max is everything you would want from a financial specialist. He offers great knowledge, great advocacy and a consideration for the best to achieve what a client wants."
"Max brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical awareness to his cases. He is always striving to achieve the best possible outcome."
Nicholas Allen KC is a high-value financial specialist who regularly handles cases using the collaborative process, having trained as collaborative counsel. He is commended for his attention to detail and his sympathetic manner with clients. Allen is also a trained arbitrator.
"He's always got his eye on enabling his clients to reach a pragmatic, sensible and child-focused outcome."
"Nick is truly outstanding. His advocacy appears effortless, yet it is built upon the fact that he knows every detail in his papers."
"Nick is a very reliable arbitrator, who takes a pragmatic approach to cases. Clients draw great confidence from his decisions."
Petra Teacher is a versatile junior who covers a broad range of private matrimonial finance cases. She is noted in particular for her expertise in relation to Schedule 1 matters, and proceedings involving complex business assets.
"Petra's calm and methodical approach to cross-examination makes her a silent assassin. She never misses a trick, and is a joy to work with."
"She takes a very robust approach in court and clients appreciate how fully she invests in their cases."
"Bright, compassionate and someone who is elegant in her presentational style. She's resolute without being overly aggressive and is extremely supportive to instructing solicitors."
Sassa-Ann Amaouche is a family junior who is in high demand for her expertise in sophisticated divorce proceedings involving significant assets, complex business structures and issues of non-disclosure. She is well regarded for her manner and her tenacious, no-nonsense advocacy style. Sources agree that she is able to handle clients who require a direct approach.
"She commands the room both in conference with the client and in court. You can tell that judges like listening to what she has to say."
"Robust and insightful, she has a deep understanding of the law and its practical applications. Her infallible ability to predict outcomes has proved to be an invaluable asset in driving litigation."
Anthony Geadah often acts in financial remedy disputes involving third-party claims, business structures and jurisdiction issues. He handles cases with both onshore and offshore assets, and has recognised skill in cross-border matters. He is also instructed to sit as a judge in private FDRs.
"An extremely good junior barrister with exceptional advocacy skills. He deals with high-value and complex matters with wisdom and pragmatism."
"He stuns clients with his wisdom and his advocacy is mesmerising to watch."
"A potent advocate who gets the job done."
Ben Fearnley is praised for his breadth of knowledge in matrimonial finance. He has a broad practice and particular experience of handling cases concerning the Inheritance Act and complex company assets. He has additional expertise in mediation.
"Pragmatic and client-focused, Ben quickly builds a rapport with clients and delivers accessible advice, while keeping in mind the bigger picture."
"His advocacy is fantastic and he is all over the detail of a case. His experience as a judge and his knowledge of technology are valuable qualities that he brings to cases."
"He has an eye for detail and his presentation of cases is flawless."
Christopher Wagstaffe KC is a financial practitioner with a focus on representing high net worth individuals in international cases, particularly those situated in Hong Kong and the Caribbean. He is also knowledgeable when it comes to Schedule 1 disputes, as well as matters involving company or trust complications.
"Chris adopts a hands-on approach to the cases he leads. He is approachable and accessible, and as a result clients love him."
"A brilliant advocate who goes the extra mile and more."
"A master of his field and an incredibly knowledgeable man. Christopher is an amazing advocate, who is very engaging."
Dafydd Griffiths is a children barrister whose practice encompasses proceedings in both the public and private spheres. He is particularly experienced in issues of parental alienation, as well as cases involving serious abuse and complex medical evidence, in which his criminal law background comes to the fore.
"Dafydd remains a go-to for complex children work, particularly when cases include an aspect of parental alienation."
"Dafydd has a very good manner with clients. He is very approachable, which puts the clients at ease, and he shows good attention to detail."
"He is outstanding and his knowledge of law is encyclopaedic."
Indira Ramsahoye is a children law practitioner who is well regarded for her considerable experience of handling complex international children matters. She possesses a specialism in matters concerning external relocation, abduction and jurisdictional disputes.
"Indira is a fantastic children's practitioner, who is very warm and supportive of clients."
Lucy Owens is a recognised family practitioner who routinely acts in multi-jurisdictional financial disputes. She acts on cross-border Schedule 1 and maintenance orders at all levels of court. She has further experience in cases involving the forensic tracing of assets.
"Lucy is a formidable and experienced advocate. She is incredibly personable and immediately makes cliens feel at ease. In the courtroom she packs an incredible punch."
"On her feet she is absolutely superb at pushing forward her case. She just seems to be able to divine the way forward and carries the bench with her."
"A very strong and convincing advocate, who is also good on the paperwork. She is well respected by opponents and the judiciary alike."
Having spent ten years working in top London family law firms, Nick Bennett returned to the Bar in 2021. An expert in pre- and postnuptial agreements, he is the only barrister in England to have such agreements as the core specialism of his practice.
"Nick has become the go-to barrister for prenuptial agreements. He is accessible, his advice is clear and measured, and he is a real authority in this area."
"Nick is an excellent barrister. He is imaginative, responsive, highly intelligent and someone who thinks outside the box."
"He's exactly who you want on your side. He has a razor-sharp intellect and is on top of all the details without getting lost in them."
Peter Mitchell KC is an experienced matrimonial practitioner with a versatile practice covering all complex issues relating to financial remedy following relationship dissolution. He has particular expertise in the law as it relates to nuptial agreements, cohabitants and TOLATA issues.
"Peter has the most charming manner. He leaves clients feeling totally safe and secure in his hands."
"A real team player who is prepared to roll up his sleeves and work with clients to obtain their objectives. He delivers realistic advice with grace and warmth."
"Astonishingly bright and hugely resourceful, he's unflappable in court."
"Every syllable he speaks holds a little magic."
Philip Cayford KC is a prominent barrister who represents high-profile clients in significant financial remedy proceedings. He is highly regarded for his knowledge, and his experience covers the full range of high-value disputes, including those concerning Schedule 1 disputes.
"A barrister with great style, who is unfailingly courteous and charming. He is wise, hugely experienced and a man you need if you're in a tight corner."
"Devastating in cross-examination."
"He's extraordinarily reassuring as he has seen it all."
Richard Bates handles mainly matrimonial finance cases on behalf of wealthy individuals, especially those involving complex business and trust structures. He additionally engages in Schedule 1 proceedings and has further knowledge of farming-related cases.
"An extraordinary advocate, who instils confidence and a sense of calm in clients. In court he is a fearless performer, but he never loses sight of the practical solutions that can lead to settlement."
"He is calm with both professional and lay clients and always gives practical and considered advice."
"A tenacious advocate, who is well liked and respected."
Richard Tambling is a matrimonial finance junior who handles a wide variety of issues surrounding divorce, including matters concerning Schedule 1, TOLATA and significant wealth. His practice encompasses cross-border cases, often those involving offshore assets.
"Richard always brings great judgement to his cases and will not shy away from confronting clients with clear and realistic advice."
"Richard Tambling is always very calm, very measured and very good with clients. He provides excellent advice and is a good advocate."
"Well prepared, easy to deal with and incredibly knowledgeable. He's also well measured and candid in his advice."
Roshi Amiraftabi is a specialist children law junior who demonstrates great expertise when it comes to jurisdictional issues, among other private law matters. Her caseload consists of complex relocation, abduction, enforcement and leave to remove cases, some of which are highly acrimonious.
"Roshi provides good advice and strong advocacy, and is a very reassuring presence in difficult circumstances."
"Roshi is a brilliant children's practitioner, who is firm, tough and not afraid of a fight. She's very good with clients, really accessible and very thorough in her work."
"Roshi is a robust advocate loved by clients for her strong approach. She is also a lovely person to deal with and someone who provides excellent client care."
Sally Max is a family junior practising mainly in the high net worth matrimonial finance arena. She has particular expertise in issues concerning cohabitation, Schedule 1 matters and cases concerning complex business and trust structures. Sources compliment her grasp of technical issues and her in-depth knowledge of the law.
"An excellent money barrister who is great on the detail and good at negotiation."
Simon Calhaem is a finance specialist who handles a broad range of related matters, including complex trust and divorce cases. His practice extends internationally, encompassing offshore trusts and jurisdictional issues. He is noted by sources for his effective advocacy and his encyclopaedic knowledge.
"Simon is highly able at so many aspects of family law and willing to work hard to achieve the right result."
Victoria Domenge handles substantial financial matters for a range of clients, and has experience in cases concerning company assets. She is commended for her constructive approach, which stems from her experience as a mediator and collaborative counsel.
"Victoria is detailed and meticulous in her preparation. Rather than being focused solely on the case, she sees the real lives of the clients and understand what they need."
"She simply gets straight to the heart of the matter, cutting out all the noise and giving firm and clear advice. She is also tremendous tactically."
"Victoria has a fantastic forensic mind and is really good on the detail. She's excellent with clients (who think she's wonderful) and she gets good results."
Charlotte Trace is a matrimonial finance practitioner with expertise in high net worth disputes. She often handles matters with jurisdictional issues and offshore assets, and is well regarded for her knowledge of all manner of financial issues.
"An excellent all-round advocate, who is diligent in her preparation. She offers thoughtful yet commercial advice."
"She's bright, considered and analytical."
Christopher Butterfield is regularly instructed in very complex public and private Children Law cases. He is very well versed in handling fact-finding hearings involving complicated medical evidence. He appeared in the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse for the Metropolitan Police Service.
"Christopher comes alive in court and can be very firm when necessary. He gets fantastic results time and time again in both children and financial work."
"He has a reassuring and friendly manner with clients, many of whom are vulnerable."
"Mr Butterfield is an absolutely outstanding advocate, particularly when it comes to complex proceedings involving allegations of non-accidental injury."
James Cooper has an impressive track record in acting in highly complex financial remedy cases. He is well versed in matters that include business asset disputes, Schedule 1 matters and remuneration packages, among a myriad of other issues.
"James Cooper is a fantastic barrister, who is sensible and approachable. Possessed of expertise way beyond his years, he is just genuinely lovely and clients feel immediately at ease in his presence."
"James Cooper is amazing on the law and has an exceptional eye for detail."
Jonathan Tod is a family barrister proficient at handling both sophisticated financial and children matters. He is an expert in Schedule 1 Children Act cases, and has a wealth of experience in high-value divorce proceedings involving disclosure disputes and assets issues. He is particularly sought after for his work in prenuptial agreements.
"Jonathan was beyond helpful and would go the extra mile. I felt incredibly supported throughout the case."
"His attention to detail is second to none and he works within very tight timescales. He's also very accessible and approachable; nothing is ever too much trouble for him."
Joseph Switalski is a matrimonial finance junior who is accumulating a reputation well beyond his year of call for his financial remedy and divorce work. He has experience of handling cases involving complicating issues such as loans, company valuations, and property portfolios. Switalski is fully equipped to represent clients on cases with an international flavour.
"Clients love Joe's intelligence and straightforward delivery. His advice is always detailed but commercial."
"Joseph is a talented advocate who is a strong presence in the courtroom."
"Joe impresses with his confidence, client care and intellect."
Miriam Foster handles a wide array of family work, both children and money based. Experienced at appearing in the higher courts, she routinely acts on finance disputes involving significant assets and parallel criminal proceedings.
"Miriam is a robust advocate. She is willing to go the extra mile for a client and her advice is always spot-on."
"She is excellent with clients and is refreshing to work with. As well as being a joy to instruct, Miriam is simply brilliant at what she does."
"She is thorough, detailed, practical and incredibly hands on."
"Miriam has great strategic vision and is excellent with clients. She also finds time in her busy schedule to answer queries as a matter progresses."
Nicholas Chapman is a considerably experienced practitioner who tackles contested divorce proceedings concerning high net worth individuals. He additionally sits as a deputy district judge on the Western Circuit. Chapman earns praise for his ability to digest complex numerical information.
"Nicholas Chapman is very helpful and experienced. He really fights the client's corner."
"A barrister with many years of experience who you can entirely put your faith in."