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Family: Children And Domestic Violence

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St John’s Buildings
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18 St John Street Chambers
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Deans Court Chambers
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7 Harrington Street
9 St John Street
Cobden House Chambers
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Atlantic Chambers
Central Chambers
Kenworthy’s Chambers

Leading Silks

Kate Burnell KC – St John’s Buildings 'Kate's communication on cases is excellent, and she is always available to assist with queries, offer advice, and arrange conferences to discuss developments. She provides robust advice with clear paths forward, and her composed and measured approach to cross-examination is second-to-none.'
Lorraine Cavanagh KC – St John’s Buildings 'Lorraine's finger-tip knowledge of the law is envied by many and her written work is exceptional. A fearless opponent who tackles the seemingly unwinnable, often with surprising results.'
Julia Cheetham KC – Deans Court Chambers
Susan Grocott KC – Deans Court Chambers
Frances Heaton KC – St John’s Buildings ‘Frances is approachable above anything else, as well as friendly, helpful, and deals with her work with compassion and humour, which is very welcome. She responds quickly to difficult situations which arise in complex cases and she is very clear in her advice.’
Karl Rowley KC – St John’s Buildings 'Karl combines intellectual acumen of the first order with beguiling advocacy, which has judges, witnesses, and opponents alike carried along to where he wants to take them. He is of that rare breed where you find yourself taking note of what he has said not just for the purposes of the case he is speaking about but to be able to use it yourself in other cases.'

2023 Silks

Michael Jones KC – Deans Court Chambers 'Michael has extensive knowledge of all aspects of children law and procedures. His ability to quickly grasp complex cases is exceptional, his advocacy is impressive, and it is a pleasure to watch and listen to him advocate on behalf of his clients.'
Shaun Spencer KC – St John’s Buildings ‘Shaun is a quality advocate and his in-depth knowledge of the facts of the case and of the relevant law are always exemplary. Alongside that is his ability to make our professional clients feel at ease and comfortable in his presence, and he is able to deliver his legal advice in simple terms such that clients often ask for him to be specifically instructed.’

Leading Juniors

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Joanne Barnett – 9 St John Street 'Joanne's ability to set her lay client at ease is outstanding. She is an experienced and tenacious advocate who communicates effectively with both professional and lay clients.'
Yvonne Healing – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Yvonne has extensive experience in representing a wide range of clients, lay and professional, in public law cases, and she is a calm and collected advocate and ably presents the client's case.'
Fiona Holloran – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Fiona is an excellent family lawyer and an outstanding advocate. She is robust and will always fight the client's case as appropriate.'
Sarah Kilvington – 9 St John Street 'Sarah is clear and empathetic with clients, who like and trust her. She expertly handles even the most difficult of cases, and she is a robust and highly persuasive advocate.'
Kalsoom Maqsood – 9 St John Street 'Kalsoom is an extremely impressive barrister and an excellent advocate who is always thoroughly prepared and her experience and expertise means clients feel well represented. Her approach to representing clients means clients feel they have had a fair hearing, whatever the outcome of the case.'
Margaret Parr – 7 Harrington Street ‘Margaret is just wonderful with clients, as she offers empathy and is a fierce advocate. She is a natural advocate and presents as extremely confident and knowledgeable.’
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Rehana Begum – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Rehana is superb and always on top of her brief. She is a robust and a fair advocate.'
Samantha Birtles – 18 St John Street Chambers ‘Samantha is a go-to in difficult care proceedings. She is always very impressive, thoroughly prepared, and a very persuasive advocate who goes the extra mile for the client and builds an excellent rapport with them.’
Kate Bramall – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Kate has excellent advocacy skills and is very able to put a client at ease. Feedback for her during and following hearings is excellent.'
Leonie Caplan – 18 St John Street Chambers ‘Leonie is approachable, empathetic with clients, and gives careful advice about the prospects of the case, pursuing contested cases where instructed.’
Kate Donohue –18 St John Street Chambers
Lisa Edmunds – Unit Chambers ‘Lisa is very strategic, she leaves no stone unturned, and she ensures clients are represented fairly, bearing in mind each client's individual needs. Her advocacy is best described as fearless, she is tenacious in cross-examination, and she is calm.’
Julie Forsyth – Exchange Chambers 'Julie has a wealth of knowledge that is second-to-none and she has a great understanding and empathy with clients. She is a formidable advocate and known for her tenacity, she is extremely professional, she always presents compelling arguments, she is totally committed to her client, and she is compassionate and kind and understands the emotional challenges that clients face and provides them with the much needed support throughout the case that they need.'
Patrick Gilmore – Deans Court Chambers 'Patrick is an exceptionally gifted barrister, and he is clearly more than capable of handing the most complex of cases. What sets him apart from other barristers is his ability to adjust his advocacy style to the person he is giving evidence to.'
Emma Greenhalgh – 9 St John Street ‘Emma is an excellent advocate who is always well-prepared. She is thorough and robust, extremely well respected on the northern circuit, and she is regularly instructed in cases of the utmost gravity.’
Rebecca Gregg – Deans Court Chambers ‘Rebecca’s strength is being able to provide a digest of the issue in the law which is up-to-date, concise, and delivered in an approachable manner. Rebecca is razor-sharp in dealing with issues of complexity and urgency.’
Clare Grundy – St John’s Buildings ‘Clare is professional, approachable, able to tailor her advice dependant on who she is speaking with, and provides attendance notes and draft orders quickly following the hearing. She is very competent and has successfully advocated on cases involving vulnerable mothers, including immigration and housing issues.'
Christine Johnson – Atlantic Chambers
Sarah Johnson – Kenworthy’s Chambers 
Eleanor Keehan – St John’s Buildings 'Eleanor is a fantastic barrister, her advocacy and written work is clear, precise, and thorough, and she makes clients feel at ease, particularly professional clients like children's guardians, where the law is complex and can be quite intimidating. She is well respected on the circuit and a pleasure to work with.'
Pauline McHugh – St John’s Buildings ‘Pauline is absolutely formidable, and she is an outstanding barrister, incredibly bright, meticulously well prepared, and undoubtedly the one you want in your corner on any case. She is regularly instructed in complex cases and is a superb advocate.’
Nazmun Nisha Ismail – Central Chambers ‘Nazmun is an exceptional barrister and she is bright, exceptionally well-prepared, personable, and a superb advocate. She is extremely well-respected and fantastic at what she does, she is a sought after barrister for professional and lay clients, and a go-to in difficult cases.’
Peter Rothery – Deans Court Chambers 'Peter's advocacy is persuasive and compelling, reflecting both his intellect and his forensic attention to detail. He always has a full grasp of his case, and is particularly skillful in his dealings with clients - not only professional clients, but also lay clients who, by the nature of public law proceedings, are dealing with one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives, and who are often struggling too with their own personal difficulties.'
Anna Warters – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Anna is an amazing advocate who is honest and amazing with clients who respect her. She also presents cases in a way that gets brilliant results for everyone, working well with the solicitor who instructs her so it is a real team effort to get what is best for the client.'
Sasha Watkinson – Deans Court Chambers 'Sasha is an extremely experienced advocate who only has strengths. She is excellent with client care and very knowledgeable on family law, and she is able to explain complex family law terminology to clients in a simple way that they can understand.'
Paul Wright – 7 Harrington Street ‘Paul is a thorough advocate who undertakes significant preparation. He deals particularly well with clients who have suffered trauma or abuse, he is calm and empathetic, and clients immediately warm to him and trust him.’
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Farah Ahmed – 18 St John Street Chambers ‘Farah has an excellent manner with lay clients, particularly those who are vulnerable or have difficulty in understanding. Farah is calm, patient, and approachable.’
Danish Ameen – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Danish is passionate about his cases, looks after his clients, and is empathetic in his approach while delivering robust advice. He is confident in handling complex children cases, and he has strong technical knowledge in bundling application and electronic working.'
Rachael Banks – St John’s Buildings
Kirstin Beswick – Central Chambers 'Kirstin's quality is in her approach to clients, which is detailed and thoughtful. She has an excellent ability to provide an overview of a case, which enables her to be constructive and pragmatic, giving sensible advice which is grounded in the realities of a difficult situation.'
Michelle Burley – St John’s Buildings ‘A brilliant all-rounder, Michelle is strong with both children and finance cases, she works incredibly hard, and her preparation is immaculate. She knows cases inside out, and she is brilliant with clients and a delight to instruct.’
Archna Dawar – St John’s Buildings
Christian Durham Hall – 15 Winckley Square
Lucinda France-Hayhurst – St John’s Buildings
Megan Gilchrist – 7 Harrington Street ‘Megan is a very efficient, calming, and measured barrister. She is very organised and supportive to work alongside, and she gets orders to you in record speed.’
Suzanne Hargreaves – Cobden House Chambers 'Suzanne is tenacious and well prepared for each case in which she is instructed. She establishes a good rapport with the client, she goes into great detail when considering the evidence, in particular medical or scientific evidence, and she is quick to identify weaknesses in the evidence presented by local authorities when she represents parents in care proceedings and has been able to turn around apparently hopeless cases.'
Kathryn Hughes – Exchange Chambers
Deanna Hymanson  – Cobden House Chambers 'Deanna is deeply empathetic, she listens carefully to the client, and pays close attention to to the instructions provided. She is a skilled and robust advocate and is astute enough to foresee possible glitches ahead and plan accordingly.'
Natasha Johnson – 7 Harrington Street 'Natasha is exceptional. She is a complete all rounder, her academic knowledge is beyond most, and her ability to deliver that knowledge and think on her feet as an advocate is exemplary.'
Paul Im Thurn – Kenworthy’s Chambers 'Paul deals with his cases very effectively. He is very knowledgeable and always goes the extra mile.'
Alex Walker – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Alex is strong technically and does not give up when pursuing his client's case. He is fearless in his approach.'
Ginny Whiteley – St John’s Buildings
Hannah Wood – St John’s Buildings 
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Esther Agamemnon – Cobden House Chambers 'Esther is an assertive and persuasive advocate who strives to achieve the best outcome for her clients. She is empathetic and provides clear advice to clients.'
Fergal Allen – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Fergal has an excellent manner with clients and displays an ability to explain complex legal concepts in an accessible way. He is a popular and respected advocate who knows his tribunals, leading to impressive outcomes.'
Callum Brook – St John’s Buildings ‘Callum is fantastic, intelligent, well-prepared, and unflappable. He is a go-to in complicated cases, he has extensive knowledge in High Court proceedings, and his advocacy is excellent.’
Matthew Carey – St John’s Buildings ‘Matthew is a very trusted, capable pair of hands to leave your case in. He is extremely professional and competent, his advocacy skills have been observed to be excellent, and he builds a good rapport with clients, particularly vulnerable clients.'
Sarah Cook – Kenworthy’s Chambers ‘Sarah is very strong in advocacy with skilled communication, including with professional clients. Her ability to communicate well with litigants in person and manage that communication appropriately is impressive.'
Rebecca Costello - 18 St John Street Chambers
Alexandra Cracknell – 7 Harrington Street ‘Alexandra is an excellent advocate who will fight for the client’s best interests with real commitment. She goes above and beyond to ensure the best case is put before the court, providing support and advice where needed, and her advocacy skills are outstanding.’
Julie Ann Doyle – Cobden House Chambers ‘Julie is a strong, diligent advocate who has an in-depth working knowledge of family law and is able to provide clear and concise advice to clients. She is persuasive both outside and inside court, and she is a skilled and knowledgeable negotiator.’
Carl Gorton – Atlantic Chambers 'Carl is an exceptional advocate. He is confident and very knowledgeable, he provides clear and concise advice, and he manages clients' expectations well.'
Kerry Holt – St John’s Buildings ‘Kerry is among the most well-rounded and complete advocates on the circuit. She combines all of the best attributes required, her written work and communication is of outstanding quality, she is always meticulously prepared, and her knowledge of the law is unquestionable.’
Jonathan Mark Jackson – 18 St John Street Chambers 'Jonathan is thorough and meticulous in his preparation and is instructed to represent a wide range of clients, including local authorities, parents, and children. He is reliable and skilled in his cross-examination.'
Joseph Lynch – Central Chambers ‘Joseph’s most effective quality is his ability to be direct and reduce overly complex matters to key and specific issues. He is very efficient, accurate, and decisive, and his advocacy style is clear and focused.’
David Maddison  – Cobden House Chambers 'Clients have found David to be very easy to talk to and have been very happy with his representation of them. He listens to their concerns and puts these across to the court appropriately, and he is very thorough in his preparation and always ensures he has a good understanding of the case.'
Clodagh Maguire – St John’s Buildings 'Clodagh goes over and above in terms of drafting and advice. She prioritises her matters and has in-depth knowledge of the proceedings.'
Ian McArdle – Atlantic Chambers 'Ian is a highly skilled, diligent, confident, and analytical barrister. His cross-examination skills are exceptional, he is calm and focussed, and he is reassuring to clients.'
Hannah Phoenix – 18 St John Street Chambers ‘Hannah’s client care is exceptional, and her delivery both during conference and in advocacy is thorough and considered, but direct and robust. Hannah has repeatedly received great feedback from clients who have greatly appreciated her no-nonsense and pragmatic approach.’
Gemma Thomas  – 7 Harrington Street
Rachael Wake   – 7 Harrington Street 'Rachael is always well prepared. She is an efficient and excellent advocate.'
Sarah Watters – 7 Harrington Street ‘Sarah is an excellent barrister and is fantastic at managing professional clients, ensuring she offers robust advice, but in a very supportive manner. She is an exceptionally gifted advocate who is always well prepared and focused.’

Rising Stars

Chloë Booth – 15 Winckley Square
Helen Crowell – St John’s Buildings ‘Helen has a measured calm to her advocacy, not often seen in practitioners of her level of call. She is phenomenally bright, yet particularly approachable and engaging.’
Daniel Currie – St John’s Buildings 'Daniel is a first choice of counsel, particularly in complex private law children matters. He is an exceptional barrister; pragmatic and professional, while possessing an approachable and sympathetic manner with clients that puts them at ease.'
Liam Kelly – Deans Court Chambers ‘Liam is an excellent advocate who can build an instant rapport with clients.’
Emily Landale – 9 St John Street 'Emily excels in her knowledge of the law and is always able to draw on the relevant case law at the drop of a hat. She is also kind, sympathetic, and compassionate, which allows her to communicate effectively with clients in order to impart her legal advice.'
Daniel Reilly – Atlantic Chambers 'Daniel is a talented advocate who is tenacious in the face of opposition and will argue a point in line with instructions while exhibiting respect to the court so as to engage the tribunal. He is exceptional with clients, regularly receiving positive feedback and praise, he demonstrates empathy but delivers advice that is sometimes difficult to hear in a sensitive way, and his strength is in his advocacy and his presentation of an argument with conviction and persuasion.'

Family: children and domestic abuse in Regional Bar

St John's Buildings


St John’s Buildings‘ family law members appear before all levels of court, including the Family Division of the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The set is home to a number of silks, including Frances Heaton KC, who is well-equipped to handle complex public law children proceedings, especially those involving serious and fatal injuries, alleged familial involvement in organised crime, and allegations of fabricated illness. Lorraine Cavanagh KC has a particular interest in complex brain injury cases, and she represented the parents in a Court of Appeal case that established the correct legal test for a risk of harm requiring a proven factual foundation. Karl Rowley KC is skilled in cases that require complex medical evidence, including child death and purported poisoning. Shaun Spencer KC often appears before the High Court in cases arising from child deaths and sexual abuse allegations. Kate Burnell KC has expertise in the detention of children and deprivation of liberty. Among the juniors, Clare Grundy represents children, parents, and family members, as well as guardians and local authorities, and Eleanor Keehan has substantial experience in handling matters involving parents who may lack capacity.

Les références

‘The clerks are excellent. They are personable, helpful, and they bend over backwards to secure the KC or counsel you want. Dan Johnson is absolutely fantastic. He is extremely well organised.’

‘Some excellent clerks who are accommodating, and these include Gail Curran and Dan Johnson.’

‘The clerks are fantastic and will do everything they can to find a solution, often at very short notice. Mark Robinson is particularly approachable.’

Principaux dossiers














18 St John Street Chambers


The members of 18 St John Street Chambers frequently represent children, parents, and local authorities in high-profile cases and those concerning novel points of law, especially cases arising from allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse and fatal injuries, deprivation of liberty, factitious illness, and parental alienation. Yvonne Healing has particular expertise in complex care proceedings and often conducts hearings at the High Court, as does Leonie Caplan, who is head of the family team. Fiona Holloran practices exclusively in family law and her work encompasses the entirety of both public and private law applications. She is especially skilled in cases surrounding historic sexual abuse and those with an international element. Kate Bramall predominately handles public law proceedings, and has significant expertise in cases regarding unexplained injuries to children. Similarly, Alex Walker is skilled in representing clients involved in physical abuse cases. Anna Warters has an interest in mental health law and has significant experience in acting for vulnerable clients, especially in cases regarding capacity issues.

Les références

‘Camille Scott, Garrick Brown, and Vaughn John are impressive with their speed of response to enquiries and client care.’

‘Fantastic service from the clerks, in particular Camille Scott, Garrick Brown, and Vaughn John.’

‘The clerking team are extremely efficient and helpful and go above and beyond to ensure availability of counsel, including in emergency cases listed at very short notice or out of hours; this particularly applies to Camille Scott, Vaughn John, and Garrick Brown.’

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Cobden House Chambers


Cobden House Chambers is home to a number of children law barristers, including head of the practice group David Maddison, who practices exclusively in family law matters, and Suzanne Hargreaves, who has appeared before the High Court in a number of family law proceedings. Esther Agamemnon‘s practice includes representation in cases involving allegations of serious injury, fabricated illness, sexual abuse, and deprivation of liberty. Julie Ann Doyle and Deanna Hymanson practice in both public and private law matters.

Les références

‘Christina Crook and Mitch Bibby’s strengths include recalling the cases held with chambers in more depth than simply knowing the name of the client; they are able to recall which counsel is involved and the kind of case being dealt with.’

‘The clerks are always welcoming and helpful and will use their best endeavours to find someone available to assist. They are also all very approachable. Mitch Bibby and Christina Crook are always prompt to reply to any enquiry.’

‘Christina Crook and Mitch Bibby both strive to provide exemplary service. They are always welcoming and helpful and will use their best endeavours to find someone available to assist. They are also all very approachable.’





Deans Court Chambers


The members of the family law group at Deans Court Chambers have strong capabilities in both public and private children law proceedings. At the silk level, Michael Jones KC possesses expertise in international and jurisdictional issues, as well as complicated medical issues, fictitious illnesses, and radicalisation. Among the juniors, Patrick Gilmore is notable for his work in complex care proceedings regarding physical abuse of and fatal injuries to children. Rebecca Gregg solely handles children law cases and frequently represents parents and guardians in complex private law proceedings. Gregg is also active in public law matters, handling cases involving child deaths as well as allegations of sexual abuse, and neglect. Sasha Watkinson represents local authorities, parents, and children in care proceedings surrounding allegations of physical and sexual abuse, and Peter Rothery often appears in the High Court, with expertise in handling death and serious injury to children. Another key name is Liam Kelly, who is a dual tenant with 5 St Andrews Hill in London.

Les références

‘The service is excellent. Louise McCarty and Andy Flannigan are approachable and always happy to assist.’

‘Louise McCarty is nothing short of amazing. She goes the extra mile and beyond to assist. Louise is efficient, approachable, and a delight to deal with.’

‘The clerks are always very efficient and respond swiftly to any queries, especially Andy Flannigan and Louise McCarty.’





7 Harrington Street


7 Harrington Street includes members adept at handling all varieties of public and private children law cases, especially those involving adoption and care proceedings, child abduction, and cohabitation issues. Having appeared before the Court of Appeal and the High Court, Margaret Parr boasts significant expertise in representing children, parents, and local authorities - shespecialises in complex cases of sexual and physical abuse, as well as deprivation of liberty. Paul Wright is another key name, and is often instructed by parents, children, and other family members in public law proceedings. Sarah Watters has strong capabilities in handling allegations of sexual and physical abuse, while forced marriages and neglect-related cases are an area of focus for Natasha Johnson.

Les références

‘The clerks are incredibly helpful. Carolyn Cregeen is consistently polite and accommodating, assisting wherever possible.’

‘All the clerks are helpful, and the work has recently been reorganised which has improved the service provided. Carolyn Cregeen, Laura Jones, Jenny Mogan, and Neil McHugh look after clients very well.’

‘John Kilgallon is an excellent head clerk. Laura Jones is efficient and will do all that she can to help. Neil McHugh is very efficient and monitors the court diary closely to assist.’

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9 St John Street


9 St John Street is well-equipped to handle a range of cases, from contested adoption, physical and sexual abuse, and deprivation of liberty, to factitious illnesses, parental alienation, and the relocation of children. The set is home to Emma Greenhalgh, who primarily focuses on public law children proceedings, regularly acting for local authorities, parents, and grandparents. Kalsoom Maqsood also specialises in public law proceedings, with extensive expertise in handling cases arising from fatal and catastrophic injuries to children. Family law specialist Sarah Kilvington is highly skilled in cases regarding fabricated and induced illness of children. On the private law side, she has substantial experience in cases concerning removal from the jurisdiction to non-Hague Convention countries and alleged parent alienation.

Les références

‘The clerks are very experienced, helpful, and skilled in their work. Ped McKinstry and Jake Speed are both highly efficient and helpful and go the extra mile.’

‘Fantastic and efficient service. Austin Brock-Clements in particular is always friendly and approachable, as well as extremely efficient.’

‘The clerks do a good job and are helpful.’

Principaux dossiers














Atlantic Chambers


The members at Atlantic Chambers are regularly instructed in both public and private law matters. The set is home to Christine Johnson, who contributes experience from a previous career as a midwife, and Daniel Reilly, who is skilled in acting in complex cases for parents and children regarding physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Ian McArdle handles all aspects of children law and domestic abuse law, and Carl Gorton is another key name in the team.

Les références

‘Support staff are helpful, friendly, and efficient. Headed by Lee Cadwallader, the team are all approachable, knowledgeable, and often go out of their way to assist. The service is first class and chambers operate as a team, which results in an instructing solicitor having confidence in the set.’

‘Stacey Brown and Natalie Wolfe are both incredibly helpful and very responsive.’

‘The family clerks are incredibly helpful. Lee Cadawallader and Natalie Wolfe are always on hand to support instructing solicitors. They are skilled in identifying appropriate counsel, managing diaries to provide urgent cover, and liaising well with counsel.’





Central Chambers


Joseph Lynch leads the family law team at Central Chambers, which is also home to Kirstin Beswick, who predominately acts in public law cases, representing local authorities, parents, children, and interveners. Nazmun Nisha Ismail handles both public and private law mandates, and is often instructed on cases arising from serious allegations of abuse; her cases can also involve cross-jurisdictional elements.

Les références

‘The clerks are fantastic, going above and beyond to secure counsel for you, even in emergencies. The team are helpful, friendly, and approachable.’

‘The family clerks are very pleasant and work extremely hard. You never need to correct, change, or challenge as their work is perfect.’

‘The chambers are very helpful at dealing with scheduling issues.’





Kenworthy's Chambers


The family law team at Kenworthy’s Chambers boasts extensive expertise in representing parents and local authorities in care proceedings. Sarah Johnson is well equipped to handle both private and public children law proceedings, with experience in applications for residence, contact, parental responsibility, and adoption. The set is also home to Paul Im Thurn and Sarah Cook, who are both active in the area of children law.

Les références

‘The clerks are always helpful and provide a prompt service. Daniella Howarth knows which counsel to suggest for a particular case.’

‘The clerk’s room is excellent. Daniella Howarth is very helpful and comes back to us quickly regarding availability.’

‘Counsel from Kenworthy’s are all helpful and well prepared. There is a range of counsel depending on the type of case required. They do not counsel once booked for a matter and always keep one informed if there is likely to be an issue about availability. ‘