Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 28/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 28/02/2022

Roger Bickerdike

Call: 1986

Roger Bickerdike

LLB, Barrister
Chambers & Partners Ranking Barrister Band 1
Legal 500 Leading Individual

Roger is undoubtedly one of the North Eastern Circuit’s most experienced and highly regarded family law specialists. Practising exclusively in family work, he is particularly renowned for his expertise in mid and high value financial remedy cases and private law children matters, including both internal and international relocation. Roger also has considerable experience of appellate work, especially in the Court of Appeal.

Reputation

Over many years Roger has been highly commended in successive editions of legal publications such as ‘Chambers and Partners’, and ‘The Legal 500’. Within Chambers and Partners, Roger is ranked as Band 1 Counsel where he is recognised to be:

‘An authority in family law, who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He also undertakes private law children work and has experience of appellate advocacy, notably in the Court of Appeal’

(Chambers and Partners 2020)

‘A fearless advocate. I’ve seen him determined to get a point across when odds are against him, and his paperwork is excellent’

(Chambers and Partners, 2020)

‘He can deal with the most challenging and difficult cases’

(Chambers and Partners, 2020)

“He is an excellent advocate and has the ear of the court because his approach is pragmatic and commercial.” “He is proactive in setting expectations and he’s not a last-minute person. He’s very responsive and very good at what he does.” “His lay client-handling skills are second to none.”

(Chambers and Partners, 2021)

“An authority in family law who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He is further noted for his work on spousal maintenance as well as children matters such as contact arrangement orders. He is experienced across several court levels”

(Chambers and Partners, 2021)

"Roger is a brilliant advocate with tremendous attention for detail and who is really well regarded among the judiciary." "A standout financial remedies counsel in the region." "He is proactive, well prepared, robust and a fearless advocate. He provides clear and sound advice on complicated issues, manages clients' expectations well and negotiates good outcomes in court."

(Chambers & Partners, 2022)

Roger is also ranked as Top Tier Counsel in the Legal 500 where he is recognised as: ‘the consummate advocate who is more than willing to roll his sleeves up should the case require it. He is a pragmatist at heart and clients value his commerciality. He will fight for what is right for a client’

(Legal 500, 2021)

Roger possesses a finely tuned ability to judge the feeling of a court and so deliver insightful and meaningful advice. That same intuitive knowledge enables him to deliver very effective advocacy’

(Legal 500, 2022)

‘A fearless advocate, Roger is approachable and gains the trust and confidence of clients from the outset. He can accurately read a case and the approach a court or judge is likely to take, and tailors his approach accordingly.'

(Legal 500, 2023)

'Roger Bickerdike is an authority in family law who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He is further noted for his work on spousal maintenance as well as children matters such international relocation. He is experienced across several court levels.

(Chambers and Partners, 2023)

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

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Aelred Hookway

Call: 1990

Aelred Hookway

LLB

Member of Gray’s Inn

Family Law Bar Association

Aelred has spent over 30 years specialising in all aspects of family law, public law, private law children and finance. He now focuses exclusively on private law children and can accept instructions on a direct access basis.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 20/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 20/02/2022

Matthew Rudd

Call: 1994

Matthew Rudd

Head of Employment Law Team

ELA

FLBA

Chambers and Partners

Legal 500

Matthew is Head of the Employment Team with over 27 years experience. He undertakes work in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Higher Courts. He is also a member of the Family Team undertaking Financial Remedy and TOLATA and Inheritance Act work. Further, Matthew has expertise in sports law and civil claims relating to his Employment and Financial Remedy Practice.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 19/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 19/02/2022

Dornier Whittaker

Call: 1994

Dornier Whittaker

BA (Hons) Kings College, London

City University (Diploma in Law)

Inns of Court School of Law

Middle Temple Queen Mothers Scholar

FLBA

Dornier is your ‘go to’ person in respect of all applications for financial remedy and private children disputes. With over 30 years under her belt, Dornier has a wealth of experience in complex relocation cases, intractable children disputes and is recognised for her knowledge in high value financial relief cases, especially those involving companies, partnerships, farms and “hidden wealth”.

Dornier has a reputation for robust advocacy and is a firm believer in practical, no-nonsense advice which is often praised by the Judiciary. She prides herself on her open and easy to approach manner with both solicitors and clients which is regularly reported by the Legal Press.

As well as being fluent in French and the mother of three busy teenage children, Dornier still finds time to regularly deliver legal seminars and is the governor of 2 local schools.

Reputation

Chambers & Partners

Chambers & Partners 2023

“Dornier Whittaker is a highly experienced practitioner with a practice covering finance and children matters. Her work ranges from contact arrangement orders to financial remedies and maintenance payment variations. She regularly acts for high net worth individuals."Dornier is wonderful with clients." "She is reasonable and realistic in negotiations, and a top court performer." "Dornier is a pleasure to deal with. She is happy to provide additional support on cases so that the client really gets a team approach."

Chambers & Partners 2022

“She is client and lawyer friendly and takes a hands-on approach. This makes working with her a very cooperative experience for not only the client but those instructing her.” “She is extremely thorough, clear in her advice and proactive in managing very anxious and difficult clients.” “She is extremely personable with clients and sees cases through while working as a team with the instructing solicitor and the client.”

Chambers & Partners 2018

“Dornier is extremely experienced and is a great all-rounder for family law. She is very client-friendly and her advice is easily understood.”

Chambers & Partners 2017

“Extremely skilled in private law work relating to children as well as financial family disputes. She has previously advised on complicated separations involving farming and corporate assets, in addition to complex child relocations.” “She is sensible, charming and empathetic, and really excellent at managing difficult people.”

Legal 500

The Legal 500 2023: ‘Dornier adopts a very hands on approach. She is always available and puts clients at ease from the very start. She combines a no-nonsense approach with a robust and clear approach to cross-examination.Dornier is a fearless advocate. She relates very well to clients, works extremely hard for them, and is always well prepared.'

The Legal 500 2022: ‘She is calmly reassuring with clients in what can be difficult cases. Her advice is sound and rational.’

The Legal 500 2020: “Specialises in private law children and financial matters”

The Legal 500 2017: “She has an ability to think outside of the box and is very good on her feet.”

The Legal 500 2015: “She is impressive on her feet without being unpleasant or resorting to bullying”

Seminars

Dornier delivers seminars to solicitors and other legal professionals throughout the North of England and beyond. Dornier has recently covered:

Top Tips: Practice, Procedure & Preparation for the FDA, FDR and Final Hearing 2021
Top Tips on Practice & Procedure in Private Law Children 2021
Private Law Children – Essential Update 2021
Costs Update in Private Law Proceedings 2020

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 17/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 17/02/2022

Gerald Browne

Call: 1995

Gerald Browne

Family Law Association

After qualifying in medicine, Gerald transferred to the law and was called to the Bar in 1995. His medical knowledge is a particular advantage in cases where medical issues are to the fore.

Gerald now has more than 25 years experience as a barrister and has practised exclusively in family law since 1999. He now focuses on children and matrimonial finance cases.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 16/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 16/02/2022

Jayne Pye

Call: 1995 (solicitor 1985)

Jayne Pye

Deputy District Judge dealing with Civil law and Public & Private family law

Recorder dealing with Private and Public Family Law

Jayne has over 30 years experience of practising family law. She was a partner and head of the family law department in a large firm of solicitors before being called to the Bar in 1995. As well as undertaking cases for clients, Jayne sits as a Deputy District Judge and Recorder determining private and public law family cases. She was Chair of the Yorkshire Family Law Bar Association for 10 years.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 13/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 13/02/2022

Zira Hussain

Call: 1998

Zira Hussain

LLB (Hons ) Law

Legal Aid Supplier Number 305RU

Zira has practised exclusively in family law for over 20 years and has extensive court experience. Her areas of practice are private and public law children, financial remedies, domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour based violence.

Zira is a fearless, tenacious, conscientious and hardworking barrister. She is known as a fighter and is a strong advocate. She is renowned for her thorough preparation and detailed knowledge of case papers. She combines strong client care skills with robust and effective advocacy. Zira has a reputation for always going the extra mile.

Expertise

Private Law Children

Zira has extensive experience in conducting hearings relating to all aspects of private law children proceedings including child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. Zira represents mothers, fathers, grandparents and other family members. Zira also represents children through their Guardian ad Litem. Zira has a particular interest in applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction and applications under the Hague Convention.

Zira has been involved in cases involving complex cultural and jurisdictional issues. She has conducted lengthy finding of fact hearings in these cases. Zira is sought after counsel for findings of fact hearings due to her dynamic cross examination skills. Zira has interest in cases involving religious upbringing of children. She was led by Queens Counsel in a complex case where the court was being asked to determine the religious upbringing of a child Re N (A Child: Religion: Jehovah’s Witness) 2011 EWHC 3737

Public Law Children

Zira has vast experience in complex and difficult public law cases. She represents local authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians and extended family members at all court levels. Zira has a detailed knowledge of the children and adoption legislation and associated case law. She has been instructed in proceedings involving the most serious types of non accidental injuries, neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Zira is well respected for the quality of her court performance and robust advocacy where necessary.

Zira has interest and experience in matters involving complex medical evidence, mental health issues, problems associated with addiction and cognitive impairment. Zira has experience of acting for those with complex psychiatric issues. She is known for her ability to engage those with complex problems and her commitment to ensuring their rights are properly recognised. She remains committed to representing the most vulnerable. Zira’s approach to vulnerable clients is always sympathetic and sensitive.

Zira has experience advising and representing parties in applications involving children giving evidence. She is also experienced in cross examining children and vulnerable witnesses. Zira has significant experience in cross examining expert witnesses including psychiatrists and psychologists.

Financial Remedies

Zira undertakes all types of work relating to resolving financial issues between divorcing couples. She represents husband, wives and intervenors in proceedings in the Family Court and the High Court.

Zira has experience in dealing with straightforward to complex financial remedy cases including applications under s37 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, third parties claiming beneficial interests in matrimonial assets, land and foreign property and maintenance pending suit applications.

Zira has experience of dealing with cases involving variation and capitalisation of maintenance, applications to set aside consent orders, appeals in financial remedy proceedings and applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Zira has experience in cases involving consideration and drafting of pre nuptial agreements. She was instructed to draft a pre nuptial agreement for a premier league professional footballer.

Zira is well placed due to her experience in the field of private law children matters to deal with those cases where issues of child arrangements are tied up with the issue of what orders the court should make in respect of the former matrimonial home.

Zira welcomes instructions at the early stages of the proceedings and would wish to see a case through from the First Directions Appointment to Final Hearing in order to provide informed and focused representation at every stage in the proceedings. She will advise realistically, practically and negotiate a settlement where it is in her client’s interests to do so. She will always advise on commerciality of proceedings

Domestic Abuse

Zira is renowned for her experience in the area of domestic abuse. She has the ability to deal with complex and serious domestic abuse cases. Zira represents both alleged victims and alleged perpetrators of such abuse and has conducted lengthy findings of fact hearings. Zira has extensive experience of applications under the Family Law Act 1996 including contested non molestation orders and occupation orders. Zira is known for her meticulous preparation and being able to quickly and expertly get to the core of the dispute and ensure her client receives the best and most robust representation.

Outside of work Zira has chaired a workshop which investigated the experiences of BAME women in accessing legal aid in domestic abuse cases. The ultimate aim of the consultation was to influence proposed legal aid reforms and gather ideas to improve access to legal aid and access to information. The consultation resulted in the publication of a national report titled “ Report on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Women, Domestic Abuse and Access to Legal Aid”

Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation

Zira has particular interest in applications for forced marriage protection orders and female genital mutilation orders having advised and represented local authorities and the police in making applications as well as representing respondents to such applications.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 12/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 12/02/2022

Ian Miller

Call: 1999

Ian Miller

LLB (Hons) (Pg Dip) (FLBA)

Legal Aid Supplier Number 385FD

Ian is a renowned matrimonial finance and family trusts/TLATA Barrister. Ian also accept instructions in:

Breach of Confidence (and confidentiality)
Misuse of Private Information and how to protect privacy
Defamation (libel and slander)
Advice on publications, press releases and websites to as to ensure privacy is maintained, consents received, and that material published is not defamatory or in breach of copyright.

Ian is able to undertake private FDR hearings for Trusts of Land proceedings, Inheritance Act proceedings and Financial Remedy cases.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 10/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 10/02/2022

Joanne O’Shea

Call: 2000

Joanne O’Shea

Middle Temple

FLBA

Direct Access

Accredited Mediator

Vulnerable Witness Trained

Legal Aid Supplier Number 942MD

Joanne O’Shea practises exclusively in Family Law.

Joanne is an experienced family practitioner who is regularly instructed in cases of considerable complexity covering the full spectrum of Children Act proceedings where she represents parents/ grandparents and guardians ad litem. Joanne has specialised in Children Act proceedings for over 15 years and has an insightful and sensitive approach while robustly representing her clients to achieve the best outcomes.

There is a frequent overlap between Children Act and criminal proceedings where Joanne’s previous practice in crime gives her further insight and advantage.

Joanne is a well-respected member of the Family Team at Broadway House Chambers; she has extensive and broad experience in terms of her legal knowledge and client care.

Joanne’s experience as a practitioner enables her to be incisive, practical and pragmatic in order to resolve cases effectively for clients including resolving matters by way of agreed orders with represented and non-represented parties.

Joanne is registered with the Bar Council to undertake direct access work.

Notable Cases

Wakefield (2023)
Child Arrangement Order application by father. Representing father. Mother opposed father’s application for shared care on basis of child’s young age, her primary relationship with the child and the low level of contact agreed to date by mother. Both parents local to one another. Shared care highly workable and no welfare issues. Justices made shared care order made.

Newcastle (2023)
Enforcement/ CAO application by father. Representing mother. Father acted as a litigant in person. Resolved orders by agreement.

York (2023)
Enforcement/ Child arrangement application by father. Representing mother. Father acted as litigant in person. Resolved matters by agreement at first hearing.

Scarborough (2023)
Child arrangement application by father. Finding of fact hearing listed. Findings made against father. Father completed DAPP. Mother psychologically assessed as traumatised by father’s conduct. Mother needed very specific therapy before being able to consider or manage contact between father and child. No contact recommended including indirect. Father’s application for contact dismissed.

Multi day final hearing, York Circuit Judge (2022)
North American parents. Representing mother. Mother residing in UK and father in North America. Father applied for child arrangements in which he sought that the complex and multifaceted terms of the agreed non-UK contact order (now was some years old) be adopted in their entirety by the court in England and Wales. Court refused this. It case managed the matter by directing a s7 report and made an order based on the welfare checklist and the current interests of the child. Key was the child’s age, their educational status and also independently reported maturity. Parents agreed that some elements of the non UK order were integrated in the order but the key schedule for contact with father and when they visit him abroad was driven by the child.

Multi day Fact Find Lincoln (2022)
Represented father where mother had alleged domestic abusive in terms of coercive control, excessive drinking, over chastisement of the children and rape. No findings made of the above. Ultimate outcome was that father’s unsupervised contact was restored with an order for overnights in term time and holiday contact.

Relocation Case, Middlesbrough (2021)
Multi day hearing. Representing father where Mother’s application was to relocate with children from Teesside to Home Counties. Shared care already in place for children in Teesside. Application refused on basis of ages of children, their wishes and feelings, disruption/harm caused by the proposed move and the need to maintain a close and consistent relationship with both parents. Term time contact, if the children moved, would be insufficient to maintain relationship with father and would have detrimental effect on the children. Concern that children may become resentful of frequent travel and contact arrangements to Teesside. Shared care order continued.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 07/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 07/02/2022

Semaab Shaikh

Call: 2002

Semaab Shaikh

LL.B (Hons), University of Birmingham (1999)

LL.M, Comparative, European & Public Law,
University of Birmingham (2000)

Lincoln’s Inn

Legal Aid Supplier Number 835PA

Semaab Shaikh was called to the Bar in 2002 (Lincolns Inn) and completed her pupillage at Cloisters in London. Prior to coming to the Bar she was employed as a legal adviser and support worker for a domestic violence organisation in the North of England.

She practises in the area of Family Law. Semaab is a highly-rated barrister who since 2010 has been regularly recommended by the Legal 500 for her specialist knowledge and ability to represent clients in the most difficult situations. As an experienced family law barrister she specialises in all aspects of private and public children law; radicalisation cases; domestic abuse; removal from the jurisdiction; international child abduction, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Semaab appears on behalf of parents, local authorities and children. She has been involved in high profile cases that have attracted local and national media interest. She has a strong interest in the area of forced marriage and cases with an international element.

In addition to her practice, Semaab provides training on children law, domestic abuse, deprivation of liberty, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, the interplay between family law and immigration law and related areas. In November 2018 she provided training on gender based violence as part of the Hong Kong Justice Centre’s annual symposium held at the University of Hong Kong.

From 2008 to 2014 Semaab was appointed to the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Committee. In 2018 she was invited to sit on the Advisory Board of the School of Law of the University of Bradford.

Other languages:
Urdu

Expertise

Family

Semaab is a highly rated barrister and established family law practitioner. She has provided advice and representation from first instance to Court of Appeal level and has experience of making an application to the High Court for permission to “leapfrog” to the Supreme Court. She regularly represents and advises individuals, local authorities and children’s guardians in cases involving the following:

Private children disputes, including where allegations of serious domestic abuse have been raised and in relation to contact, living arrangements, education, temporary and permanent removal from the jurisdiction Public law proceedings , including care and placement order proceedings Adoption Child Abduction, Wardship and applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction Forced Marriage Female Genital Mutilation Cases with an international element Human Rights Act 1998 * Applications under the Family Law Act 1996

Children (Public Law)

In relation to public law care proceedings Semaab has been instructed in cases involving the death of a child, serious non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse (including grooming cases and inter-sibling abuse), factitious illness syndrome and parents with serious drug and alcohol addictions. She has particular experience in advising and representing parties in applications in respect of children giving evidence in family cases and is experienced in cross-examining children and vulnerable witnesses.

Cases of Interest:

Led in a case before Holman J representing a child complainant where allegations of inter-sibling sexual abuse had been made and were successfully proven

Instructed to represent a step-father facing serious allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse of children; requiring cross-examination of the eldest child complainant

Advised and represented a local authority in two separate cases seeking and obtaining forced marriage protection orders in respect of victims outside the jurisdiction

Represented a local authority in a case in which children were at risk of significant harm due to the risk of removal by the parents to ISIL controlled areas

Instructed in a case in which the local authority had concerns that a teenage child had been groomed by a paedophile ring and was being sexually exploited

Instructed and led in a case representing a foreign national mother and a “stranded spouse” abroad. At the conclusion of the case, successfully persuaded the local authority to assist the mother in returning to the jurisdiction enabling her to care for the children.

Children (Private Law)

Semaab has in depth knowledge of private children law cases in which domestic abuse has been raised. She has a particular interest in private children law cases with an international element. She has experience of representing vulnerable parties and parents with serious drug and alcohol addictions.

Cases of Interest:

Represented a high profile individual in the entertainment industry facing allegations of serious illicit substance misuse and at the final hearing secured extensive unsupervised contact ;

Instructed to represent a mother with limited leave to remain in the UK where her dual national child had been left in the care of his extended paternal family abroad;

Represented a mother in wardship proceedings , lengthy private law proceedings and public law proceedings. The case concerned complex and protracted proceedings with an international element and the unusual feature of two siblings each living with one parent and for a period of time having no contact with the other sibling or parent.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 05/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 05/02/2022

Alexander Modgill

Call: 2002

Alexander Modgill

LL.B. (Hons) (University of London)

LL.M. (University of London)

Bar Vocational Course

College of Law London (2002)

Lincoln’s Inn, ELA

Legal Aid Supplier Number 133HP

Alex Modgill is a prominent member of Broadway House Chambers’ Family and Civil Law teams. He is a barrister of over 18 years’ standing and has consistently been recommended as a leading practitioner by the Legal 500. He was appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown from 2012 to 2018.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 04/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 04/02/2022

Nick Power

Call: 2004 (Solicitor 1998)

Nick Power

BA (Hons) Law and European Business Studies

FLBA

Arbitrator

Legal Aid Supplier Number 106UQ

Nick is a highly sought after financial remedy specialist with over 20 years’ experience. He is regularly instructed by solicitors across the north of England who welcome his expertise and team approach. He is recognised as a “first choice junior for many solicitors handling money work” and is also instructed as a neutral evaluator for private FDR’s.

Reputation

Having been ranked in legal directories for over 15 years, the latest editions rank Nick highly as follows:

Legal 500 – 2023
Tier 1
“A junior with a first-class mind who is great in all areas of financial remedy proceedings. He has an exceptional eye for detail”

Chambers and Partners – 2023
Band 1
“Nick Power is noted for his prowess in handling diverse and complex financial remedy proceedings and family separations often involving pensions, properties and inherited wealth. He is particularly skilled at handling cases with overseas assets and further assists clients with private FDR.”

Legal 500 – 2022
Tier 1
“A highly skilled negotiator and advocate. He provides sound, measured advice and has a good rapport with clients”

Chambers and Partners – 2022
Band 1
Rises in the rankings based on his prowess in handling diverse and complex financial remedy proceedings and family separations often involving pensions, properties and inherited wealth. He is particularly skilled at handling cases with overseas assets and further assists clients with private FDR.

“He has a really good manner with clients and can explain complicated matters in a really easy way.”
“He has a team approach which consists of himself, the instructing solicitor and the client.”
“He is sharp, on the ball and enthusiastic, as well as great with clients.”

Legal 500 – 2021
“Nick is a strong advocate and is my barrister of choice for financial remedy cases. He is always very well prepared and is very thorough in his approach. Again, he provides sensible and realistic advice and instils confidence in clients and instructing solicitors.”

Legal 500 – 2020 – Band 1 of Leading Juniors

Chambers and Partners – 2021
“Highly accomplished family law barrister who concentrates on financial remedy cases, especially those with offshore earnings, pensions and business issues. His instructions often concern assets spread over multiple jurisdictions.”

Strengths: “He manages expectations very well and has a reassuring effect on the client. He’s very balanced when presenting the case.”
“He has the rare ability to distil a complex situation into simple issues.”
“He has a lovely reassuring manner with the client and is very calm and focused but tough in court. He’s just a brilliant advocate.”

Chambers and Partners – 2020
“Highly accomplished family law barrister who concentrates on financial remedy cases, especially those with offshore earnings, pensions and business issues. His instructions often concern assets spread over multiple jurisdictions.
Strengths: “Nick has the very valuable skill of distilling complex situations down into the key issues.” “Well-prepared with an excellent grasp on the issues as well as a confident manner with clients.” “Ideal for a range of financial orders applications”

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 02/02/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 02/02/2022

Asma Chaudhry

Call: 2003

Asma Chaudhry

Gray’s Inn

Legal Aid Supplier Number 02FBL

Since being called to the Bar Asma’s practice has predominately been in Asylum, Immigration and Human Rights. She has extensive experience in Nationality and EEA Law. Asma has first-hand experience of initial application stage, appeal preparation and representing clients before the Tribunal.

Asma also undertakes a private children law practice.

She is a fluent speaker of Urdu, Punjabi, Pothwari and Mirpuri languages

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 29/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 29/01/2022

Kiran Dhillon

Call: 2005

Kiran Dhillon

LL.B (Hons), King’s College, London (2004)

LL.M University College, London (2006)

Neville Laski Scholarship, Inner Temple (2006)

Inner Temple

Legal Aid Supplier Number 217XJ

Kiran Dhillon previously practised in London and joined chambers in 2012. Since then, she has built up a strong practice in the following areas: Family and Civil law.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 20/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 20/01/2022

Emily Ward

Call: 2011 - Deputy Head of the Family LawTeam

Emily Ward

LL.B (Hons) University of Manchester (2010, First Class) (six prizes)

Bar Professional Training Course (2011)

Middle Temple, Godfrey Heilpern Scholar

Deputy District Judge (2019) - Civil, Public & Private Children, and Financial Remedies

Arbitrator

Farquhar Committee Member

Transparency Implementation Group Member

Resolution FLBA

Secretary of Regional FLBA (Yorkshire & Humber)

Women in Law

International Association of Women Judges

Emily is Deputy Head of the Family Team and has a strong, busy practice both on and off the North Eastern Circuit. She is a particularly sought after in matrimonial finance and cohabitation disputes, as well as complex children cases. Emily is consistently recognised as a leading junior in family law in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. She has a keen eye for detail and quickly grasps the key issues in the case.

Emily is also a member of Broadway House Chambers’ Business, Property & Probate Team, and acts in cases where there is a cross-over in jurisdictions and issues.

Emily was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 2019, at the age of 30, and she holds children (public and private law), civil and financial remedy tickets.

Keen on all forms of alternative dispute resolution, Emily is instructed to act for clients at round table meetings, mediations, private FDRs and early neutral evaluations, as well as arbitrations. She also acts as a Private FDR practitioner/evaluator in financial remedy, Schedule 1 and TOLATA cases, offering her assistance from an neutral perspective with the aim of assisting parties to reach a swift resolution to their disputes.

Emily frequently delivers CPD accredited seminars to groups of lawyers, and is regularly approached to conduct bespoke training in her areas of expertise. She is published in the Family Law Journal, is a case reviewer for Nagalro, Seen & Heard Journal, and has recently taken up the position of Blog Editor of the Financial Remedies Journal. Emily is a published author, being responsible for chapters in both ‘Cohabitation: Law, Practice and Precedents’ and ‘Butterworths Family Law Service’.

Able to accept instructions under the Direct Access scheme, Emily can also provide advice and representation direct to the public.

Reputation

• Author contributor of the leading text ‘Cohabitation: Law, Practice and Precedents’.
• Author contributor of two chapters in Butterworths Family Law Service.
• Lectures for Resolution, FLBA and the Judicial College, as well as for solicitors/lawyers.
• Blog Editor and a member of the Financial Remedies Journal Editorial Board.
• Multiple publications in Family Law Journal.
• Case reviewer for Nagalro.
• Consistently recommended as a Leading Junior in the legal directories since 2017:

‘Emily is phenomenally bright and personable - a combination that puts clients at ease from the outset. Her cross examination is first rate, and she will fight tooth and nail for the client to achieve the right outcome.' (2023)

‘Emily Ward is a high-quality junior who covers a broad range of topics across family law. She is respected for her work on highly complex financial remedies, often involving various asset types and acting for high net worth individuals. She is further experienced in handling sensitive children cases including relocations, in which she acts on behalf of children and parents alike. Emily Ward is a high-quality junior who covers a broad range of topics across family law. She is respected for her work on highly complex financial remedies, often involving various asset types and acting for high net worth individuals. She is further experienced in handling sensitive children cases including relocations, in which she acts on behalf of children and parents alike. Emily combines a great legal brain with her feet firmly on the ground. She has a good manner with clients, who appreciate her pragmatic approach, as well as sound legal advice.' (2023)

‘A high quality junior.’ ‘She is a highly skilled advocate, knowledgeable, and clients like her down-to-earth manner and caring approach.’ ‘Emily is an outstanding advocate who is also fantastic with clients. She always goes the extra mile and works very hard on her written work.’ (2022)

‘A very talented junior, with an extremely bright future. She is a calm and measured advocate, who presents her clients' cases in a strong and persuasive manner. ’ (2022)

‘She punches well above her weight and is not afraid to tackle very complex cases and holds her own against senior opponents. Good knowledge of the law, very down to earth with clients, easy to contact with instructions provides excellent feedback on how a case has progressed or settled in court proceedings. Strong advocate.’ (2021)

‘She's superb - she's got a brain the size of Britain! She has worked on some complex cases where the chances of winning would be slim but pulled off some good results.’ ‘She is very down to earth and can put a client at ease within minutes. She's good at delivering difficult advice clearly.’ ‘She's just an all-round great performer and wise beyond her years.’ (2021)

‘She holds her own against far more senior opponents.’ (2020)

‘A rising star whose expertise spans a range of family law matters, with a focus on matrimonial finance and child-related cases. She represents parents and local authorities in various care proceedings which often involve complex medical evidence.’ ‘She is an exceptional advocate with a great eye for detail who consistently impresses with her representation in both financial and children proceedings.’ ‘She offers great client care and is fearless.’ (2020)

Expertise

Financial Remedy & Schedule 1

Emily is an established matrimonial finance specialist and is highly sought after in financial remedy and schedule 1 cases. She acts for clients from pre-issue, where focus is primarily upon strategy, settlement and advice as to evidence, through to final hearings and on appeal. Her case load comprises high net worth clients with large incomes and substantial capital, business, trust assets and/or extensive pension provision, as well as difficult cases where needs exceed the available assets.

Emily is experienced in advising in cases where the issues include pre-acquired wealth, inheritance, complex business and trust structures, liquidity issues and nuptial agreements. She is also often approached to advise in cases where there have been substantial personal injury awards. Her recent and current cases include:

• Advising in relation to a substantial discretionary family trust, created after a lottery win (+£9m).
• Representation of a party with significant company assets, including a limited company valuation of £5.9m.
• Securing findings of undisclosed assets and foreign income in China. Complex issues concerning jurisdiction and enforcement.
• Advising and drafting pre-nuptial agreement in a high value case with assets in the UK, Russia, Germany, Austria and Iran.
• Currently instructed in a case where assets exceed £12m.

Private Children

In addition, Emily’s family practice encompasses all areas Private Children Law. She advises and represents clients in a wide range of applications, and she is a favourite in cases involving intractable contact disputes, implacable hostility and vulnerable individuals. She is frequently praised for her sensitive yet sensible approach with clients. Recognised for her sensitive approach, Emily has dealt with a significant number of cases in which there has been a parent death or terminal diagnosis of a parent.

Emily also represents clients in cases involving domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour allegations and also cases where false allegations of abuse against parents and/or children have been made.

Her latest children cases include:

• Representation of a parent at a finding of fact hearing concerning multiple serious allegations of physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse against the resident parent and the children, including multiple rape and GBH.
• Representing two professional people at multi-day fact findings hearings in which allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour were found proved.
• Acting for a parent in a case where false allegations of sexual abuse were made against him, and found after trial to have been fabricated by the other parent.
• Acting for grandparents in a case where their son had been killed, contact with grandchildren stopped by the other parent and allegations of sexual abuse made against one of the grandparents. Findings of fabrication were made and contact was reinstated.

Civil

Emily’s civil law practice incorporates a range of matters, including land and trust disputes (to which she brings extensive legal knowledge from her authorship and editorship in leading practitioner cohabitation texts), Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims, and bankruptcy and insolvency in a family law context.

Given her family law practice, Emily has particular specialism in civil and chancery matters with a family element, including advising in professional negligence issues stemming from family law proceedings/advice and land and trust disputes in a family setting.

Emily’s recent cases include:

• Acting for a client resisting an application to annul his bankruptcy petition. Linked financial remedy proceedings.
• Representing an intervener in civil proceedings (the family proceedings having been stayed pending the outcome of the civil dispute) concerning various property transactions and arguments as to beneficial interests in property.
• Currently instructed in two cross-over cases where issues of financial remedy and probate collide.
• Currently instructed in five farming cases, which include partnership disputes and third party property rights.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 18/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 18/01/2022

Kerry Barker

Call: 2013 (Solicitor 2003)

Kerry Barker

B.A. (Hons), Law & Business (1998)

Admitted as a Solicitor (2003)

Lincoln’s Inn

Legal Aid Supplier Number 02CXW

Kerry Barker is a barrister who specialises in Family Law. Having previously qualified as a solicitor in 2003, Kerry practices exclusively in this area and represents clients in private law, public law and financial remedy matters. As a solicitor Kerry was a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel and also held her higher court advocacy rights; recognising her position as an experienced solicitor-advocate.

Since Kerry joined Broadway House Chambers’ highly-rated Family Law Team in March 2013 she has developed a busy practice exclusively in family law. As a family law specialist for over 15 years Kerry has built up extensive knowledge in all areas of family law.

Kerry is well known for providing clients with realistic and sensible advice at all stages of proceedings and for conducting hearings in a measured manner. Kerry’s friendly and approachable manner make her a popular choice for vulnerable clients.

“You are a star Kerry. Your thoroughness and attention to detail is appreciated.”
(Bradford Solicitor)

Kerry has considerable experience of cases involving different cultures, which often require an interpreter.

Kerry is able to accept instructions under the Direct Access Scheme.

Expertise

Family

Public Law

Kerry acts for clients in difficult and complex cases involving non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, domestic violence and mental health aspects, and is known for her high competence and thoroughness as an advocate in very sensitive matters at every level in the unified family jurisdiction. Kerry is also instructed by Local Authorities at all levels of public law proceedings.

Kerry Barker has a very busy public law practice which is characterised by representing parties in very complex cases where in most cases expert evidence has been relied upon. Recent cases include significant and chronic neglect, multiple fractures and bruises, and psychological/psychiatric evidence. Kerry has represented Local Authorities and parents in lengthy (10 day plus) finding of fact and final hearings.

Kerry conducts cases involving applications for care and supervision orders; contact with children in care; discharge proceedings; placement and adoption orders; and special guardianship orders. In these proceedings Kerry represents parents, grandparents, children and other interested parties in complex care proceedings. As a solicitor she was also a member of the Children Panel and, accordingly, her experience in representing children is considerable.

Some examples of Kerry’s recent cases include:

Representation of mother in Public Law proceedings where the Local Authority supported by the Children’s Guardian sought Care and Placement Order. The final hearing included cross examination of expert witnesses where the issues related to the mother’s alcohol use. Kerry successfully opposed the plans of the Local Authority and the court made an order allowing the child to return to the care of the mother under a Child Arrangements Order.
At a three day interim care hearing Kerry successfully opposed the plans of the Local Authority to remove two children from the care of parents due to issues of chronic neglect. In this hearing Kerry represented the father. The children remained in the care of the parents subject to an interim care order pending further assessments.
Representation of young mother with learning disabilities in Public Law proceedings where the Local Authority were applying for Care and Placement orders. The final hearing took place over 8 days and included lengthy cross examination of expert witnesses.
Representation of Local Authority at Final hearing which was heard over eight days. The Children’s Guardian did not support the plans of the Local Authority. Kerry was successful in persuading the court to approve the Local Authority plans.
Cases involving adoption where applications for leave to revoke a Placement Order and leave to oppose an Adoption Order have been made.

Private Law

Kerry Barker also represents parties in private law cases, including those where there are significant welfare issues. She is regularly instructed in residence, contact, prohibited steps, specific issue order applications and leave to remove from the jurisdiction (both internal and external) and is able to provide advice on discrete matters of law and evidence.

Kerry’s private law practice is dominated by complex cases including issues such as long-standing domestic abuse, allegations of rape and sexual abuse, allegations of violence to children, and removal from the jurisdiction. Kerry is a favorite amongst solicitors for her delicate approach to such sensitive matters.

Some examples of Kerry’s recent cases include:

Representation of mother in private law proceedings in the High Court. The issues before the court related to competing jurisdictional arguments between UK and Greece.
Representation of the child within private law proceedings where the issue before the court was one of Jurisdiction. It was being argued that the proceedings ought to be stayed and proceedings transferred to Scotland. Kerry successfully argued that the UK has jurisdiction.
Representation of father within private law proceedings where the mother had applied to remove the child from the jurisdiction to Pakistan. Kerry was successful in opposing the mother’s application.
Representation of client within proceedings where the mother sought to relocate over 200 miles within the UK. Kerry successfully opposed the mother’s application on behalf of the father.
Kerry has dealt with a number of cases involving same-sex relationships and is well versed in case law relating to the area.

Domestic Violence

Kerry is regularly instructed to represent parties before the court in connection with applications under the Family Law Act 1996. Additionally, Kerry also represents parties in applications arising under the Protection From Harassment Act 1997. In this area, Kerry represents both applicants and respondents in cases which involve very serious harm. Kerry’s approachability and friendly nature makes her a popular choice for vulnerable clients.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 15/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 15/01/2022

Alyssa Howard

Call: 2014

Alyssa Howard

BA (1st class honours), Trinity Hall, Cambridge University

MA Cambridge University

Bateman Scholar, University of Cambridge (for top 1st in year)

Lincoln’s Inn, Lord Denning Scholar

Lincoln’s Inn, Hardwicke Scholar

Graduate Diploma in Law and BPTC (BPP Law School, London)

Family Law Bar Association

Resolution

Alyssa is an experienced family law specialist, having exclusively practised in the areas of financial remedies and private children for almost 10 years.

Alyssa has a reputation for being exceptionally well prepared and ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure that her clients have the best representation and advice possible. Alyssa is a robust and effective advocate in Court. Combined with her down to earth and approachable bedside manner, she is a popular choice with clients and solicitors dealing with difficult cases.

Alyssa has a particular interest in complex private children cases and is often instructed in cases involving alienating behaviours/implacable hostility. She is also sought after in financial remedy cases, where her technical knowledge and pragmatic advice have made her first choice for many solicitors.

Alyssa accepts instructions on a public access basis.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 15/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 15/01/2022

Susan Sanders

Call: 2015

Susan Sanders

MA (Hons), University of Edinburgh, Persian and Social Anthropology (1999)

Graduate Diploma in Law (2014, Distinction)

Bar Professional Training Course (2015, Outstanding)

Middle Temple

Queen Mother Scholar (2014)

Family Law Mediator

Legal Aid Supplier Number 02ENW

Susan joined Broadway House in September 2016 after successfully completing a mixed pupillage.

She practises family and immigration law and has a particular interest and expertise in the overlap between these two areas. She is qualified to undertake work on a direct access basis.

Susan has an insightful approach and is regularly instructed to represent those who require sensitive and considerate client-care.

Before coming to the Bar Susan worked for human rights organisations and campaigned and carried out research in Afghanistan for Amnesty International. Susan speaks French and Farsi.

Susan is a family mediator and is available to mediate in cases involving child arrangements disputes and financial issues after separation.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 09/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 09/01/2022

Harry Wiltshire

Call: 2015

Harry Wiltshire

Bath University, BA Hons Business Administration

GDL and BPTC, BPP Leeds

Middle Temple, Harmsworth Scholar

Legal Aid Supplier Number 02GCI

Harry is experienced in representing both Claimants and Respondents in the employment tribunal, he regularly appears in cases dealing with unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, unlawful deductions, discrimination, whistle blowing and employment status.

Harry accepts instructions in private law children matters. He regularly deals with contested final hearings and multi day finding of fact hearings, including issues such as domestic violence and relocation.

Harry is developing a growing matrimonial finance practice, he is regularly instructed to undertake Financial Dispute Resolution Appointments and Final Hearings.

Harry is registered with the Bar Council to undertake direct access work.

Harry is a member of Broadway House Chambers Business, Property and Probate Team. Prior to Pupillage Harry ran his own business, he has a strong understanding of the pressures involved in the management of a SME and is comfortable dealing with commercial disputes.

Prior to pupillage Harry competed as a professional athlete. Harry is Deputy Head of Sports, Media and Entertainment Team. He has gained experience of contractual disputes and disciplinary proceedings in the sporting arena. He has also been involved in the representation of athletes in anti-doping and disciplinary proceedings before governing bodies, Sports Resolution UK and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Clerks

Featured

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Conor Allen

Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 02/01/2022 Nick Calton, Toucan Creative 02/01/2022

Fen Greatley-Hirsch

Call: 2018

Fen Greatley-Hirsch

LLM Legal Practice (Barristers) – BPP Law School

Adv. LLM Public International Law – Leiden University

LLB Law with French Law – University of Warwick

ADM-ODR International Qualified Civil Commercial Mediator

Baron Dr ver Heyden de Lancey Prize (Middle Temple)

The Queen Mother Scholarship (Middle Temple)

White Rose (WRoCAH) Doctoral Scholarship (Arts and Humanities Research Council)

Fen joined Chambers in December 2020 after completing a common law pupillage under the supervision of Giles Bridge and Paul Smith.

He accepts instructions in family and criminal cases and is available for consultation in conference or written advice.

Fen’s practice is shaped by his experiences in academia and working in client-facing roles with a several national and international charitable organisations, including Citizens Advice Bureau, the Free Representation Unit, and Nightline.

This work put him in regular contact with individuals from all walks of life and particularly vulnerable populations, young people, persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and non-native English speakers. As a result, Fen understands and responds to a wide range of client needs. He approaches all matters with the utmost commitment to client care and is often praised for taking the time to ensure clients’ questions and concerns are addressed and that they feel fully represented.

Fen’s academic research focuses on issues of mental and legal capacity in criminal law using vulnerability theory. He has served on the editorial board of academic journals, worked as a research assistant for an NGO conducting strategic human rights litigation, and delivered papers at academic conferences around the world. As such, he is is able to build and present complex information and arguments in a clear and accessible way.

Expertise

FAMILY

Fen accepts instructions in private and public Children Act proceedings at all stages, from first hearings to final hearings. A well-rounded practice sees him represent parents, Local Authorities and intervenors alike.

He has a real strength in client care and is often commended for ensuring his clients fully understand the developments in and prospects of their case and leave hearings feeling heard and fully represented.

Fen has gained particular expertise in contested and fact-finding hearings, assisted by a keen eye for detail and a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.

He regularly deals with cases involving allegations of a very serious nature – such as domestic violence, non-accidental injuries, and sexual harm – and does so with sensitivity and tact.

Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English. He welcomes instructions in cases involving non-traditional families and those with international or intercultural elements.

CRIME

Fen both prosecutes and defends at all stages – pre-trial, trial, sentence, and appeal.

He regularly appears in courts across the North Eastern and Northern Circuits in relation to the following types of offences:

- Assaults (up to and including s18);

- Road traffic;

- Public order (affrays);

- Dishonesty (handling stolen goods; burglary; robbery);

- Drugs offences (possession with intent to supply; production);

- Sexual offences (sexual assault; indecent images)

Fen is a member of the CPS General Crime Panel at Grade 2.

For the last couple of years he has been building his Crown Court trial practice and welcomes defence instructions.

He has completed the vulnerable witness training and, particularly given his experience dealing with similar matters in the family courts, is well-equipped to defend in rape, sexual assault and other such sensitive matters.

More generally, Fen’s background in academia has equipped him with the ability to quickly process and familiarise himself with large volumes of documents, as well as to make complex information accessible to a lay audience. It has also given him the research skills to locate useful case law that sometimes makes all the difference.

He has been praised by solicitors, benches and clients themselves for his skilled and sensitive witness handling and an ability to resonate with juries.

Fen builds rapports with clients easily, which quickly allows him to elicit the information needed both to build the strongest case and to address the opposing one effectively.

He has a keen eye for detail and in evidential hearings is particularly adept at witness handling, cross-examining with a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.

Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English.

Clerks

Featured

Neil Terry

Robin Slade

Kelly Handforth

Rebecca Clayton

David Richardson

Joshua Knight

Sophie Cullingworth

Conor Allen

Hayley Taylor

Roger Bickerdike

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Aelred Hookway

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Matthew Rudd

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Dornier Whittaker

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Gerald Browne

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Jayne Pye

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Zira Hussain

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Ian Miller

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Joanne O’Shea

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Semaab Shaikh

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Alexander Modgill

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Nick Power

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Asma Chaudhry

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Kiran Dhillon

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Emily Ward

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Kerry Barker

Contact

Reputation

Expertise

Notable Cases

Alyssa Howard

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