Barry McAlinden acted for the local authority in care proceedings concerning a 16-month-old child, PM. The local authority sought care and placement orders for PM.
Joanna Thom (call 2021) has a mixed practice in family, Court of Protection, housing, civil and public law. Harrison Engler (call 2023) has a mixed practice in family, housing, civil and public law. In celebration of Pro Bono Week, they discuss a pro bono case from the past year in which they acted as co-counsel Re A(Appeal: Findings of Fact) [2025] EWHC 1279 (Fam) [2025] 4WLR 72
We are delighted that Henry Pargeter joins us as a new tenant today. Henry’s practice covers all family law proceedings: public and private law children proceedings, financial provision as well as emergency protection orders and applications under the Hague Convention.
Family Law Week has shortlisted Joanna Thom for ‘Family Law Rising Star of the Year’. The award recognises barristers who have fewer than 4 years in practice who have already made outstanding contributions to private children law.
We are delighted that we have received 12 individual rankings in the Chambers and Partners 2026 guide, which includes 3 new members who have been ranked. Additionally, we continue to be ranked as a set for our social housing law team. Thank you to all our clients for your support during the year and particular thanks to everyone who gave feedback on our barristers.
In Legal 500 2026, 19 of our barristers have been ranked (with 26 individual rankings overall). We continue to be recognised as a set for our expertise in Court of Protection and community care law, social housing law and for children law. Thank you to all our clients for your support and particular thanks to everyone who gave feedback on our barristers and clerks.
Genevieve Screeche-Powell acted for the local authority that successfully defended a s. 204 Housing Act 1996 appeal brought by a homeless applicant. This is the 1st time that the Court of Appeal has 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.
Aristide Hoang-Brown represented a mother who had been the victim of domestic abuse in various applications concerning her 2 children. He secured an order for the children to have no contact with the father, a s.91(14) order preventing the father making further applications without court permission and a specific issue order permitting the mother to exercise parental responsibility unilaterally.