Community Care
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7993 7600Chambers Review
The barristers at Garden Court Chambers are experienced in a wide range of community care matters, drawing on the set's recognised strengths in complementary areas such as public law, human rights, immigration and social housing. Members are highly adept at handling cases involving the closure of care homes and hospitals, needs assessments and the funding of community services. Disputes between social services authorities are also a key area of focus for the set. The barristers often appear before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, as well as the ECtHR. Acting for claimants in judicial reviews has been a particularly fruitful area of work for Garden Court this year. A recent example is R (on the application of Jamal Mbarak) v Milton Keynes, an application for judicial review concerning accommodation for a minor on release from a young offenders institute. An interviewee comments: "Garden Court Chambers is very adept at handling a complex case."
Colin Cook is the director of clerking.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerking team is highly responsive to enquiries."
"The clerking team is highly responsive to enquiries."
Notable Practitioners
Bethan Harris is well placed to handle a range of community care matters. She is particularly strong in cases that concern the housing needs of people with disabilities. Along with others at her set, she produces the Community Care Law Reports and delivers training and conferences related to the area.
"Bethan is very responsive, her understanding of the issues is amazing and she is sensitive to the client's needs. She is friendly, but direct at times, which you need when you need a quick answer."
Amanda Weston KC has a broad community care practice where she represents both vulnerable children and adults. She frequently handles cases related to asylum support and welfare benefits.
"Amanda's pleadings are of a very high standard and her oral advocacy is very powerful. She is really good at understanding different bits of jigsaw fit together and finding practical solutions."
Connor Johnston is recognised for his expertise in the intersection of housing and community care, particularly when acting on behalf of asylum seekers. He is also regularly sought out by charity organisations in strategic challenges to government policy. He returns to practice in early 2025 having been on sabbatical with the Law Commission.
"Connor is very thorough, drafts very quickly and is good at advising on tactics."
Gráinne Mellon focuses her community care practice on matters concerning the care and accommodation for children and young people. She is also well experienced handling cases related to age assessments and asylum support.
"Gráinne is a practical barrister who is great to work with."
Tessa Buchanan is a respected barrister noted for her expert representation of vulnerable adults and children in complex matters. She is particularly experienced in cases related to housing and accommodation of homeless children.
"Tessa is brilliant. Her written work is exceptional and she is very organised."
Timothy Baldwin has a busy practice in challenges to the provision of care for those with a variety of needs. He frequently represents claimants in cases concerning asylum support accommodation, mental health or SEN support, and other matters.
"Timothy is very good at dealing with lots of paper thrown at him. He has a lot of time for complex cases and can boil matters down to what is necessary."
Ollie Persey is a well-regarded up and coming barrister with a wide-ranging community care practice. His has grown his expertise through high stakes and sensitive cases involving asylum support issues, health matters, safeguarding and welfare benefits, among many more matters.
"Ollie is pleasant to deal with, very bright and has produced good work."
"Ollie is junior but far ahead of his years of call. He is very client focused and committed to getting great outcomes."