Family/Matrimonial
UK Bar Guide 2025 : South Eastern (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
01865 791 559Chambers Review
Harcourt Chambers is a standout set with operations in London and Oxford, which has long held sway as the leader on the South Eastern Circuit for an array of family and matrimonial cases. Its pre-eminent members are instructed in all aspects of family law, being able to tackle everything from high net worth financial remedy issues to complex care and adoption proceedings, as well as cases involving serious criminal charges. A source comments: "Harcourt has a very good team of formidable advocates." Another adds: "It is an excellent set of barristers who would be my first point of call for any hearing but especially the complex ones."
Simon Boutwood is the chambers director.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Laurie Amron, practice manager, and Matthew Molloy, senior clerk, are very responsive and friendly."
"The clerks are super-responsive and you get the feeling they really work hard to find the right person for your case."
"The clerks are simply fantastic. Clear, reliable and approachable."
"The clerks (and, in particular, Matthew Molloy) take great care to be clear as to their charges and estimates so that the client can be well informed."
"A delightful, very courteous, professional and proactive set of clerks."
"Laurie Amron, practice manager, and Matthew Molloy, senior clerk, are very responsive and friendly."
"The clerks are super-responsive and you get the feeling they really work hard to find the right person for your case."
"The clerks are simply fantastic. Clear, reliable and approachable."
"The clerks (and, in particular, Matthew Molloy) take great care to be clear as to their charges and estimates so that the client can be well informed."
"A delightful, very courteous, professional and proactive set of clerks."
Notable Practitioners
Aidan Vine KC is a distinguished advocate who is experienced in matrimonial finance and children cases, including many with international complexities. He has appeared with regularity in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and also lectures and publishes on family law matters. He often handles care proceedings, including those involving abuse and neglect.
"Aidan has all the law at his fingertips and can explain it in a very understandable way."
Douglas Allen is a junior with extensive experience in a broad array of family law matters. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to handle complex divorce proceedings and financial remedy work.
"Douglas is superb. I have no hesitation in handing him the most complex of matters."
"Douglas is calm under pressure and robust in his advice and remains sensitive to the emotional aspect of litigation."
Fiona Hay is a senior junior who is esteemed for her expertise in financial relief and particularly sought after for her knowledge of cases involving shareholdings and pensions. She has published a popular handbook on the subject. In addition to appearing as an advocate, she sits as a deputy High Court judge and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
"Fiona is a consummate professional. Her advice is sound and to the point, which solicitors and clients really value."
"Fiona is an excellent advocate. She gives very clear advice, is very user-friendly and has a great bedside manner."
"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."
Jane Campbell is widely respected for her expertise in financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. She has also been appointed to sit as a deputy district judge. She attracts a broad range of clients, including high net worth and high-profile individuals. She regularly handles proceedings involving inherited wealth and overseas assets.
"Jane has really sound judgement and vast knowledge of the law."
"Jane is a steady and calming presence for clients, who often remark on her empathy and compassion. Her case preparation is also second to none."
"Jane's experience and knowledge shines through. Judges really listen to her."
Jonathan Sampson KC is a distinguished advocate who maintains a vibrant public and private family law practice, which includes cases relating to children and vulnerable adults – for example, international relocation cases and care proceedings involving domestic and sexual abuse allegations. He undertakes a significant volume of appellate advocacy and has appeared in the Court of Appeal on numerous occasions.
"Jonathan Sampson's memory and ability to grasp facts and figures is exceptional."
"Jonathan Sampson is very respectful in his submissions but very meticulous as to the law."
Damian Garrido KC is a notable silk who offers expertise in the whole gamut of family law, including complex children cases. He is particularly active in international children law. He has additional experience acting as a private financial dispute resolution judge.
"Damian Garrido is hugely experienced; he's got a manner and a gravitas that makes him rather unique. He is a team player and is very calm but can get control of the courtroom, too."
"Damian Garrido is brilliant. He just has the most confident and reassuring manner and he has amazing instincts."
Louise Potter is noted for her ability to resolve high-value financial disputes through both litigation and out-of-court negotiation. She offers particular experience in cases involving pensions and business assets.
"Louise is an excellent advocate."
"I happily recommend Louise for any complex matter. She is extremely good with instructing solicitors and clients always feel safe in her hands."
"I absolutely have the upmost respect for Louise – she is absolutely amazing, kind, prepared, approachable and exceptionally bright."
Emily Rayner has a notable matrimonial finance practice complemented by additional strength in cross-border children matters. Her work includes representing parties in divorce proceedings where multimillion-pound businesses and high-value properties are at stake. In addition, Rayner has in-depth experience of care proceedings and matters involving international elements.
"Emily is very diligent and very good with clients. She also sits as a deputy district judge, which gives her a great perspective."
Suzanne Syme has an impressive practice handling high-value matrimonial finance cases. She has notable experience in financial remedy cases involving pensions, business assets, and trusts. Syme also has significant expertise in cross-jurisdictional matters.
"Suzanne is just the complete package and has wonderful client care skills."
"Suzanne is the perfect combination of a top legal brain, an empathetic demeanour and a commercially savvy adviser."