We are delighted that 20 of our barristers have been included in Legal 500 2025 and that we have been ranked as a set for our Court of Protection and community care practice (Tier 3) for the 1st time.
We continue to be ranked as a set for our social housing law expertise (Tier 3) and 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 law and human rights
Tier 2
Court of Protection and community care
Tier 3 set
Field Court Chambers handles a wide range of Court of Protection work, including deprivation of liberty, human rights and financial abuse. Joshua Swirsky has ‘an analytical mind and logical approach, good powers of persuasion when advocating’ and recently represented the local authority before the High Court in a judicial review application that contested its practice of placing homeless 16–17-year-olds who declined to enter care into a form of supported accommodation. Hilton Harrop-Griffiths is acting for a local authority seeking temporary removal of a middle-aged woman with an obsessive-compulsive disorder and a hoarding disorder so that her property could be decluttered and repaired.
Tier 3
- Joshua Swirsky –'Joshua can make very complex legal issues accessible and comprehensible.'
Tier 4
Tier 5
- Christine Cooper - ‘Christine is a knowledgeable and experienced advocate who can break down complex issues into simple and reasonable levels. She is a conscientious and empathetic advocate. Her advocacy skills are excellent.’
- Rebecca Handcock –' Rebecca is a fantastic advocate. She is fierce in advocating for the client’s case and is a strong defender of vulnerable clients. She is excellent on her feet and can manage tricky negotiations with skill.’
- Savannah Laurent - 'Savannah is articulate and can simplify and explain matters clearly and concisely. She is approachable, responds to queries and goes the extra mile. She is knowledgeable and can identify the salient issues in a case with ease.'
Elections
Tier 1
- Francis Hoar 'Francis is one of the most dedicated and determined barristers you could ever instruct. He is fearless even in the face of the most difficult challenges.'
Employment
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke –‘An unflappable junior, whose calm nature belies his forensic cross examination skills.'
Tier 5
- Max Lansman -'Max is a charismatic barrister. He has a way of getting to the heart of a case, and inspires confidence in clients and those instructing him.'
Family: children and domestic abuse
Tier 4 set
The 'good set' Field Court Chambers houses a team of 'skilled and personable advocates', with a solid track record in representing intervenors, local authorities, children's guardians and parents in a broad spectrum of public and private child law matters. Key members of the group include Barry McAlinden, who stands out for his expertise in advising on complex cases involving allegations of serious physical and sexual abuse and parental alienation, often before the High Court.
Tier 4
- Barry McAlinden ‘His cross-examination is laser-focused and formidable.’
Tier 5
- Paula Diaz - ‘Paula is a very methodical barrister.'
Tier 6
- Martina van der Leij – ‘Martina is fantastic. She handles difficult clients brilliantly and always fights her hardest to get a good result for the client.’
- Savannah Laurent – ‘Savannah thoroughly prepares for difficult cases and is on top of the papers. She is a very calm advocate.’
Rising stars
- Lily Cooke - Lily's advocacy is a lesson in conducting an effective hearing. She is a tenacious and determined advocate.’
- Rebecca Davies – ‘A focused, tenacious and effective barrister.'
Family: divorce and financial remedy
Tier 4
- Christopher Stirling -.‘Christopher is proficient at finding straightforward ways to resolve difficult legal situations.’
Inquests and inquiries
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke - ‘Nik is calm and explains complex legal issues clearly.'
Tier 5
- Rebecca Handcock – ‘Rebecca is highly skilled and adept at navigating complex legal matters with precision and clarity.'
Property litigation
Tier 5
- David Brounger - ‘A staunch barrister with an astute demeanour.'
- Max Thorowgood - ‘Max is a wonderful barrister who goes above and beyond. He has as an eye for detail and strives to get the best result possible. He is extremely knowledgeable in this area and a joy to work with.'
Social housing
Tier 3 set
The team at Field Court Chambers has ‘lots of experience and a breadth of knowledge’, and is known for its strong position on local authority panels. Genevieve Screeche-Powell is a ‘go to’ for cases concerning capacity and disability discrimination. Her recent highlights include Moge v LB Ealing – a case on the duty placed upon local authorities to accommodate applicants within the borough so far as reasonably practicable, in which she led Clare Cullen. Meanwhile, Sarah McKeown is lauded for her ‘comprehensive advice and strong advocacy’. Mark Baumohl has had success in assisting local authorities with cases that concerned issues with anti-social behaviour.
Tier 1
- Clare Cullen ‘An exceptional legal talent whose ability to analyse complex housing issues is only matched by the brilliance of her advocacy. Clare’s impeccable case preparation, research and creativity sets her apart from her peers. Clare exudes calm in court, and she advocates with the clarity and authority of a barrister who is at the top of her game. At present Clare is one of the best housing barristers practising at the Bar and it is a pleasure to instruct her.’
Tier 3
- Emma Godfrey
- Genevieve Screeche-Powell ‘She is an excellent advocate; she is succinct and on point in her delivery. She has a wealth of experience. Genevieve has a very personable nature and puts vulnerable clients at ease. ‘
Tier 4
- Sarah McKeown - ‘Sarah has a very good all round knowledge of social housing law and its practical procedure, is very clear in her written and oral advice, provides lengthy and comprehensive written advices following her considering all facets of a case in great detail. She is a strong advocate – her arguments are made in a clear, persuasive and structured way. She is also very pleasant to work with’