We are delighted that 18 of our barristers have been included in Legal 500's 2027 guide. Overall, our barristers have achieved 27 individual rankings between them.
As a set, we continue to be recognised for our Court of Protection: health and welfare practice (Tier 2) and for our social housing law expertise (Tier 3), and 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 and clerks.
Administrative law and human rights
Tier 2
Court of Protection: health and welfare
Tier 2 set
'called on to represent vulnerable persons, members of the vulnerable person’s family, local authorities, and other public bodies across a range of Court of Protection cases and community care work. The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ Rebecca Handcock covers extreme hoarding, medical treatment, and cases involving a protected person’s contact with others. Francis Hoar acts for local authorities and relatives and advised on multiple issues concerning the best interest of vulnerable people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Rebecca Davies brings expertise in children’s law and deprivation of liberty'.Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
- Angela Hodes
- Rebecca Handcock - ‘Rebecca is a strong barrister in Court of Protection work. She is knowledgeable and experienced. Rebecca's advocacy is very strong; she is clear and her arguments are well reasoned. Rebecca is very good at dealing with complex cases, particularly those involving family disputes. She is able to put the client first while also working constructively with other parties to arrive at the best outcome for the client. Rebecca has strong negotiating skills and she is overall very pleasant to work with.
Tier 5
- Rebecca Davies - 'Rebecca has a confident and friendly manner, which is very reassuring both in conveying difficult information and in reassuring those who may find the court experience worrying or stressful. I have observed this both in relation to professional clients and also laypeople. Rebecca is also very thorough in her consideration of the issues and collaborative in her preparation for hearings. In court, I have observed her engaging well with judges and other parties'.
Rising Stars
- Aristide Hoang-Brown - ' Aristide has a very measured advocacy style, which gives the impression that he is more experienced in years than he actually is'.
- Joanna Thom
Elections
Tier 1
Employment
Tier 4
- Nikolas Clarke - 'A charming assassin. He is forensic in his cross-examination skills'.
Tier 5
- Max Lansman - 'Thorough and highly persuasive advocacy. He also instills confidence in his clients'.
Family: Children and domestic abuse
Tier 4 Set
...Paula Diaz is a key port of call for handling instructions across the whole spectrum of public child law matters, including cases involving allegations of fabricated or induced illness, physical and emotional abuse, and forced marriage. Barry McAlinden appears in proceedings concerning jurisdictional issues, and Martina Van der Leij has extensive experience in handling cases involving complex medical issues. Joanna Thom is adept at advising on public and private child law matters.Tier 3
- Barry McAlinden - 'Barry is an excellent advocate. In court, his manner is calm and measured, and at the same time, his analysis is razor sharp. He has command of the minutiae while having a grasp of the whole. Barry has a knack for getting under the skin of the most difficult cases and drawing out the finer details in examination in an understated way. His handling of clients is gentle and reassuring, thoughtful and considerate'.
- Paula Diaz - ‘Paula Diaz is a brilliant advocate, highly skilled and meticulous. Paula goes above and beyond for her clients and is approachable, professional, and a specialist in complex family and children cases. She is one of the best in the field'.
- Dr Martina van der Leij
Tier 6
- Rebecca Davies - 'Rebecca is a very competent advocate who takes the initiative, gives clear and direct advice to clients, and presents cases to court in a very professional manner'.
- Lily Cooke -Lily's attention to detail is next to none. She is able to pick up a case, comb through all the details, and get a grip on what needs to be done almost immediately. Her ability to pick out key and relevant information, which can sometimes be hidden in the mass of papers provided, allows her to excel in the courtroom. Clients have commented on her ability to robustly put forward cases and the clients' views in a manner that makes them feel they are finally being heard in the court forum. Lily's advocacy is amazing to watch, especially when cross-examining experts, and her submissions encapsulate the case as a whole. She has been commended by judges in court for providing such robust and excellent legal representation of clients. She truly is an amazing advocate in all aspects. When I know Lily is on a case, whether it is representing my client or against us, I know that the case is in good hands. Lily is one of my top barristers I instruct and is someone who follows a case through and will ensure she is available for future hearings on cases where the client requires continuity'.
Rising Stars
- 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 - 'Ms Thom has a flair for strong advocacy; she is direct, considerate , and very helpful in presenting the client's case, as well as being an effective officer of the Court in matters. She knows how to talk to clients, particularly in complex private children act matters, and helps present their position in a way that is helpful to both the client and the Court'.
Family: divorce and financial remedy
Tier 3
- Christopher Stirling - ‘Chris has an encyclopedic knowledge and understanding of unusual points of law, particularly where there is a crossover with civil matters, such as enforcement issues. His expertise in this area is unparalleled. His experience as a judge means he has a calm authority and a lovely manner. He is a joy to work with and always willing to give his time and help'.
Inquests and Inquiries
Tier 3
Nikolas Clarke -' Nikolas is extremely intelligent, gets to grips with the brief very quickly, is a team player, and is very reassuring to the client'
Tier 4
- Francis Hoar
- Rebecca Handcock - 'Knowledgeable about the law, approachable, able to listen and work collaboratively'.
Private wealth and probate
Tier 4
- Christopher Stirling - ‘Chris is extremely efficient, very knowledgeable, and able to cut through complex issues to give clear, straightforward advice. He is very personable and good at building strong working relationships with solicitors and clients. He is responsive and makes you feel that he is always on top of his brief'.
Property litigation
Tier 5
- Max Thorowgood - ' Max is a wonderful barrister and knows his stuff! He goes above and beyond in all matters and is always looking for ways to resolve tricky situations. Stellar in writing and advocacy'.
- David Brounger - ' Written advice is always clear and concise and accurately weights the pros and cons of a case. Advocacy is similar. He keeps to the issues and makes a clear case. There is a good grasp of the detail and he does not overcomplicate. He adapts on his feet to the judge's comments'
Social Housing
Tier 3 Set
'expertise spanning various social housing disputes, representing local authorities, housing associations and tenants in all courts. Genevieve Screeche-Powell , with her particular focus on housing law issues, was instructed for the local authority Fatolahzadeh v Barnet case; the first case where the Court of Appeal had to consider the nature and impact of the s. 189A Housing Act duties on the lawful performance of the s.195 prevention duty in section 204 appeal proceedings.
Tier 3
- Genevieve Screeche-Powell - 'Genevieve is a terrific social housing barrister. Her advocacy is clear and compelling. She really knows her way around the law, and I would trust her with the most difficult social housing cases'.
Rising star