Family: Children

Nick Goodwin KC is a barrister with a caseload that includes public law children cases, in which he appears on behalf of parents, guardians and local authorities. His practice covers international leave to remove and serial sexual abuse matters, and he has experience with cases involving unusual religious aspects. He has further experience handling divorce proceedings and sits regularly as a deputy High Court judge.

"A lawyer with a brain the size of a planet. His documents are always detailed, but he doesn't waste any words."

"He has real authority in court."

"Nick Goodwin is a really brilliant leader."

John Vater KC is a public law specialist known for his expertise in medical cases containing extensive expert evidence. Vater is particularly proficient in cases involving non-accidental injury to young children.

"A Rolls-Royce silk who will never let you down whether in his preparation or his delivery. In court he's something to behold."

"Sagacious and highly experienced, he's a man with a highly forensic mind, who cuts through nonsense in cross-examination. He's an extremely able advocate."

Edward Bennett is a well-reputed junior with experience beyond his call of international children law cases, including those concerning jurisdictional disputes and abductions. His practice has taken him to the High Court and Court of Appeal. Sources are quick to highlight his impressive intellect and expertise.

"Edward has a razor-sharp knowledge of the law. He never gets ruffled and is very adept at putting clients at ease."

"A delight to instruct. Solicitors and clients alike adore him and he commands the respect of the court and his every opponent."

"He's a trusted voice, who's superb both on paper and in court."

Edward Devereux KC is a leading expert in the international movement of children, particularly through abduction. He has been involved in landmark cases that have shaped the country's laws and appeared in the most complex cases in the Court of Appeal and the ECJ. Devereux has particular expertise in child abduction matters which attract significant media attention.

"Edward Devereux is a true specialist in international family law who has an excellent depth of knowledge and almost unparalleled experience."

"Edward Devereux knows the law, the courts and the judges backwards. He produces masterclasses of peerless advocacy and creates magic as an advocate in the courtroom."

"His demeanour and performances mark him out as an aristocrat of the Bar. He's a gentleman and the person to call for international work."

Fiona Hay is an experienced matrimonial finance practitioner who is particularly noted for her work in cases concerning pension complications. Her practice also boasts a strong international element, particularly as regards Part III proceedings. She has been a Recorder on the Midlands Circuit since 2009.

"Fiona is an exceptional barrister. She works supportively and collaboratively with those instructing her, and delivers crystal clear advice to clients in a very human way."

"Great with clients and someone who adopts a very sensible approach to cases. Her attention to detail is fantastic."

"She has an incredible ability to remain calm and articulate in the most difficult of cases and circumstances."

Called to the Bar in 1997, Jonathan Sampson KC has extensive family law experience under his belt. Sampson handles a wide range of cases including both public and private law children matters. His public law practice sees him handling matters relating to child death and serious abuse.

"A lawyer with a great brain, who's brilliant on his feet. Judges hang on his every word as he's a persuasive man who fills one full of confidence."

"A measured but forceful advocate, and a man with a very sharp mind. He is intellectually engaged at all times and particularly hot on cases with medical issues."

"A totally approachable barrister, who goes the extra mile."

Mehvish Chaudhry is a junior family barrister renowned for her expertise in international child movement, who regularly appears in the High Court. She possesses a wealth of knowledge of child abduction and leave to remove cases with jurisdictional complications.

"Mehvish works tirelessly hard for her clients and instructing solicitors alike, and her success speaks for itself. Bold and very bright, she gets fantastic results."

"Mehvish is a fantastic private law children and cross-border specialist. She is a great advocate, who is passionate about her cases."

"A particularly tenacious performer."

Rob George is a legal academic and barrister who is recognised for his particular expertise in international family law issues, such as child abduction and relocation, as well as jurisdiction disputes. His work in children's cases has taken him to the Supreme Court.

"Professor Rob George is the definition of a legal expert. What he doesn't know about children law isn't worth knowing. He is phenomenally clever and a skilled advocate."

"Rob is exceptionally bright and has a wonderful client manner. He acts in cutting edge landmark cases and is a delight to instruct."

"Rob George is a thoughtful man with a high level of intellect. He is great if you want to bring a fresh pair of eyes to a case."

Ruth Cabeza is a highly regarded children law barrister sought out for her expertise in international children law cases including those relating to adoption, surrogacy and abduction. Other matters handled include those with multi-jurisdictional elements. She is proficient in cases involving vulnerable clients.

"Ruth Cabeza's passion for family justice underpins all of her work. Fearlessly committed to her instructing solicitors and clients, she works tirelessly to achieve the right outcome."

"Ruth is mesmerising and able to present a narrative to the judge which is beneficial to the client. She has the confidence of all who instruct her and her written work is amazing."

"Ruth Cabeza is a powerful advocate who has huge amounts of gravitas."

Emily Rayner is very experienced family law practitioner. She is very well versed in matters involving allegations of abuse, deprivation of liberty and child abduction. Rayner has impressive in-depth knowledge of cases with multi jurisdictional elements.

"Emily provides excellent advice, great client care and is a strong and impressive advocate."

"Emily always has an excellent grasp of the details of a case while remaining extremely solution focussed. She always has an eye on the end goal and is commercial in her case strategy."

"She is increasingly well known for her international work. She is great with clients, impressive and inspires full confidence but still approachable."

Jason Green regularly appears in high-profile complex cases, appearing at all levels of tribunal up to the Court of Appeal. He has particular expertise in acting in international summary returns and stranded spouse claims. He is also a qualified children arbitrator.

"Charismatic and engaging in court, and a calm and practical presence in conference."

"Jason is a formidable barrister, who is charming and straight to the point. He is well liked by counsel and judges alike, and is able to easily understand the most complex of cases."

"A calm and determined advocate."

Natasha Miller is an up and coming barrister adept at handling both public and private law children cases. She is very much at home in all levels of the family courts and assists clients in matters regarding allegations of abuse and parental alienation, among others. She is also well regarded for her work in financial remedy proceedings.

"Natasha has a great manner with clients and is able to put them at ease in difficult circumstances. She is a confident advocate, who isn't afraid to tackle complex applications."

"Natasha's legal knowledge is encyclopaedic and her written work is superb. She exhibits a maturity and confidence in her advocacy that is usually only found in barristers far beyond her year of call."

"Always meticulously prepared, Natasha is very well liked and trusted by clients. She is committed to her cases and a pleasure to work with."

"Clients adore her empathetic, pragmatic and expert bedside manner."