Janet specialises in all areas of child care law. She is instructed by a wide variety of clients including local authorities, parents and guardians.
Roma accepts instructions in all areas of family law representing local authorities, parents, grandparents and guardians. Her practice involves mainly work in the High Court and County Court jurisdictions and she has been involved in cases in the Court of Appeal.
Susan has extensive experience as a children law practitioner specialising in complex care and private law proceedings.
Marc Roberts has considerable experience dealing with complex financial cases including trusts of land claims and inheritance issues. He is also experienced in private law children cases.
Haylee is a specialist family law practitioner whose practice encompasses all aspects of family law. Her easy approach, robust advocacy and user friendly demeanour make her a popular choice with clients and solicitors alike.
Peter practices private and public law at all levels in the Family Courts and represents local authorities, parents and children’s guardians.
Finola Moore's practice covers the full range of family cases dealing with both public and private law matters representing all parties in children cases. Her practice includes cases with an international element including abduction, leave to remove and enforcing overseas orders. She also deals with
Isabelle Watson is a highly experienced family law barrister called upon to represent local authorities, parents and guardians in complex and high-profile public law cases frequently involving an international element. Isabelle is also instructed in the full range of private law cases.
Prior to becoming a barrister, Nairn practiced as a Social Worker for 13 years both in Glasgow and in London. Consequently, on being called to the bar in 1999 his practice developed with a particular focus on public child care law.
David is an experienced specialist family law practitioner. He is a committed and tenacious advocate known for his careful and thorough preparation. Direct and clear advice is tempered by approachability and compassion.
“Lee is a tireless, tenacious advocate who is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. A pleasure to work with.” - Deepali Manek, Walter Wilson Richmond Solicitors
Tim's practice involves him representing clients in both private and public law family proceedings concerning children. He acts on behalf of parents, guardians and local authorities in public law proceedings.
Bibi practises in all areas of law relating to children and is considered a dynamic and practical advocate. She regularly acts for parents, local authorities, guardians and other family members.
Previn appears in mainly public law proceedings primarily representing parents and children. He also accepts instructions in private family proceedings and accepts instructions direct from the public.
Natasha is a family law barrister with a particular focus on care proceedings and adoption. She has a reputation as a hard-working, friendly and approachable barrister.
James regularly appears in court in children cases and care proceedings representing parents, local authorities and guardians.
Paul has an established practice in the field of public law and private law proceedings concerning children. He has represented parents, children and local authorities at all levels of the family justice system.
Paul Pavlou MCIArb is a respected senior junior highly experienced in all aspects of family law but specialising in money and children work. Paul offers arbitrator's services and conducts private financial dispute resolution hearings. He is happy to advise and provide representation at all stages of
Jacqui has over 30 years' experience in cases about children both between parents (and other family members) and those involving social services.
Justin is a specialist family law barrister practising in all areas of family law, dealing with disputes in respect of finances and children.
Judith has developed an extensive practice in all aspects of the law relating to children, with a particular emphasis on Public Law Children Act proceedings. She has considerable experience of representing both Local Authorities and parents in Care Proceedings.
Alastair’s practice covers the whole spectrum of family law from financial matters through to care proceedings.
Olivia specialises in child care law, with a particular strength in care proceedings.
Polly has a busy and diverse family law practice, with an emphasis on public law Children Act proceedings. She regularly acts for parents, local authorities and guardians and has appeared in all levels of the family court.
Amy practises in all areas of family law. She has a particular strength in care proceedings, in which she represents local authorities, parents and guardians, and private law children proceedings, being regularly instructed by both applicants and respondents. Amy also has experience of representing
Ummar was Admitted as a Solicitor in 2013 and transferred to the Bar in March 2018. He represents a mixed portfolio of privately paying and legally aided clients. His experience includes child abductions, wardship, matrimonial finances, Public and Private Law.
Brónach has developed a practice in all areas of family law, including domestic violence, financial remedy, transfer of tenancy, care and child arrangements.
Sophie specialises in care and adoption proceedings, with a focus on children with complex mental health issues.
Elin practises in all areas of family law with particular strength in care proceedings representing local authorities and parents. She is also experienced in private law children proceedings.
Lauren specialises in all areas of family law, having established practice in both public and private children's law proceedings. Lauren has acted for local authorities, parents and Guardians across various areas, including care proceedings, child arrangements and domestic violence.
Raminder was admitted as a Solicitor in 2012 and transferred to the Bar in March 2020. Raminder is a family practitioner specialising in care proceedings. She represents all parties, including local authorities, parents and Guardians.
Tom has gained experience across the spectrum of chambers' work with a particular focus on care proceedings.
Keileigh practices in all areas in family law with a particular expertise in care proceedings representing various parties involved in care proceedings, including parents, guardians, children separately represented and local authorities.
Harry practises in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on children work. In public proceedings, Harry has acted for local authorities, parents and Guardians. He is also regularly instructed in private children proceedings.
Amanda is a dual-qualified lawyer in both Australia (2011) and England & Wales, with a background in criminal defence and family law. She relocated to London in 2017 and was predominantly an in-house advocate for local authorities before being called to the Bar in 2020. She now specialises in childr
Andlib practises in all areas of family law with regular instructions in public and private children’s law proceedings. Andlib focuses on complex care proceedings that involve the cross-examination of expert evidence and non-accidental injuries.
Emma practices family law in public care proceedings and private children's law proceedings. She has acted for a range of clients, including local authorities, parents, interveners, and children through their Children's Guardians.
Nathan’s practice encompasses the broad spectrum of public and private family law, including care proceedings, private children cases, and financial remedies disputes.
Penny Howe KC represents local authorities, parents, guardians and competent children in public law; Penny acts in all aspects of the law relating to children.
Sara Lewis KC has vast experience in public law at all levels – County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal – acting for parents and guardians.
Mahnoor has extensive experience in children law and financial remedy proceedings.
Yaa Dankwa practises exclusively in Children law. She has completed the 'What About Henry Course' and her busy practice encompasses the spectrum of private and public law proceedings in which she acts for all parties.
Prior to starting pupillage, Alice was a paralegal in the Childcare Law team at a leading law firm (ranked tier 4 in the Legal 500 and band 2 in Chambers and Partners).
Prior to starting pupillage, Tamara worked at a reputable national law firm (ranked tier 3 in the Legal 500 and band 3 in Chambers and Partners).
George is instructed in all areas of Family Law, including private and public children, and ancillary relief.
[2013] EWCA Civ 1217
[2007] EWHC 2640 (Fam)
(No. 1) [2008] IRLR 91; (No 2) [2008] IRLR 109.
[2012] EWCA Civ 1788
[2011] EWHC 2853 (Fam)
2014 EWHC 604 (Fam)
[2002] 1 FLR 104
[2013] EWHC 2129 (Fam)
[2001] 2 FLR 466
[2012] EWCA 1281
[2011] EWCA Civ 918
[2013] EWHC 235 (Fam)
[2002] EWCA Civ 1626
[2007] EWHC 2688 (Fam)
[2008] UKHL 35
[2010] EWCA Civ 363
[2011] EWHC 402 (Fam)
[2011] EWHC 1267 (Fam)
[2014] EWHC 270 (Fam)
[2014] EWCA Civ 151
[2007] UKHL 45
[2008] EWCA Civ 997
[2006] UKAIT 00047
[2005] UKIAT 00104
[2004] UKIAT 00125
[2004] UKIAT 00118
[2010] EWCA 2903 (Fam)
[2011] EWCA Civ 1218
[2013] EWHC 960 (Admin)
[2013] EWHC 4671 (Fam) [2013] EWHC 4672 (Fam)
[2011] EWCA Civ 1643
[2009] EWCA Civ 1350
[2013] EWHC 2607 (Fam)
[2012] EWCA Civ 106
[2012] EWHC 3363
[2007] EWHC 2395 (Fam)
[2013] EWCA Civ 1257
[2004] EWHC 1270 (Fam); [2004] 2 FLR 129
[2000] EWCA Civ 3040; [2001] 1 FLR 611
[2013] EWHC 227 (Fam)
[2013] EWHC 341 (Fam)
[2008] 2 FLR 1358
[2013] EWHC 392 (Fam)
[2012] EWHC 1924 (Fam)
[2000] EWCA Civ 3040; [2001] 1 FLR 611
[2004] EWHC 1270 (Fam); [2004] 2 FLR 129
[2011] EWHC 473 (Fam)
EWCA Civ 221
EWCA Civ 1463
1 FLR 1325 CA
2 FLR 129 FD
EWHC 1676 (Fam)
(2012) EWCA Civ 582
[2015] EWFC B214
[2019] EWFC B26
[2020] EWFC B19
[2021] EWFC B88
[2022] EWHC 1890 (Fam)
PP/FII) [2022 forthcoming]
[2023] EWCA Civ 206
[2023] EWHC 516 (Fam)
[2023] EWFC 39
[2024] EWHC 314 (Fam)
[2019] EWFC B66
[2016] EWFC B125
B & E [2016] EWHC 2627
EWCA Civ 820
[2016] EWFC 59
[2015] EWFC B66
[2024] EWFC 196
[2024] EWHC 551 (KB)
[2024] EWFC 211
[2024] EWCA Civ 1034
[2024] EWHC 2578 (Fam)
[2024] EWHC 2509 (Fam)
[2024] EWHC 2837 (Fam)
[2024] EWFC 329 (B)
A one day conference for members of London Boroughs Legal Alliance covering everything you need to know for day to day practice and those more awkward cases.
A one day conference held for members of the London Borough Legal Alliance covering all aspects of child care law and in particular the recent developments in care proceedings.
Monday 2nd December 2019 at 6.00pm We are delighted to be hosting our second seminar of our Private Law programme. This seminar will cover the legal and practical considerations relating to private law fact-findings:
Wednesday 1st May 2019 at 6.00pm We are delighted to host our first seminar in our Private Law programme. This seminar will explore private law proceedings where a public law element is introduced. It will look at amongst other matters:
Thursday 13th February 2020 at 6.00pm We are delighted to be hosting our third seminar of our Private Law programme. This seminar will cover the practical considerations and pitfalls of FHDRAs:
Friday 11 October 2019 – 9:00am 1:00pm Seminar to LBLA Member Local Authorities Aim: Being prepared and relevant advocacy skills Level: Beginner to Intermediary Venue: The Town Hall, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Friday 5th October 2018 An annual Public Law Update Level: Intermediate/Advanced Venue: The Town Hall, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Friday 13th May 2016 S.17 and S.20 of The Children Act 1989 Level: Intermediate/Advanced Venue: The Town Hall, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Friday 6th October 2017 An annual Public Law Update Level: Intermediate/Advanced Venue: The Town Hall, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Friday 23rd October 2015 An annual Public Law Update Level: Intermediate/Advanced Venue: The Town Hall, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Psychologists in Family Proceedings: When To Use Them? How to Choose Them? How to Challenge Their Opinions Thursday 12th November 2020 at 6pm Sophie Crampton
Applicants, Assessments Abroad, the 2020 FJC Guidance & Its Ramifications Jacqui Gilliatt 10th December 2020 at 6pm by Zoom To register click here
Round Table Series Wednesday 2 December 10am-3pm The Inner Temple invites you to the first of an annual round table series examining race equality within the legal profession. It seeks to examine the current issues and debates facing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) lawyers, as well as launch
Seminar by Sarah Haworth and Ella Shaw Thursday, January 21st 6:00 pm – online via Zoom An overhaul of current practice: Private Law update and what you need to know. To register to click here
Seminar by Bibi Badejo and Justin Tadros Thursday, February 18th 6:00 pm – online via Zoom How to win with Practice Direction Documents and Witness Statements. To register to click here
Seminar by Isabelle Watson Thursday, May 13th 6:00 pm – online via Zoom To register to click here
To register to click here
Speaker Sophie Crampton This virtual classroom seminar will focus specifically on instructing an expert psychologist, exploring when it is appropriate for an expert psychologist to be instructed and the expertise held by different types of psychologist. – MBL To book click here
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are rescheduling tomorrow’s initial seminar, ‘Post-Adoption Contact: less a theory and more a practice.’ With Isabelle Watson. Now 13th May at 6:00 pm. Join us tomorrow, Thursday, March 18th, at 6:00 pm for ‘It’s an early knockout? Kicking out a
Presenting the first of our ‘In Collaboration With’ series on Thursday, April 08th 6:00 pm – online via Zoom Christina Warner will be speaking with Edie Bowles from Advocates for Animals on animal protection law & Jacqueline Jones, Children’s Guardian, on her experiences of animal pro
Our first two seminars are with NHS clinical psychologist Dr Naomi Pye. On 21st October at 6 pm, “You cannot pour from an empty cup” will focus on wellbeing for practitioners, looking at timely and hot topics such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and early warning signs and systems. To r
Dr Pye’s second seminar on 18th November at 6 pm, “From ACEs to DDP”, will be all about better understanding the psychological diagnoses and recommendations we see in the family law context. To Register to click here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtceqhqD0jH9T_8DY8mTgnw-tGvjz-
On 9th December at 6 pm, Four Brick Courts Keileigh Pink and Justin Tadros will be taking a back to basics and practical look at threshold and responses. Perhaps aimed particularly at junior and intermediate practitioners, it will be a chance to talk about practical realities and what tips we can al
Speaker Sophie Crampton Demystifying Threshold – Re A Compliance & What This Means in Practice – Webinar for MBL This webinar will cover the following: The principles of Re A and how to apply them in practice Common threshold mistakes and how to avoid them How to recognise and c
Amy Slingo has been asked to join the panel on Support Through Court’s Virtual Family Law Breakfast on 12th October 2021. To join click here: https://www.supportthroughcourt.org/events/upcoming-events/life-after-lockdown-moving-forwards-in-the-family-courts/
Bronach Gordon and Harry Simons visit Edmonton County School today to participate in their careers fair organised by ROK. Four Brick Court has partnered with ROK to inspire and encourage young people to consider a career at the bar, part of our Law Together project to increase diversity in our pr
Four Brick Courts Jacqui Gilliatt and Ummar Farooq Ahmad will be running an event for LBLA. Update on significant children’s case law, including deprivation of liberty placements for teenagers.
On 20th October 2022 at 6 pm via zoom, Public Law Panel: Answering the questions you want to ask is aimed at junior lawyers (trainees, newly qualified lawyers, paralegals); our panel will be answering questions about public law proceedings, including those they’re not sure who to ask. Questions i
On 2nd November 2022 at 6 pm via zoom, Private Law Panel: Answering the questions you want to ask is aimed at junior lawyers (trainees, newly qualified lawyers, paralegals); our panel will answer your questions about private law proceedings. Questions in advance are welcome (here at seminars@4bc.co.
On 17th November at 6 pm, Evidence: Back to Basics with different forms and sources of evidence increasingly common in family proceedings, Lauren Bovington (2016) will be addressing some of the issues and giving practical tips about just how to make evidence count. To register, click here.
On 8th December at 6 pm, Tackling Expert Evidence by Jacqui Gilliatt (1992) and Andlib Mohsin (2006) will be taking a hard look at how to tackle expert evidence in family proceedings. To register, click here.
Please join Middle Temple Young Barristers Association (MTYBA) and the MTSA for our annual Black History Month Event on 17th October 2022. This is a hybrid event and will be taking place online and in person. The venue is Middle Temple Hall at 6:30 pm. The panel consists of the following: R
Four Brick Court Seminar – Return to the PLO: What we need to know, On Friday 20th January at 2 pm. Presented by Jacqui Gilliatt (1992) looking at the President’s Guidance from November 2022 and the strong judicial messages about the return of the PLO to care proceedings. Aimed at LAs
Seminar – Private Law Fact-Finding: Where are we now? on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 6 pm via Zoom. Presented by Ella Shaw (2006) and Elin Hughes (2017), sharing their insights into where we are now concerning private law fact findings. Please feel free to share the Zoom link with any col
Bibi Badejo is a family barrister from Four Brick Court, specialising in children’s law. Called in 2005, she was elected a Governing Bencher of Inner Temple in 2020.
Four Brick Court, Seminar “Financial Remedies: New law and practical tips.” Please join us for this seminar presented by Paul Pavlou (1993). On Thursday, 6th July 2023, at 6 pm via Zoom.
Four Brick Court, barrister Bibi Badejo will be one of the panellists for Nuffield Family Justice Observatory‘s Webinar: New research on ethnic disparities in care proceedings.
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Isabelle Watson, Seminar “On Judicial Reasons.” Please join us for this seminar presented by Jacqui Gilliatt (1992).
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Isabelle Watson, Seminar “Updates and Tips on Special Guardianship and Adoption” Please join us for this seminar presented by Jacqui Gilliatt (1992).
Four Brick Court, Chambers Seminar “Updates and Practical Tips for Deprivation of Liberty (Inherent Jurisdiction) Proceedings.” Please join us for this seminar by Brónach Gordon (Call: 2015) and Sarah Barber (Call: 2018).
Happy New Year! Four Brick Court Chambers will host an informal, remote ‘Drop-in Session’ for candidates’ questions regarding pupillage and the application process on Thursday, 4th January 2024, from 6 pm – 7 pm.
Join us for our upcoming seminar, Ethics Panel Event: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas and Tricky Customers, On Thursday, 19th September 2024, at 6 pm via Zoom. We encourage junior / newly qualified lawyers to attend. Our esteemed panel for the evening will be Judith Charlton (1991), Jacqui Gilliatt (199
Harry Simons will sit on the panel for the ‘Life at the Family Bar’ webinar. On Monday 14th, October 2024, at 5:45 pm, as part of The Bar Council of England and Wales‘s Pupillage Fair 2024. Harry will be joined by Kate Burnell KC (St John’s Buildings) and Karen Kabweru-N
We are very pleased to announce that Paul Murray (formerly of Garden Court Chambers) has recently joined 4 Brick Court. Please see Paul’s full profile.
Jacqui Gilliatt has launched a new website where you will find updated versions of articles previously on this website including the draft LOI for experts.
Chambers has adopted the Bar Council’s Standard Contractual Terms in privately funded cases. Please read the standard terms here, or copies can be obtained from our Clerks.
In 2015 we will be recruiting pupils outside of the Pupillage Portal. If you are interested in applying to 4 Brick Court please send a cv and covering letter to pupillage@4bc.co.uk having first read our guidance notes. Date for application for 3rd 6s has been extended to midnight on 7th August
Two funded 12-month pupils for 2016–2017 and Two funded 12-month pupils for 2017–2018
We are pleased to welcome Olivia Bliss and Alastair Miles Martey to Chambers.
4 Brick Court Chambers invites applications for 3rd Six Pupillages/Junior Tenants (1-5 years call)
We are currently inviting applications for tenancy from barristers of up to five years call. The successful candidates will need to demonstrate that they are outstanding advocates with a strong commitment to practising family law. If family law is your passion, you are organised and client-focused
The first of two articles by Judith Pepper examining adoption, how it has changed and the current challenges posed within it. This article aims to provide a snapshot of the history of adoption and what the current system of adoption is. Judith’s article can be read here.
We are currently inviting applications for 3rd Six Pupillage. The successful candidates will need to demonstrate outstanding advocacy skills and a strong commitment to practising family law. If family law is your passion, you are organised and client-focused, we welcome hearing from you. Application
4 Brick Court is delighted to announce that Bronach Gordon has been offered tenancy following successful completion of her pupillage at 4 Brick Court in October 2018.
Chambers is delighted to welcome our two new pupils, Elin Hughes and Sarah Fincham who start in chambers today. Elin is under the supervision of Jacqui Gilliatt and Sarah is under the supervision of Jayne Harrill. Welcome both to the 4BC family!
The ‘Battle of Ideas’ takes place next weekend, the 13th & 14 October 2018 at the Barbican, London, and we are proud to announce that Judith Pepper has been invited to be a panel speaker at Sunday’s session, 14th October at 10-11.30am entitled ‘Adoption: Making or Breaking Families
Tahmina Rahman represents London Borough of Hackney before the Court of Appeal successfully appealing against a finding that the threshold for making a care order had not been made out.
Chambers is delighted to announce that Sophie Crampton has joined chambers for 3rd six pupillage commencing Monday 8th October 2018. Sophie, who successfully completed her pupillage at Coram Chambers, has developed a practice in all areas of public and private child law cases and financial remedy ma
Following last year’s huge success, chambers is delighted to have been asked to present the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) Legal Conference for the second year running which took place on Friday 5th October 2018.
4 Brick Court is delighted to welcome Bronach Gordon as a Member of Chambers having successfully competed her pupillage with us. Another fine addition to our name board!
Following last year’s huge success, chambers is delighted to have been asked to present the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) Legal Conference for the second year running which took place on Friday 5th October 2018.
The ‘Battle of Ideas’ takes place this weekend at the London Barbican and barrister Judith Pepper of 4 Brick Court has been invited as a panel speaker.
4 Brick Court warmly congratulates Jacqui Gilliatt on being ranked in Chambers UK Bar 2019. “She is routinely instructed in cases involving issues of a serious magnitude, including those concerning fictitious illness, allegations of sexual abuse and injury, and drug and alcohol misuse. “
4 Brick Court is delighted to welcome Sophie Crampton as a Member of Chambers having successfully completed third six pupillage with us. Another fine addition to the 4BC family!
Congratulations to Bronach Gordon, Sophie Crampton, Elin Huges and Sarah Fincham for their appointments to the Metropolitan Police Legal Services Panel of Barristers dealing with Family Matters.
We are currently processing pupillage applications received via Pupillage Gateway and will be inviting those to be interviewed at the beginning of April.
We are delighted to announce that our pupils, Sarah Fincham and Elin Hughes will be ‘on their feet’ from Monday 1st April.
Chambers is delighted to annouce that the Lord Chief Justice has apppointed Laura Barrie as a Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit.
We are delighted to have welcomed so many solicitors to our seminar last night at Middle Temple. The seminar, entitled ‘The Interface between Private and Public Family Law’ was presented by Head of Chambers, Ian Griffin.
We are delighted to have taken part in yesterday evening’s London Legal Walk, a hugely worthwhile fundraising event organised by The London Legal Support Trust which works to support law centres and legal advice agencies in London and the South East helping the most vulnerable.
“Ian Griffin of 4 Brick Court has not just inspired me as an advocate and colleague over the many years but he has influenced the Family Bar and Judiciary into action through his seismic article ‘Wellbeing and the Big C.’ McFarlane P was so moved he asked Ian’s permission to circulate it to
We have one third six pupillage vacancy commencing October 2019. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate outstanding advocacy skills and a strong commitment to practising family law. If family law is your passion, you are organised and client-focused, we welcome hearing from you.
We are delighted to announce that we have been accredited by the Living Wage Foundation as a London Living Wage Employer. This commitment applies not only to our directly employed staff but also to our third party contracted staff, such as our cleaners.
Junior barrister Sophie Crampton has very recently had an article published in Family Law Week in which she considers what purpose Section 9(6B) of the Chidren Act 1989 might serve in determining care proceedings. Her article is available here. Further information about Sophie’s practice can b
Chambers’ is delighted to announce that Elin Hughes and Sarah Fincham have accepted tenancy in Chambers, commencing on 1 October 2019, following their successful completion of pupillage.
Sincere congratulations to Elin Hughes and Sarah Fincham on becoming Members of Chambers following the successful completion of their pupillages. We welcome you both to the 4BC family!
4 Brick Court Head of Chambers Ian Griffin, David Bannocks and Sarah Fincham appeared in the Court of Appeal on 3rd October 2019 before Peter Jackson LJ, Baker LJ, Males LJ in the matter of RE A (CHILDREN) (2019).
Our sincere congratulations to Jacqui Gilliatt on being Ranked in consecutive years in Chambers UK Bar, a leading directory in the legal industry.
We are delighted to have raised funds for The London Legal Support Trust following June’s fantastic London Legal Walk and we look forward to next year’s event!
4 Brick Court’s Alastair Miles Martey delivers advocacy training to students from the University of Law with the prime objective of teaching each student skills they need to effectively represent young people at school exclusion hearings on behalf of the charity Communities Empowerment Networ
4 Brick Court’s Tahmina Rahman leading Amy Slingo successfully resist appeal in Court of Appeal case before the President of the Family Division.
The second in our series of Private Law seminars took place on Monday evening 2nd December 2019 in the splendid surroundings of the Queen’s Room in Middle Temple.
4 Brick Court is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its tender submitted earlier this year in respect of child protection work by the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) which now consists of 20 separate Local Authority Members.
What a wonderful evening we all had on Friday at our Chambers Christmas dinner for members, staff and a few distinguished guests at Le Café du Marché, a charming French restaurant in Barbican.
Lovely to see that Tahmina Rahman and Ian Griffin both of 4 Brick Court have excellent pieces in Family Affairs. A brilliant editon!! Enormous Thank you to John Wilson QC and Philip Cayford QC for their mega efforts in its production.
We warmly congratulate the charity Grandparents Plus on the apppointment of their new Patron, Sir James Munby, the former President of the Family Division. Further information can be found here.
Read Judith Pepper’s article here published in Family Law Week.
We are recruiting two funded 12 month pupillages for 2021–2022 and the submissions window for Pupillage Gateway applications opens 11am Tuesday 7th January 2020 which is when applicants may start, edit and submit their applications. Good luck to all applicants! Please note that we only accept pupi
High Court Appeal win for Natasha March representing the applicant father. Case reported on Bailii here.
Tahmina Rahman leading Amy Slingo successfully resisted appeal before the President of the Family Division in the matter of A, B And C (Adoption: Notification of Fathers And Relatives) [2020] EWCA Civ 41. Their appeal was one of three conjoined appeals where the Court was asked to provide guidance o
We are recruiting two funded 12 month pupillages for 2021–2022 via the Pupillage Gateway. The submissions window for Pupillage Gateway applications closes 11am Friday 7 February 2020. No further applications or amendments to applications will be allowed after this point.
The Pupillage Gateway for pupillage submissions is now closed. During the period 10 February to 6 May 2020, AETOs will sift applications, shortlist applicants, and conduct interviews or assessments. From 9.00am on 7 May Offers of pupillage are made through the Pupillage Gateway system. The best of l
The third in our series of Private Law seminars took place on Thursday 13 February at Bridewell Hall, a stone throw from Chambers. 4 Brick Court’s Bronach Gordon and Ummar Ahmad gave an excellent presentation to a large audience of Child law solicitors. The seminar focused on the practical conside
The Vitality Big Half marathon is this Sunday 1st March and 4BCs Sarah Haworth will be taking part and raising precious funds on behalf of the Half Moon Theatre, a charity helping change the lives of vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets through the power of the arts. Sarah’s fundraising page ca
In her article published by Family Law Week, Judith Pepper explores issues relating to siblings in care proceedings and case law relevant to sibling assessments. In the past few years there has been a much greater focus on this in care proceedings than in the past. Practitioners need to adapt to thi
We are delighted to have received so many applications for pupillage and we are about to start the marking process. We will be notifying applicants as to whether or not they have been selected for interview shortly after 16th March via the Pupillage Gateway portal. We wish the best of luck to all th
Tahmina Rahman, leading Amy Slingo, also of 4 Brick Court, successfully resisted an appeal at the Court of Appeal in December 2019 in a case where guidance has now been given in cases of concealed pregnancies / where a parent wishes to conceal the birth of a child or the fact of care proceedings fro
This Sunday 1st March 4BCs Sarah Haworth takes part in The Vitality Big Half marathon on behalf of the Half Moon Theatre a charity helping change the lives of vulnerable people in TowerHamlets through the power of the arts.
It’s the Family Law Bar Association dinner this evening and our Head of Chambers, Ian Griffin with Tahmina Rahman, Bibi Badejo and Sophie Crampton in their finery, leaving Chambers to join their Family Law Bar colleagues in what will no doubt be a splendid occasion. Enjoy the evening!
Judith Pepper has been invited to speak at the Wiltshire Family Justice Board’s annual conference in July. Judith’s talk will be on the issue of siblings in care proceedings and adoption.
We are delighted to have a vacancy for a third six pupil to start with us on 30th March 2020. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate outstanding advocacy skills and a strong commitment to practising family law. For details of how to apply, please click here.
Huge congratulations to Sarah Haworth for completing The Vitality Big Half marathon last Sunday raising precious funds for the Half Moon Theatre, a charity helping change the lives of vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets through the power of the arts. Out of 18,000 runners, Sarah managed to finish in
This evening Judith Pepper will be in conversation with Professor Daniel Monk providing students with first-hand insight into how law works in practice and an opportunity to seek her advice as an experienced legal practitioner about careers in law. Tonight’s event takes place between 6.30pm
Duties to report concerns Briefing sets out current requirements regarding reporting known or suspected child abuse or neglect. Read article in Family Law week here.
The Bar Council is currently keeping the coronavirus situation under review and monitoring the advice it receives from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Public Health England. Members of the Bar and their colleagues in chambers and employees should also keep abreast of the advice given.
This evening is the launch of the new association Women in Family Law and we are delighted to see that five of our esteemed members will be in attendance to help celebrate and support the occasion! Bronach Gordon, Polly Allison, Amy Slingo, Sarah Fincham and Tahmina Rahman. 4 BC wishes everyon
HMCTS has published additional guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus outbreak. This will be regularly updated as and when new advice and guidance becomes available. Further information here.
Latest on #COVID19 from Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar Council. Read here.
The Bar Council is keeping the coronavirus situation under review and monitoring the advice given by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Public Health England. Members of the Bar, colleagues and chambers’ staff should keep abreast of the advice being provided. The Bar Council’s l
Whilst the Coronavirus is causing unimaginable chaos affecting all our lives, 4 Brick Court is determined to keep our pupillage recruitment on track and therefore pupillage interviews will now be conducted via video link. We will be notifying those applicants who have been selected for interview wit
Message from Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division During the current Coronavirus Crisis some parents whose children are the subject of Child Arrangements Orders made by the Family Court have been understandably concerned about their ability to meet the requirements of these court o
During this period of uncertainty, we would like to reassure all our clients and those people who depend on our services that 4 Brick Court remains fully open for business with all our staff and barristers able to work remotely. Our telephone system has been modified to enable clients to be transfer
Whilst the lockdown continues for another 3 weeks at the very least, our barristers and clerks continue to deliver services to our clients. We are all becoming much more adept at working remotely and embracing the technology to enable us to do just that such as attending court hearings and meetings
Chambers remains open for business and our clerks and barristers are making every effort to ensure that we continue to provide our usual high level of service despite the challenges following Covid-19. Please contact our clerks as usual on 020 7832 3200. In any event, the mobile numbers of our most
Due to ill health Ian Griffin is standing down as Head if Chambers. Jayne Harrill, currently Deputy Head, is now the acting head of chambers until we elect our new Head of Chambers. We are incredibly grateful to Ian for his dedicated leadership which has transformed chambers over the last 3 years. I
We are pleased to announce that Tahmina Rahman has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge (south eastern region) an Employment Judge of the Employment Tribunals assigned to London South and a Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, assigned to the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Special Edu
Mark Rawcliffe recently appeared in this important case in the Court of Appeal dealing with the issues arising from Covid 19 and attendance at court: C (Children: Covid 19: Representation) [2020] EWCA Civ 734 also reported as A Local Authority v The Mother and Ors [2020] EWHC 1233 (Fam)
We are pleased to be welcoming Raminder Khasriya who is joining 4 Brick Court with effect from 3rd August 2020. Raminder was admitted as a solicitor-advocate in 2012 and transferred to the Bar in March 2020. She has extensive experience in representing local authorities in complex care proceedings
Chambers is pleased to welcome Christina Warner whose practice includes private law, public law and financial proceedings. Christina has a particular interest in dealing with matters concerning domestic violence and/or children. She has represented clients with an international aspect to their ca
Family Law Week has recently published an article by Paul Pavlou following the launching of a JR against the government for failing to provide an adequate child maintenance system. He ends with this plea: “The priority should be in providing funds to children who are the most economically vuln
Congratulations to Bibi Badejo who has been elected as Governing Bencher of the Inner Temple at the Bench Table on 16 July 2020.
Amy Slingo has been shortlisted for the “Family Law Case of the Year” category in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for the Court of Appeal case (A, B, C A, B And C (Adoption: Notification of Fathers And Relatives) [2020] EWCA Civ 41)in which she acted as the junior. The shortlisted case
Psychological Assessments: a brief guide to choosing a psychological expert Sophie Crampton has very recently had an article published in Family Law Week in which she offers guidance on when to instruct a psychologist and how to choose a suitable one for your case. This is an often tricky and someti
One of our most recent new tenants Christina Warner will be providing updating in-house training to the staff of national LGBT+ anti-violence charity Galop this week. This informative training will cover applications and procedure in the family courts as well as looking at the impact of COVID-19. Fu
‘Coping Post Covid’ – The Road Ahead For The Family Courts Bibi Badejo will be amongst the panel of speakers for what will no doubt be an informative and thought-provoking event run by Support Through Court. Following a key-note speech by Sir Andrew McFarlane, Bibi and fellow panel
It is with immense sadness we announce that Ian Griffin passed away yesterday. This is, of course, a great loss to 4BC and the family bar and most especially to his family and close friends. Ian was an incredible head of chambers and we are fortunate that he was able to lead chambers until recently,
Chambers & Partner has ranked Jacqui Gilliatt in Band 4 for Family – Children for the 3rd year running and the review reads as follows: Regularly handles a wide range of children’s cases in the public law sphere. She is routinely instructed in matters involving issues of a serious na
Following the sad news of Ian Griffin’s passing, chambers confirm any donations in his memory can be made to St Christopher’s Hospice – more information about St Christopher’s and how to make a donation can be found here.
Chambers is delighted to congratulate Laura Barrie on her appointment as a District Judge. Laura, who previously sat as a Deputy District Judge, will be based at the Central Family Court and has commenced sitting. Chambers wish her every success in her judicial career. More information about Laura
To register to click here
Bibi Badejo (Founder and Host) and Justin Tadros (Co-Creator) are part of the team launching The Advocacy Podcast: Journeys To Excellence.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/576f10f8-6be2-4d79-a125-a7774b95363b
“An advocate is never too experienced to work on their technique.” – Bibi Badejo, Barrister at Four Brick Court and host of The Advocacy Podcast. (2021) Read Bibi Badejo’s full blog entry here Also, keep your eyes peeled on The Advocacy Podcast.
They’ve changed their name to support more kinship families and tackle kinship carers’ invisibility in society. You can read more about why they’ve changed their name, what they hope to achieve as Kinship in the coming years, as well as find answers to any questions you migh
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are rescheduling tomorrow’s initial seminar, ‘Post-Adoption Contact: less a theory and more a practice.’ With Isabelle Watson. Now 13th May at 6:00 pm. Join us tomorrow, Thursday, March 18th, at 6:00 pm for ‘It’s an early knoc
An interesting case with Ummar Farooq Ahmad to read click the link below. https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2021/884.html
We’re proud to announce that Christina Warner has been shortlisted for the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award. Christina is a private law specialist and an advocate for animal protection, LGBTQ & Latinx issues, having volunteered with charities raising awareness of social mobility and access to ju
Questioning how society can challenge violence against women and girls, Christina Warner discusses whether enough progress is being made to prevent and tackle the reasons surrounding issues of violence against women and girls. Christina assesses the need for increased access to resources, services,
Christina Warner is featured in this month’s edition of Counsel Magazine, discussing the impact of the death of Sarah Everard on questions concerning women’s safety, the effects of Covid on recent domestic abuse figures and how there needs to be fundamental shifts in attitudes surrounding issue
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Christina Warner is the winner of the WeAreTheCity Law (Lynne Freeman) Award 2021! Christina has been honoured for her incredible work in family law and animal protection law. She has been recognised for her voluntary work helping LGBTQ and Latinx people liv
We are delighted that Keileigh Pink, Harry Simons and Amanda Wallace have accepted offers of tenancy with us! They have all been excellent pupils and pushed through despite the challenges of remote pupillage. Welcome to the 4BC family!
We are delighted to announce that we have committed to hosting an intern as part of the Bar’s collective participation in the #10000BlackInterns scheme. More information can be found at https://www.10000blackinterns.com/
The FLBA (FamilyLawBar) elections are open! 4BC’s Bibi Badejo is seeking reelection to continue her fabulous work on the FLBA National Committee and Wellbeing Team. Voting is open to all FLBA members. Ballots close at 12 noon on 4 October.
Sophie Crampton is part of the newly formed Young Bar Advocate Executive Committee, which aims to support young barristers in pro bono work. Introducing the Young Bar Advocate Executive Committee (weareadvocate.org.uk)
We remember our previous Head of Chambers and dear friend, Ian Griffin with much love. Read more about his legacy here.
We are delighted to welcome our new pupils Alice Scanlan and Roshni Popli to chambers; we wish them well in their pupillage and future careers at the Bar!
So pleased to announce that Lauren Bovington has returned to chambers to resume her second six-month pupillage; welcome back, Lauren, and wish you every success!
Huge congratulations to Bibi Badejo on her re-election to the FLBA committee, we are delighted for her.
Proud to announce that @ReachOut2Kids has been selected as an official partner of Law Together, a legacy project launched by us in loving memory of Ian Griffin, the former head chambers. We aim to increase the number of underprivileged and unrepresented groups at the Bar. Find out more: https://www.
Keileigh Pink pays tribute to Ian Griffin in Family Affairs, a moving account that was first delivered at Ian’s memorial service and made such an impression Keileigh was invited to submit the text for inclusion in the FLBA magazine. Chambers has launched ‘Law Together’ to build on Ian’s visi
Four Brick Court’s Lee Pearman, who specialises in child protection, bravely sat down with Heart Matters magazine to speak about his experience when he had a stent fitted. Click the link below to read the full article. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/my-story/l
Bronach Gordon and Harry Simons visit Edmonton County School today to participate in their careers fair organised by ROK. Four Brick Court has partnered with ROK to inspire and encourage young people to consider a career at the bar, part of our Law Together project to increase diversity in our profe
Congratulations to Bibi Badejo and Justin Tadros on the second season of the brilliant Advocacy Podcast: Journeys to Excellence. In the first episode, Bibi interviews Jerry Blackwell and Steve Schleicher, lead prosecutors in the Derek Chauvin case. The Advocacy Podcast
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Jayne Harrill is delighted to offer eight mentors to students selected by Bridging the Bar as part of our Law Together Project. Emma Hughes, who manages the mentor scheme, is “delighted, so many members have signed up to be volunteers!.” Elin Hughes, Keileigh Pin
We are delighted to announce that Kinship Charity has been selected as one of the charities to feature in Tom Daley’s Comic Relief. ‘Hell of a Homecoming’ Challenge, which will air on BBC1 at 9 pm this evening! #kinship #charity #comicrelief
Kinship chair and head of chambers Jayne Harrill and all of us at @FourBrickCourt, look forward to BBC Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 today at 10 am to hear from kinship‘s Chief Executive, @drlucypeake, and Meyrem, a Kinship carer. They’ll be speaking to host Emma Barnett all about
Over 162,000 children grow up in #KinshipCare in the UK, but they and their carers often don’t get the support they need and deserve. We agree with the kinship charity’s recommendations in their new report today: https://www.kinship.org.uk/out-of-the-shadows.
Four Brick Courts Justin Tadros did some training this afternoon for LB Hackney on, ‘Deprivation of liberty placement of children – summary of the law and some practical tips’
Chambers is delighted that Lauren Bovington has accepted our offer of tenancy. Huge congratulations to Lauren from all here at Four Brick Court! Lauren is an excellent addition to chambers and is already active in our Law Together project.
Chambers is pleased to welcome Andlib Moshin who has accepted our offer of tenancy. Huge congratulations to Andlib from all here at Four Brick Court!
Four Brick Court’s Jacqui Gilliatt, Barrister and Head of Pupillage & Tenancy Committee, has a two-part article published in the Family Law Journal. Part one is available in this month’s issue, and part two will be available to read in June. Part 1 of two articles about the court
As part of our Law Together project Jayne Harrill, Bibi Badejo, and Polly Allison attended the launch of the #ROK10000 Campaign. ROK (Reach Out 2 Kids) aim to raise £10.000 to support their work: “Our aim is to create as many employment opportunities as possible for young people from diverse
Four Brick Court’s Barrister Keliegh Pink took part in the ROK Legal Career Carousel at Clapton Girls Academy. Keliegh Pink discussed all potential pathways toward establishing a career in law and her journey toward becoming a Barrister. ROK has partnered with us as part of our Law Together Projec
Four Brick Court is a specialist Family Law Chambers. We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Practice Manager. The role will suit an ambitious and proactive individual who can work as part of a team and individually. Experience within Family Law would be preferred but not essential. The succes
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Jayne Harrill, is proud to announce that we now have three members listed in Chambers and Partners. This is the fourth year running for Jacqui Gilliatt. It is the first year for Isabelle Watson and Nairn Purss. Congratulations! https://chambers.com/law-firm/4-brick-cou
In the matter of: Re K and Re R (Unregulated Placement: Authorisation Pursuant to the Court’s Inherent Jurisdiction: Prohibition) Polly Allison acting on behalf of the first respondent mother (Re K) following the Local Authorities’ application to the court to sanction the mother
Four Brick Court’s Ummar Ahmad delivered an immersive and interactive session at the University of Buckingham for a Clinical Legal Education Workshop. The students were able to practice advocacy in front of Ummar, and he provided them all with feedback.
Four Brick Court’s Susan Quinn appeared for the father led by Sally Stone QC: On skull fractures in children, the uncertainties about the causation of such injuries and a cautionary tale about the neuroradiologist and expert Professor Sellar. Hertfordshire CC v Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 1
Congratulations to our Barrister, Sophie Crampton, on her newly published book “Overcoming Threshold – A Practical Guide to Threshold in Care Proceedings.” The book is now available on Law Brief Publishing and Amazon. Law Brief Publishing: http://www.lawbriefpublishing.com/product/thr
Four Brick Court is delighted to share that on Tuesday 27th September 2022, in partnership with ROK (Reach Out 2 Kids), students from Clapton Girls’ Academy and Edmonton County School experienced an enjoyable day in the legal system with Jayne Harrill, Bibi Badejo and Polly Allison of c
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Jayne Harrill is delighted to welcome our new pupils, Emma Hughes and Nathan Baylis. We wish them well in their pupillage and future careers at the Bar! Welcome to the 4BC family!
National Trustees’ Week is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the achievements of over 1 million trustees across the UK. At Four Brick Court, we’re proud of the charitable contributions made by our members outside of our day-to-day practice. This year’s Trustees’ Week
Four Brick Court is pleased to welcome Roshni Popli, who has successfully completed her pupillage with us and accepted our offer of tenancy. Huge congratulations to Roshni from all here at Four Brick Court!
Four Brick Court is proud to be a sponsorship partner of @BridgeTheBar. Special thanks to Advocate for choosing the charity as the ‘Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year at the 2022 Bar Pro Bono Awards.
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Jayne Harrill will offer pupillages for 2024 – 2025 through the Pupillage Gateway. Keep an eye out for our advert available at the end of this week. #Pupillage #FourBrickCourt #FamilyLaw #Advert
Nathan Baylis, a pupil barrister at Four Brick Court, provides a guide to the legal recognition of at-home artificial insemination in surrogacy arrangements. https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed233377
Roshni Popli, Barrister at Four Brick Court, considers the lessons of a recent judgment highlighting the need for greater transparency in the instruction of experts. https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed233351
The AGM and FLBA (Family Law Bar Association) 2022/23 conference was held in Cambridge on Saturday. #AGM #FLBA #4BC #FAMILYLAW #CONFERENCE
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Jayne Harrill celebrated barrister Sophie Crampton on her book launch. “Overcoming Threshold – A Practical Guide to Threshold in Care Proceedings.” We congratulate your hard work, Sophie Crampton. The book is now available on Law Brief Publishing and Ama
Jayne Harrill and Tim Potter, instructed by Androulla Nicolaou at ITN Solicitors, to represent the Father in the Fact-Finding Hearing in care proceedings in the case of Re SK (Perplexing Presentation/Fabricated or Induced illness: PP/FII) [2022] EWFC 144. The matter was heard in the High Court on
On Monday, our pupils Emma Hughes and Nathan Baylis participated in a mock-trial training session with the RCPCH. The course has been designed to provide paediatricians with practical experience in giving evidence in court. Thank you to the Royal College for organising the workshop; we hope the dele
Diversity is significant to us here at Four Brick Court. We wanted to shed light on how Ramadan impacts our practitioners during the holy month.
Brónach Gordon and Nathan Baylis, instructed by Amie Dinan of Duncan Lewis Solicitors, appeared for the applicants in the recently published AY and BY v ZX [2023] EWFC 39.
A short case summary following HHJ Reardon’s recent Judgment in The London Borough of Newham v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 60, with useful reminders to practitioners dealing with short-notice applications in care proceedings. Four Brick Courts Sarah Barber wrote the article.
Four Brick Courts Sarah Barber wrote the article. Full link to the judgment can be found here – https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2023/659.html&query=(EWCA)+AND+(Civ)+AND+(659)
Four Brick Court, is pleased to announce that Emma Hughes and Nathan Baylis have accepted our offer of tenancy on completion of their pupillage in October. Huge congratulations to Emma Hughes and Nathan Baylis from all here at Four Brick Court.
Bibi Badejo will be speaking at this year’s BCF23 conference. BCF23 is an innovative personal development experience aimed at providing black lawyers with practical strategies for career success, drawing from their shared backgrounds, unique experiences and challenges of those who understand them
Jacqui Gilliatt has the following articles published in the FamilyLaw Journal. A subscription to the FamilyLaw Journal is required to access the links.
Four Brick Court is delighted to welcome our new pupils, Mahnoor Javed and Saoirse Horan. We wish them well in their pupillage and future careers at the Bar!
Four Brick Court, Chambers of Isabelle Watson, is proud to announce that we have achieved a London Bar > Family: Children and Domestic Abuse Tier 4 ranking in this year’s The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Elin Hughes (Call: 2017) for achieving a Tier 1 ranking in this year’s Rising Stars category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Thomas Pye (Call: 2018) for achieving a Tier 1 ranking in this year’s Rising Stars category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Ummar Ahmad (Sol: 2013) (Call: 2018) for achieving a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court is pleased to announce that Isabelle Watson is the newly elected Head of Chambers.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Jacqui Gilliatt (Call: 1992) for achieving a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by our Barrister Sarah Barber.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Justin Tadros (Call: 2012) for achieving a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister James Norman (Call: 2008) for achieving a Tier 5 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
Four Brick Court congratulates barrister Nairn Purss (Call: 1999) for achieving a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
The MTSA & MTYBA black history event, will take place tonight, Wednesday, 18 October, to highlight and celebrate black achievement and address struggle and racism. Our pupil Emma Hughes will be the host.
Four Brick Court congratulates Isabelle Watson (Call: 1991) for achieving a Tier 6 ranking in this year’s Leading Juniors category from The Legal 500 (Legalease) directory.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by our Barrister Sarah Barber.
The Chambers and Partners UK 2024 guide is now live. Four Brick Court, Chambers of Isabelle Watson, congratulates four of our barristers who have been ranked in the 2024 edition of Family: Children.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by our Barrister Sarah Barber.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of Black History Month, and throughout October 2023, members of the Legal Black, Asian and ethnic minorities have been celebrating. This year’s central theme is ‘Saluting our Sisters’. This article will feature Bibi Badejo and Emma Hughes, two B
Four Brick Court, Chambers New Vacancy – Junior Practice Assistant – £ 26,100. Four Brick Court, Chambers now seeks a motivated and highly personable Junior Clerk to assist the clerking teams in ensuring the high standards of service Chambers is known for.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by barrister Sarah Barber.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by Four Brick Court, Chambers barrister Sarah Barber.
Four Brick Court, Chambers is delighted to announce that Billy Forecast is the newly appointed Senior Practice Manager.
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by barrister Sarah Barber. Friday Family Law Roundup
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by barrister Sarah Barber. Friday Family Law Roundup
We wish all our clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We thank all our clients for their unwavering support this year. We are excited to work with you in 2024. Best wishes from all the members and staff at Four Brick Court, Chambers.
Happy New Year! We will host an informal, remote ‘Drop-in Session’ for candidates’ questions regarding pupillage and the application process on Thursday, 4th January 2024, from 6 pm – 7 pm.
We are proud to announce that barrister Paul Pavlou MCIArb now offers arbitrator’s services and conducts private financial dispute resolution hearings. Family arbitration is a private and privately funded form of dispute resolution. In financial cases, it is conducted in accordance with the r
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by barrister Sarah Barber and pupil barrister Saoirse Horan. Friday Family Law Roundup
A useful weekly Family Law Roundup by barrister Sarah Barber. Friday Family Law Roundup
Family Law Week has published an article by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ‘A legal misstep of little consequence? H v RH (No 2) (Variation of Interim Arrangements) [2023] EWFC 210’.
A monthly update by pupil barrister Saoirse Horan. Pupil monthly update, December 2023.
A monthly update by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed. Pupil monthly update, December 2023.
A monthly update by pupil barrister Saoirse Horan. Pupil monthly update, January 2024.
A monthly update by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed. Pupil monthly update, January 2024.
Advocate has given a panel member shout-out to Sophie Crampton for stepping up to assist their applicant, a grandmother who is an intervenor in a family case, with two hearings. One of these hearings was an 11-day fact-finding hearing. The applicant expressed her gratitude to Sophie for all her supp
Bibi Badejo wrote the cover article for February’s Counsel Magazine edition. The article explores the experiences of Black women barristers at the Bar, and she provides practical advice for Black women navigating the legal profession.
We are pleased to announce that our Head of Chambers, Isabelle Watson MCIArb, is a qualified Family (Children) arbitrator and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).
A monthly update by pupil barrister Saoirse Horan. Pupil monthly update, February 2024
A monthly update by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed. Pupil monthly update, February 2024
Family Law Week has published an article by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ‘Orders concerning the appointment of an intermediary – where are we following two important cases?’. Mahnoor Javed looks at where we are with orders concerning the appointment of an intermediary.
Four Brick Court, Chambers wishes you a Happy International Women’s Day, which recognises the achievements of all women today from all our outstanding female members, staff, and clients. #FourBrickCourt #IWD2024 #FamilyLaw #Equality #Diversity
Our staff at Four Brick Court, Chambers, enjoyed a competitive game of virtual clay target shooting last week at Clays.It was an excellent opportunity to bond and catch up outside the office. Appreciating and celebrating each other’s hard work and achievements is essential. A big t
Financial Remedies Journal has published an article by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ‘AW v RH (Preliminary Issue: Third Party Rights), Re [2024] EWFC 54’. Mahnoor Javed has experience in financial remedies ranging from ‘ultra-high net worth’ disputes to modest asset cases
Financial Remedies Journal has published another article by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ‘SP v QR [2024] EWFC 57 (B)’. Mahnoor Javed has experience in financial remedies ranging from ‘ultra-high net worth’ disputes to modest asset cases. Read the article here: https://f
Family Law Week has published two case summaries by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Re YM (Care Proceedings) (Clarification of Reasons) [2024] EWCA Civ 71 and Re U (Welfare) [2024] EWHC 583 (Fam). Read the full case summaries below: https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/judgments/re-ym-care-proceedings-cla
A monthly update by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed. Pupil monthly update, March 2024
Family Law Week has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Williams v Williams [2023] EWHC 3479 (Fam). Mr Justice Moor considered an application for the committal to prison of a Respondent’s husband following breaches of orders in financial remedies proceedings.
Happy Eid al-Fitr! to everyone celebrating. It’s a joyous occasion filled with blessings, love, and togetherness for Muslims worldwide.
Family Law Week has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ES v SS (No 2) [2024] EWFC 59. Sir Jonathan Cohen gave judgment in relation to trust property, which was agreed to be matrimonial following the conclusion of the proceedings for financial remedies. Read the full case su
Financial Remedies Journal has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: A Mother v A Father (Re Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989) [2024] EWFC 63. HHJ Vincent. Schedule 1 matters are determined in light of the child’s needs and the strict remit of Schedule 1, notwithstanding t
Advocate has shortlisted Sophie Crampton for the John Collins Pro Bono Excellence Award 2024. With over 100 nominations received across the categories, to be shortlisted is a significant achievement and a clear reflection of Sophie’s profound commitment to ensuring access to justice for all
Chambers is pleased to welcome Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey, who has accepted our offer of tenancy. This adds further high-quality talent to our exceptional group of practitioners. Huge congratulations from all here at Four Brick Court, Chambers!
Billy Forecast and Gina Tarawally attended the Leadership & Wellbeing Conference yesterday, organised by Briefed. It was beneficial and inspiring. Panellists from various walks of life, including the bar, discussed their experiences and strategies to promote healthy wellbeing in leadership.
Jacqui Gilliatt, our DHoC, has the latest published article in the Family Law Journal on Judicial Reasons: An Analysis [2024] Fam Law 428 April 2024. Click here to access the full article.
This is the latest edition of our new monthly internal and external newsletter, which features recent family law insights, upcoming webinars, and member achievements.
Advocate has publicly thanked our Pupil Barrister Mahnoor Javed for completing multiple pieces of pro bono work and surpassing the target of the Pupil Pledge. Mahnoor Javed has generously volunteered her time and expertise to those needing access to justice. #Advocate #FourBrickCourt #PupilPledge
A monthly update by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed. 240520 – GG (A Girl) & Anor, Re [2024] EWFC 101 (B)(FLW) 240420 – GW v GH (FRJ case summary)
Family Law Week has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Re GG (A Girl) & Anor [2024] EWFC 101 (B). HHJ Vincent, in a decision of considerable weight, declined to conclude a ‘finely balanced’ case in which the applicant’s mother had only had one brief con
This year, our united legal community is coming together for the 20th anniversary of the London Legal Walk, which will take place on Tuesday, 18th June 2024. Over the past two decades, an incredible £10.5 million has been raised by walking together for justice. This collective effort has helped hun
Our DHoC, Jacqui Gilliatt, has embarked on her annual bike ride, cycling 200 miles over four days across East Anglia to support the charity Become. For 30 years, they have been unwavering in helping children in care and young care leavers, providing crucial direct services, a care advice helpline, f
We’re proud to announce that three of our barristers, Sophie Crampton, Harry Simons and Nathan Baylis, are featured now on the inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List published this morning. This list recognises solicitors and barristers across England and Wales who have given over 25 hours of their t
Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey has the latest article in Family Law Week on QLRs in Practice: A Case for Improvement. Click the link below to access the article. QLR’s in practice – A case for improvement
Advocate have been delighted to see so many pupil barristers join their panel and take on the Pupil Pledge this year! Mahnoor Javed is one of those pupils who has stepped up to make a difference through taking on a piece of pro bono work this year.
Advocate has congratulated our Pupil, Barrister Saoirse Horan, on completing multiple pieces of pro bono work and surpassing the target of the Pupil Pledge. Saoirse has generously volunteered her time and expertise to those who need access to justice; her contribution is commendable. #Advocate #F
Family Law Week has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567 The Court of Appeal determined cross-appeals, which concerned the determination of (i) whether property is matrimonial and how it might become ‘matrimonialised’ and (ii) how t
Bibi Badejo, our DHoC, had the privilege of interviewing Barbara Mills KC for Family Affairs Magazine, Summer 2024 edition. Click the member link below to access the full article! https://www.flba.co.uk/publications/family-affairs/# #FourBrickCourt #BarbaraMillsKC #FamilyAffairs
Happy Friday! We are happy to share the latest edition of our newsletter with you. It features exciting achievements, recent family law insights, and upcoming webinars. Four Brick Court Newsletter (July 2024) #FourBrickCourt #FamilyLaw #Newsletter
Nairn Purss acted on behalf of the child’s Guardian. The local authority lodged an appeal against HHJ Tolson KC’s ruling regarding an application for a Placement Order for the youngest of three children, the subject child under 12 months old, at the point of judgment.
Tim Potter contested the application for care and placement orders in which there were disputed allegations of domestic abuse and background, including parental learning difficulties and the parents being vulnerable witnesses. Click the link to read the full judgment: ewfc_b_2024_211 (Tim Potter)
We are pleased to announce that pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed has accepted our offer of tenancy and will be a full tenant in October 2024. Congratulations Mahnoor Javed! #Pupillage #FourBrickCourt #Tenancy
Isabelle Watson MCIArb appeared for the local authority, supporting a successful appeal on a point of law involving the perpetration of serious non-accidental injuries. Isabelle and James Norman, another Four Brick Court barrister, had represented the Applicant local authority at the fact-finding h
Family Law Week has published a new Judgment Summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Re A and R (1980 Hague Convention: Return to Australia) [2024] EWHC 2190 (Fam).
Harry Simons will sit on the panel for the ‘Life at the Family Bar’ webinar. On Monday 14th, October 2024, at 5:45 pm, as part of The Bar Council of England and Wales‘s Pupillage Fair 2024. Harry will be joined by Kate Burnell KC (St John’s Buildings) and Karen Kabweru-N
We formally welcome Mahnoor Javed as a tenant and wish her every success in her future career.
We are delighted to announce that, in this year’s prestigious Legal 500 directory, we have retained our London Bar > Family: Children and Domestic Abuse Tier 4 set ranking. The individual barrister rankings have also increased, with thirteen barristers recognised in the Leading Junior and R
We extend a warm welcome to our two exceptional pupils, Alice Needell and Tamara McCarthy-Baker. Both will bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to chambers, having demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and dedication to the legal profession. As a Chambers, we are committed to support
The countdown has begun for barrister Bibi Badejo‘s masterclass on ‘The Power of the Question: Unlocking the Secrets of Strategic Cross-Examination’ in collaboration with Lexology on 31 October, 10:30 AM GMT / 09:30 AM UTC. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to
Reported case: Father v Mother & Anor [2024] EWHC 2578 (Fam) In this case, William Tyler KC and our member Andlib Mohsin, instructed by Sian Churchill of Crane & Staples, appeared for the mother and successfully defended an appeal in the High Court before Mrs Justice Lieven.
We are delighted to announce that our barrister rankings have risen in this year’s prestigious Chambers and Partners 2025 directory, with five barristers recognised in the Family: Children category. Isabelle Watson – Band 3 Jacqui Gilliatt – Band 3 Nairn Purss – Band 4 Justin Tad
Reported Case: RQ v TS [2024] EWHC 2509 Nathan Baylis acted for the respondent father in an appeal before Mrs Justice Judd, concerning changes to a child’s surname. Nathan Baylis represented the respondent pro bono, instructed through Advocate. Read the reported Judgment here.
In celebration of Black History Month, The Student Lawyer featured an insightful interview with barrister Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey, conducted by Christianah Omobosola Babajide. The discussion delves into Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey’s journey in the legal profession, her dedication to representing
Re A and B (Adoption: Section 83 ACA 2002) [2024] Amy Slingo recently represented the applicant adopter in an adoption order application before Mr Justice Cobb. The case raised important legal questions regarding the correct interpretation of Section 83 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the
We are delighted to share that Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey will attend The Bar Council of England and Wales‘s third business development visit to Nairobi, Kenya, from December 3rd to 5th, 2024, the legal symposium is organised in collaboration with The Law Society of Kenya.
PDF: Keynote Speech 2 – Recent Developments in Public Law
Children Case Update [2008] Fam Law 772. The first in a series of articles bringing together the most useful recent children law cases. Co-authors: Previn Jagutpal & Martha Cover.
Article on financial division. Read the article on the Family Law website.
Children in Military Custody assesses the treatment of Palestinian children under Israeli military law, examining each stage in the process: arrest, interrogation, bail hearings and plea bargains, trial, sentencing, detention and complaints. The report deals with a comparative analysis of Israeli do
Published by Routledge-Cavendish – Available from Wildys. A practical guide to practice and procedure in courts and tribunals. It is aimed at the recently qualified practitioner, pupil barristers, trainee solicitors, or lawyers unversed in advocacy and procedure.
Published by Routledge – Available from Amazon. The increased accountability of teachers has meant that actions on negligence are a reality. This is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of the law for teachers, covering everything from the employment relationship to lesson content and discipli
A round up of case law on Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 published by Family Law Week by Jacqui Gilliatt & Amy Slingo available at Family Law Week
Practice points flowing from policies on s 17 Children Act 1989 when child arrangements orders are made: available from Local Government Lawyer
Special Guardianship has been under the spotlight in a series of reviews and research projects as well as by the courts. This article provides an overview of developing thinking and the guidance provided by the Family Justice Council and approved by the President. Link to article
Part 1 of two articles about the court’s power to require or force a local authority to withdraw care proceedings or otherwise restrict the scope of the findings it is willing to consider is published in the May 2022 edition of the Journal. Part 1 focusses on the situation where the local authorit
Part 2 (published in June 2022) considers whether there is anything the other parties in the case can do and what case management powers the court has in relation to the contents of threshold documents.
Top Tips for Managing Big Cases Subscription Required.
Bibi Badejo wrote the cover article for February’s Counsel Magazine edition. The article explores the experiences of Black women barristers at the Bar, and she provides practical advice for Black women navigating the legal profession. Find the full article at: CounselMagazine.co.uk
Family Law Week has published an article by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: ‘Orders concerning the appointment of an intermediary – where are we following two important cases?’. Mahnoor Javed looks at where we are with orders concerning the appointment of an intermediary. Read the artic
By Pupil Barrister Mahnoor Javed.
Family Law Week has published a case summary by pupil barrister Mahnoor Javed: Re GG (A Girl) & Anor [2024] EWFC 101 (B). HHJ Vincent, in a decision of considerable weight, declined to conclude a ‘finely balanced’ case in which the applicant’s mother had only had one brief contact with th
The first of a two-part article in the Family Law Journal provides a very brief history of adoption and special guardianship, an overview of current policy developments, proposals for future reform, a statistical overview, a summary of some recent research, some comparisons between the two placement
‘Clive Barrett is very knowledgeable and helpful.’ Legal 500 2025 ‘Love Clive, Such a breeze to communicate with.’ Figen Demiri (LLM) Solicitor | Family and Immigration (2021) Clive began his clerking career in 1983 at the Chambers of the legendary George Carman QC. Clive joined 4
‘Richard Gillham is also helpful when identifying counsel, especially on urgent matters.’ Legal 500 2025 ‘Richard Gillham and Billy Forecast are always approachable and helpful.’ Legal 500 2025 Richard joined Four Brick Court in 1987 as a Junior Clerk as was promoted to First Junior Cle
Amy started as a Fees Clerk in 2005 and joined 4 Brick Court in November 2012. Amy is responsible for ensuring that all legal aid and private and local authority fees are paid promptly and deals with any fee-related queries. Member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks
Lucy has clerked since 1998 and joined the team at 4 Brick Court in March 2021. She is happy to assist you with any fee-related queries you may have.
Gina joined Four Brick Court in January 2021. She manages the day-to-day Social Media, PR and Marketing duties. Gina ensures a smooth joined-up approach to PR and Marketing between Members of Chambers, the Management Committee and the Practice team. She is responsible for coordinating chambers’
‘Billy Forecast is excellent.’ Legal 500 2025 ‘Billy Forecast and Jordon King are always helpful and go over and above to assist clients.’ Legal 500 2025 ‘Richard Gillham and Billy Forecast are always approachable and helpful.’ Legal 500 2025 Billy joined 4 Br
‘Billy Forecast and Jordon King are always helpful and go over and above to assist clients.’ Legal 500 2025 Jordon joined Chambers in November 2022, previously working at a leading London family law set. Jordon is responsible for the day-to-day running of the diary of Members of Chamb
Elisa joined Chambers in January 2024, having previously worked at a leading London commercial set for two years. Elisa is responsible for the day-to-day running of the diary of Members of the Chambers, allocation of new work and fee negotiation. Daily court listings, supporting the PR & Marketi
Alessandra joined Four Brick Court as Admin Manager in September 2024. Alessandra is responsible for operations and administrative support to chambers, including regulatory compliance, GDPR, and pupillage, as well as supporting the management committee.