We are delighted that 19 members of chambers have been included in Legal 500 2024.
- We continue to be ranked as a set for our social housing law expertise (Tier 3).
- We are also ranked as a set for our family: children practice (Tier 4).
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
Court of Protection and Community Care
Tier 5
- Christine Cooper - ‘Christine is fearless and fearful, someone you want on your side. A very strong advocate with an exceptional knowledge of the law.’
- Rebecca Handcock –'Rebecca is an excellent and well-respected counsel. She approaches cases fairly ensuring parties work together to achieve the best outcome. She is approachable, responds promptly and is very happy to assist when required.'
- Joshua Swirsky – 'Joshua always acts in the best interests of clients honestly and with integrity. He always maintains the trust and confidence of the client, ensuring the client's confidentiality. He always provides a consistent and competent standard of service to clients.'
Elections
Tier 1
Employment
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke - 'His candid advice, demonstrating his depth of knowledge of the law and tribunal practice, coupled with his practical and commercial eye is invaluable.'
Family: children and domestic abuse
Tier 4
- Ami Bartholomew -‘Ami is a fierce advocate and commands the courtroom. She is very thorough with her preparation and grasps concepts well within a case. She is very strong in putting a client's case forward and is very well-liked by clients for her direct and honest approach.’’
- Barry McAlinden
Tier 6
- Paula Diaz -'Paula is an excellent advocate, always well-prepared and has a good knowledge of legal principles. She is a robust opponent in the most complex care cases.'
- Martina van der Leij -'Martina is a go-to barrister with excellent forensic analytical skills to the table and brilliant client care skills. She is exceptionally kind, supportive and patient with vulnerable clients.'
Rising stars
- Lily Cooke - 'Lily is a compelling advocate. She prepares thoroughly and knows her cases inside out. She is well-regarded by other professionals and court staff.'
- Rebecca Davies – 'Rebecca is hard-working, fair and a pleasant opponent.'
- Savannah Laurent –'Savannah prepares meticulously for a difficult case in front of a difficult tribunal. Her cross-examination of the experts is thorough and careful, and she does everything possible to present her client's case in the best possible light.'
Tier 4 set: Field Court Chambers
Field Court Chambers handles public and private children law matters for a wide range of clients, including local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and intervenors. Key members of the team include Ami Bartholomew, who is experienced in cases involving serious allegations including of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and Barry McAlinden, whose workload of private law cases include ones involving issues such as parental alienation and allegations of rape.
Family: divorce and financial remedy
Tier 4
- Christopher Stirling - ‘Christopher is always available to discuss cases with instructing solicitors at any stage. He is incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent and a strong advocate.’
Inquests and inquiries
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke - ‘A very strategic thinker who is extremely knowledgeable and supportive of clients.'
Local government (including rating law)
Tier 2
- Genevieve Screeche-Powell - ‘Genevieve is approachable, adopting a down-to-earth yet informed approach towards her clients. Her advocacy is clear, precise and easy to follow.'
Tier 4
Property litigation
Tier 5
David Brounger - 'Lay clients like David, the simplicity of his delivery of complex legal issues, the pragmatic legal advice and the fact that he gets it right when he advises the clients on the merits in conference. Judges like him, the way he puts across his points and his advocacy skills are great. He is unruffled and puts across his points, clearly and succinctly.'
Max Thorowgood - 'Max goes above and beyond in all cases and provides clear and strategic advice. He always has the client's best interests at the forefront. Max is eloquent but fierce in his advocacy and always strives for the best result'.
Social housing
Tier 2
Tier 3
- Emma Godfrey -‘She is a pragmatic and very intelligent junior.'
Tier 4
Tier 3 set: Field Court Chambers
At Field Court Chambers, Clare Cullen, a specialist in housing and property law, is well versed in acting for public and private clients in a wide spectrum of social housing work, including disrepair claims, homelessness cases and possession matters. Emma Godfrey has established strength in representing local housing authorities, landlords and tenants, and Genevieve Screeche-Powell has an excellent track record in handling complex, high-profile cases in the space, with noted expertise in advising on cases involving capacity issues and allegations of disability discrimination.