Isabelle Watson MCIArb - Four Brick Court

Isabelle Watson is Head of Chambers. She is a qualified Family (Children) arbitrator and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb). Isabelle acts for local authorities, parents and children in severe cases involving murder, sexual abuse, fabricated illness, parental alienation and serious physical harm.

Chambers and Partners Directory 2024 has ranked Isabelle Watson in band 3 for Family – Children for the 2nd year running.

Strengths:

“An iron fist in a velvet glove. She is meticulous, across all the detail in a case, forensic in her cross-examination and someone with a calm manner about her who’s incredibly effective.” Chambers UK Bar 2023-2024

“She pulls together all the strands in the case in such an impressive way, even when there are difficulties and numerous witnesses required to be called.” Chambers UK Bar 2023-2024

“Her advocacy is phenomenal.” Chambers UK Bar 2023-2024

“A seasoned professional who is intellectually very strong. She’s appropriately collaborative with opponents when it comes to difficult cases.” Chambers UK Bar 2022-2023

Isabelle Watson has also achieved a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) 2024 directory.

“Isabelle is a silk in waiting. Her forensic skills are second to none. Her case preparation is extraordinary. She always knows every detail of a case. She is an iron fist in a velvet glove.” The Legal 500 (Legalease) 2024

Isabelle Watson specialises in complex public and private law cases. Isabelle has well-established expertise in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, neglect, child fatalities and emotional abuse. She is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children in the most severe and intractable proceedings. Much of her work now involves cases with parallel criminal proceedings and complex medical issues.

Isabelle is the Head of Chambers and a trainer for expert witnesses and the Middle Temple advocacy programme. She also participates in seminars provided by Four Brick Court. She has been a pupil supervisor (Middle Temple) since 2003.

Barrister Member of the Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service

Directories