We are delighted that 10 members of chambers have been included in Legal 500 2023. Additionally, we continue to be ranked as a set for our social housing law group (Tier 2).
Thank you to all our clients for your support during the year and particular thanks to everyone who gave feedback on our barristers.
Administrative and public law
Tier 1
Francis Hoar 'Strong analytical skills and understanding of relevant legislation cases and guidance which combines to produce strong clear advice written in a client friendly style.'
Children (including public and private law)
Tier 5
Ami Bartholomew ‘Ami is tremendously effective, always at the top of her game and able to distil an enormous amount of complex material into a manageable way. She is brilliant in complex domestic violence or abuse cases.’
Barry McAlinden ‘Barry has unique ability to remain focused in the most complex cases, can "jump in and jump out", and not lose his place. He has a terrific brain, is a fine advocate and can think several questions ahead on cross examination.’
Court of Protection and Community Care
Tier 5
Christine Cooper 'Christine is an exceptional barrister, both in terms of her legal knowledge and her advocacy skills. She is a robust advocate as well as a skilled negotiator. She is extremely experienced in COP work, and deals with some of the most difficult aspects of community care law, such as financial arrangements for social care.'
Elections
Tier 1
Family (including divorce and financial remedy)
Tier 4
Christopher Stirling ‘Christopher quickly gets to grips with a case and the salient facts. He gives pragmatic advice and easily builds confidence with a client. He is a clever advocate, building rapport with his opposite number whilst robustly representing his client.’
Inquests and inquiries
Tier 4
Nikolas Clarke ‘Patient with clients and takes time to explain complex issues in straightforward language.’
Local government (including rating law)
Tier 2
Genevieve Screeche-Powell ‘Very experienced and knowledgeable barrister with a real knack for finding the winning point.'
Tier 4
Media and entertainment
Tier 4
Social housing
Tier 2
Clare Cullen ‘Clare is an exceptionally talented barrister, who is comfortable handling all aspects of housing law. An intelligent barrister who demonstrates clarity of thought and provides pragmatic advice.'
Tier 3
Emma Godfrey ‘Emma’s opinions and advocacy skills are excellent. She is very helpful and approachable and will always go above and beyond to answer any queries.’
Tier 4
Genevieve Screeche-Powell ‘She certainly knows her stuff, is a great advocate and a lovely person too.‘
Tier 2 set: Field Court Chambers
Field Court Chambers fields ‘a good range of specialist housing lawyers’ and is adept at handling all housing matters, including cases which overlap with human rights, EU law, social services and community care law. Members are frequently instructed by local authorities, social landlords and registered providers. Emma Godfrey successfully represented the local authority in Patel v London Borough of Hackney, a Court of Appeal case concerning the approach to be taken to assessing the affordability of accommodation when considering whether an applicant became homeless intentionally due to accumulating rent arrears. In another matter, Genevieve Screeche-Powell led Clare Cullen in Abdikadir v London Borough of Ealing, a Court of Appeal case regarding the suitability of accommodation offered outside the local authority’s area as part of the local authority’s homelessness duties.
Testimonials
Set
‘Field Court is an excellent chambers with friendly clerks and talented barristers.’
‘A strong housing set with a good range of knowledge and experience across the advice area.’