Christopher Styles
Call: 2015
Christopher Styles
University of Oxford
Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction)
Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding)
Legal Aid Supplier Number o2EQY
Deputy District Judge (Family Court)
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Christopher joined Broadway House Chambers in September 2015. He is a busy junior practitioner, specialising in the field of public family law.
Legal 500- Leading Junior (2024): ‘Even in the most difficult and complex cases Christopher’s advocacy is calm under pressure- he is an outstanding and persuasive advocate. He has an uncanny ability to think outside the box and find a way forward.’
Legal 500- Leading Junior (2023): ‘Christopher’s strength is his fierce intelligence, and his ability to persuade the tribunal by using that intelligence eloquently and with considered force. Talented…an absolute star in the making.’
Legal 500- Rising Star (2022): ‘He has a meticulous eye for detail, prepares diligently and provides clear, compelling advocacy- one to watch.’
Reputation
Expertise
Christopher is an established family law practitioner, specialising in the representation of parents and children in public law proceedings. He is routinely instructed in cases of gravity- including those involving inflicted injury, sexual abuse, homicide, honour-based violence, cruelty and systematic neglect.
Christopher is an experienced trial advocate and can be relied on to forcefully advocate for clients both in writing and in court. He has a reputation for rigour, with a busy paper practice advising on complex matters of jurisdiction and safeguarding.Christopher understands the unique character of the family jurisdiction. He is trusted by solicitors to advise with both sensitivity and tact.
Notable Cases
Re B: Representation of a child in wardship proceedings in the context of an alleged honour-based killing. Successful jurisdictional argument for child to be permitted to return home.
Re C: Representation of a parent at an eleven-day finding of fact encompassing the cross-examination of a seven year old child. Client exonerated and rehabilitation ordered.
Re B: Representation of a young woman accused of forcibly branding a baby with a cigarette. Client exonerated following a six-day trial.
Re L: Representation of a deaf mother with profound cognitive limitations making allegations of child abuse. Allegations upheld at a nine-day trial.
Re R: Two-week trial representing a parent accused of shaking an eight month old baby. Medical evidence challenged and no identification findings made.
Re F: Representation of grandparents opposing a plan of adoption. Kinship assessment successfully challenged, with the court making findings of exaggeration and distortion against the allocated social worker.
Re S: Representation of a child following threats from a reality TV star to sell case details to News International. Global reporting injunctions imposed.
Re U: Representation of a Ukrainian resident in a High Court dispute regarding welfare, the ongoing conflict and jurisdiction. Interim return to Kiev directed.
Re M: Representation of a father accused of murdering his partner, where the subject child acts as witness for the prosecution. Psychological evidence challenged and placement with family sanctioned.
Re Y [2023] EWHC 2040: Representation of a child in complex High Court relinquishment proceedings - https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2023/2040.html
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