We are delighted that 19 of our barristers have been included in Legal 500's 2026 guide. Overall, our barristers have achieved 26 individual rankings between them.
As a set, we continue to be recognised for our social housing law expertise (Tier 3), our Court of Protection: health and welfare practice (Tier 3) and for our family: children law expertise (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: health and welfare
Tier 3 set
Field Court Chambers has a solid track record in advising on complex Court of Protection cases involving deprivation of liberty and personal welfare matters. Francis Hoar regularly acts for local authorities and relatives in complex Court of Protection proceedings, and has particular expertise in handling medical treatment cases involving Covid-19 vaccinations. Hilton Harrop-Griffiths is instructed by Brighton & Hove City Council in the case of a man with autism and learning disabilities, who was detained under the Mental Health Act in a secure hospital for over 20 years following an initial temporary admission.
Tier 3
Tier 4
- Angela Hodes -'She is extremely knowledgeable in the field, and her advocacy is very persuasive. She is also very empathetic, and therefore excellent at dealing with sensitive issues.'
Tier 5
- Rebecca Handcock - ‘Rebecca's advice is very thorough. She is extremely capable on her feet.'
Rising Stars
- Aristide Hoang-Brown - 'Aristide is a calm and confident advocate.'
- Joanna Thom
Elections
Tier 1
Employment
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke - 'Nikolas is very clear in his advice'
Tier 5
- Max Lansman - 'Max’s advocacy is clear, persuasive, and grounded in thorough preparation, making him highly effective in complex cases.’
Tier 4 Set
Family: Children and domestic abuse
Field Court Chambers is an 'exceptional family set', with a team of practitioners regularly instructed by local authorities, intervenors, parents and children’s guardians in private and public children law proceedings.
Tier 3
- Barry McAlinden - 'In court, he is simply remarkable; his cross-examination skills are exceptional, he presents arguments with precision, drawing on evidence in a manner that is both compelling and irrefutable, and he never raises his voice or resorts to theatrics.’
Tier 4
- Paula Diaz - ‘Paula is a go-to advocate for complex matters. She is incredibly organised and thorough, with a gentle but effective approach.’
- Dr Martina van der Leij - 'Martina has incredible forensic analytical skills and is able to pull out the core strands of a case. She is excellent on her feet and willing to go the extra mile for clients and solicitors.’
Tier 6
- Rebecca Davies - ‘Rebecca is a very organised and thorough advocate, who gives clear advice.'
Rising Stars
- Lily Cooke - ‘Lily is a tour de force on her feet, and utterly impressive in witness handling. She takes on the most awkward of cases with confidence and aplomb, and will always find the clearest of paths through complex evidence.’
- Aristide Hoang-Brown - 'Aristide’s attention to detail is unquestionable. He handles sensitive and often emotionally complex cases with a calm, thoughtful approach that earns the trust of both colleagues and clients, and his communication is clear.’
- Joanna Thom
Family: divorce and financial remedy
Tier 3
- Christopher Stirling - ‘Christopher should be everyone’s go-to at the London Bar for work involving the intersection of financial remedies and insolvency. Not only is his knowledge of the area utterly encyclopaedic, but he has the razor-sharp client and advocacy skills to back it up.’
Inquests and Inquiries
Tier 4
Nikolas Clarke -‘His advocacy is excellent.’
Tier 5
- Francis Hoar
- Rebecca Handcock - 'She is exceptionally hard-working and has a great way with clients. She can be relied upon to provide prompt, high-quality work.’
Property litigation
Tier 5
- Max Thorowgood - ‘Max is incredibly analytical and resourceful. His pleadings are second to none.'
- David Brounger - 'David presents his arguments with exceptional clarity, ensuring that even the most complex legal issues are dealt with in plain, easy to understand language.'
Social Housing
Tier 3 Set
'Field Court Chambers maintains a highly professional atmosphere and features counsel of various seniority levels. The clerks are always available to assist, even with last-minute instructions.'
'All very dedicated professionals.'