Chambers' renowned Family Team is now some 30 members strong. As well as having two Silks, four of the team sit as Recorders, two as Deputy District Judges and Frances Oldham QC sits as a Deputy High Court Judge in care proceedings. The team is further strengthened by the expertise of many members in associated areas, e.g. Judicial Review, Human Rights Acts applications, Local Authority law, bankruptcy, crime and commercial law. 

As we are a London-based set with a strong Midland Circuit history and presence we routinely work throughout London, the South-East and the Midlands. Our unrivalled experience and expertise sees members instructed in the more complicated cases nationwide. Members of the team will travel wherever necessary and will conduct conferences at solicitors’ offices when this is more convenient. We can provide representation at all levels and in all Courts. We pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable manner. 

** NEWSFLASH: Court of Protection Team.  Due to our strong and growing presence in Court of Protection cases, Chambers has formed a discrete Court of Protection Team. We will provide expert representation and advice in all potential and actual Court of Protection cases and to all parties, including Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. As we recognise that it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with quickly expanding legal topics, we provide training in respect of the Court of Protection and the Mental Capacity Act to Local Authorities and to firms of Solicitors. For further details, please enquire with the clerks.   END OF NEWSFLASH **

We continue to accept graduated fee work, believing strongly that everyone is entitled to full and expert representation. A number of members accept instructions under the Bar Council’s public access rules (see the Public Access section of the website). 

We have a very strong presence in Care and Adoption cases. We are currently instructed across the board receiving regular instruction on behalf of Local Authorities, parents and Children's Guardians. 

We excel in all other family cases involving children, including Private Law cases and Child Abduction.

We have a strong and thriving number of members dealing with complex Ancillary Relief and other Financial applications. 

We provide expert advice and representation in all other areas of family law, including Domestic Violence and Divorce. 

The Team is supportive of and allied to Chambers Agricultural Practice and Local Authority Groups. We also have a strong association with Chamber’s Public Law Team and can provide expert advice and representation in prospective or actual Judicial Review claims with reference to any of the many issues arising in Family Law.

As a team we hold regular meetings with emphasis on shared experience and in-house training. We also provide updating for our regular solicitors through our quarterly newsletter and lectures (in-house by arrangement). Several Members are regular speakers for Jordans and Central Law Training and two are nominated advocacy trainers for their Inns. The team and those instructing us are supported by the senior clerk and two dedicated family clerks and a third junior clerk.

Members of the Family team contribute to the quarterly newsletter with commentary on current issues of practice and procedure arising from recent cases. Click here for the most recent publication.