Family: Children

Christopher Poole handles the whole spectrum of children-related issues, from non-accidental injury to abuse, medical treatment and forced marriage cases. Christopher is joint head of chambers and is commended for his work on behalf of local authorities in serious matters. In addition, he has handled matters concerning sensitive cultural and religious differences.

"A highly experienced junior working at a KC level. He is a calming and erudite presence in court."

"Chris is an excellent barrister. I consult him on all of our most complex matters because of his knowledge, expertise, client care, advocacy skills and overall heft as a barrister."

"He provides truly the best representation for his clients."

Giles Bain, the co-head of chambers, focuses on complex public law children cases, representing parents, children and local authorities. His practice sees him engaged in serious matters, including those relating to sexual abuse and non-accidental injury.

"His calm, collected manner serves to neutralise the often fraught nature of family proceedings, but not at the cost of losing the momentum of the argument or the point being made."

"Very measured in his advice and someone who deals with really difficult litigants in person beautifully."

Sam Wallace is an experienced junior noted for his expert handling of complex children law cases involving serious non-accidental injuries. He is regularly instructed in matters concerning forced marriage, FGM, child death, fictitious illness and allegations of abuse. His varied client list includes children, parents and local authorities.

"Sam is calm, precise, erudite and always focused on getting the best result for the client."

"Sam is always trusted by clients."

Andrew Shaw is noted for his expert representation of parents, children and local authorities in a wide range of public and private law children cases. He is highly experienced in handling matters involving complex medical and psychological evidence, and is regularly instructed in non-accidental injury cases.

"Andrew is a formidable advocate, who has excellent legal knowledge."

"He provides a great level of service."

Kyri Lefteri is a specialist children lawyer who appears at all levels of tribunal up to the Court of Appeal. He represents local authorities, parents, guardians, children and other family members, and further handles private law and abduction proceedings, some of which are international in scope.

"A highly skilled Children Act litigator able to manage complex cases and ensure that clients feel involved at every step."

"Kyri is a rock-solid performer. Ever well prepared and business-like, he is strong on the law and well respected by clients and opponents."

"He is a meticulous and really formidable advocate, who always has his client's best interests at heart."

Sarah Nuttall undertakes complex public law cases concerning allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, and factitious illness. She regularly handles matters involving highly vulnerable parties and cases with an international element.

"Sarah goes above and beyond when tackling cases. She thinks of points others may not always pick up on, which then prove essential in achieving the right outcome. She is a pleasure to work with."

"Always approachable and has excellent advocacy skills."

A former High Court judge’s clerk to two judges in the Family Division, Jemimah Hendrick is a practitioner who handles public and private law children proceedings. She appears for local authorities, parents and children's guardians.

"She is a powerhouse of an advocate who commands a room and secures the trust of judges, opponents and clients."

"She understands the issues - not just those directly related to the case, but also those on the periphery which may also have an impact and may not have been apparent to the court and other parties."

"She is particularly sensitive with vulnerable clients, and will strain to ensure they feel heard and represented."

Laura Harrington is a well-respected advocate with experience of handling some of the most sensitive types of public children work. She regularly appears in proceedings involving non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. She has advocated in the High Court and frequently acts on behalf of local authorities, as well as guardians and parents.

"Laura is passionate about her objectives and does not hesitate to go the extra ten miles to do the best for her clients. Her advice is sound, pragmatic and straightforward."

"Laura is an excellent advocate, who is very knowledgeable, extremely skilled and always well prepared."

"An experienced counsel, who is very good with clients."

Philippa Jenkins is an expert in public law children work who routinely appears on behalf of local authorities, guardians and children in the Family Court at all levels. She often acts on behalf of vulnerable clients in non-accidental injury cases among other sensitive matters. Jenkins also appears in private children proceedings.

"Philippa is an excellent advocate, who is extremely skilled and very knowledgeable."

"Philippa is experienced, good with clients, thorough, careful and calm."

"She is well prepared, hard-working and someone who provides excellent advice and client care."

Robert Wilkinson is a well regarded public law specialist. He is regularly called upon to handle cases involving serious allegations of abuse. He acts for a range of clients but has a particular focus representing children.

"He is a superb advocate, skilled at questioning, who is always thoroughly prepared and has excellent communication abilities."

"He knows his stuff and is not afraid to tell judges off when the occasion demands it."

Saiqa Chaudhry acts for local authorities, parents and children in public and private law matters. She is an expert in care proceedings, many of which involve complex medical issues, and regularly handles matters concerning accidental injury and cases of factitious illness. She also sits as a Deputy District Judge on the Midlands Circuit for civil and family law cases.

"A lawyer with excellent knowledge who provides very good representation."

"A nice, personable, calm advocate, who grasps the complexities of a case swiftly."

Sally Jackson covers the full range of family cases, from complex children proceedings to high-value divorce disputes. She often acts in disputes involving non-disclosure and complex business structures. Jackson also frequently handles such financial issues as Schedule 1 and TOLATA applications.

"A quietly brilliant advocate, who leaves silks trailing in her wake."

"Her judgment on cases - when to settle, and on what terms, and when to press on - is invariably wise and accurate."

"She goes the extra mile to ensure clients feel supported."

Sarah McMeechan Handles both public and private law children work, acting for local authorities, parents, children, family members and intervening parties. She regularly undertakes cases involving complex contact disputes, forced marriage, deprivation of liberty and injuries to children.

"She is a brilliant and amazing barrister to instruct for anything complex as her preparation and legal knowledge is fantastic."

"She works very hard on each and every one of her matters and gets great outcomes."

"Sarah is extremely helpful and puts one at ease. Her knowledge is impressive and she absolutely covers all bases."