Anthony Hajimitsis
Call: 1984
Anthony Hajimitsis
BA Jurisprudence (Oxon)
FLBA
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 2600
Anthony’s practice solely focuses on financial remedy proceedings and is regularly instructed on cases in the £10M - £20M bracket.
Anthony regularly provides seminars on current areas of legal interest.
Reputation
Anthony is recognised as a leading practitioner within the financial remedy jurisdiction. Anthony has been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners as a ‘star individual ‘ for a number of consecutive years. Anthony is seen as a Tier 1 practitioner by Legal 500.
"Anthony Hajimitsis has unrivalled experience and is a go-to name for most family practitioners in Yorkshire and the North East. Anthony is one of the top players in the regions. Clients know that they are in safe and capable hands.He is highly experienced and knowledgeable. He is also thorough in his preparation and has strong attention to detail and great client care skills.” (Star Individual, Chambers and Partners, 2025)
'Anthony’s knowledge of the law is impeccable. He is able to analyse complex legal and financial issues comprehensively, and his ability to present the case at court is faultless. Anthony Hajimitsis is ‘one of the finest strategists’ and ’his advocacy is a masterclass in cross-examination.” (Tier 1, Legal 500, 2025)
”Star Individual - Anthony Hajimitsis is a distinguished senior junior in the field of family law who specialises in financial provision cases, especially those concerning property and business arrangements following divorces. He also assists with prenuptial agreement disputes and is noted for his role as an evaluator in financial dispute resolution. Extremely experienced and very measured. He delivers in an understandable way and provides very thorough advice, such that clients feel reassured. A top barrister in the North of England. He is very affable and he can hold his own in court and make fantastic arguments. He is so sensible and calm. His attention to detail and preparation are amazing. (Star Individual, Chambers and Partners, 2024)
“Anthony Hajimitsis is a distinguished senior junior in the field of family law who specialises in financial provision cases, especially those concerning property and business arrangements following divorces. He also assists with prenuptial agreement disputes and is noted for his role as an evaluator in financial dispute resolution. Anthony is very able with complex business affairs. He has sound judgement and provides good client care. Anthony is highly skilled and very detailed. He is excellent with clients and his advice is always sensible. He is also a real pleasure to work with. Anthony is a phenomenal advocate who gets to grips with the complexities of a case in record time whilst at the same time putting the client at ease.” (Star Individual, Chambers and Partners, 2023)
“Anthony provides robust, practical and considered advice with absolute clarity. His approach always receives respect and the ear of the court. Clients are always reassured and satisfied that their corner has been fought with tenacity and determination” (Tier 1, Legal 500, 2023)
“He is always completely across his brief and gives clear commercial advice in a measured and tactful way. He speaks with authority. His calm manner is exceptional” (Tier 1, Legal 500, 2022)
"He is just fantastic through and through." "Anthony Hajimitsis is very experienced in high net worth cases and has a calm and persuasive manner both with clients and the judiciary. He has excellent advocacy skills." "Besides his academic abilities he has the patience and bedside manner which most clients need. He explains things in a very clear way so that clients understand everything." (Star Individual, Chambers & Partners 2022)
Expertise
Anthony has conducted cases with an asset base up to £70M, and is regularly instructed on cases in the £10M - £20M bracket. Anthony’s typical caseload involves cases with a focus on businesses/farms/ trusts/ overseas resources.
In the last 18 months Anthony has alongside his practice as an advocate, provided his services as a private FDR evaluator. Anthony has assisted parties to resolve their proceedings in almost 30 cases to date.
Notable Cases
Financial Remedy Case (2021)
Instructed to represent wife in a case with assets c £37M, largely resulting from sale of a business established pre marriage but significant growth during the marriage.
Financial Remedy Case (2020)
Instructed to represent a wife in case with assets c £7M. W held shares in Company owned by 2 families. W sought exit from company. Application to set aside transfer of golden share successfully brought. Significant resistance by H and 2nd shareholding family to W claims.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent a husband in case with c £15M assets. Issues as to extent of non-matrimonial property and wife’s interest under offshore discretionary trust.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent wife on application to set aside a consent order due to fraudulent non-disclosure – non disclosure of negotiations leading to sale of company at c £40M.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent wife in case where expert opinion is that H's company interest is £20M+. Contested expert assessment of value of company.
Clerks
Roger Bickerdike
Call: 1986
Roger Bickerdike
LLB, Barrister
Chambers & Partners Ranking Barrister Band 1
Legal 500 Leading Individual
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 2600
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
‘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. A fearless advocate. I’ve seen him determined to get a point across when odds are against him, and his paperwork is excellent. 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. 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)
”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)
“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 as international relocation. He is experienced across several court levels. Incredibly bright and an amazing advocate. He is good with clients and very fair. Exceptional counsel. He is thorough and an extremely good advocate, who is very good with clients, helping them to understand complicated matters. He swiftly identifies and grasps the points that the outcome will turn on. He looks at a case from every angle before deciding a strategy and he is always spot on.” (Chambers & Partners, 2024)
"He is exceptionally good as an advocate – he will fight a case, he rolls his sleeves up, and his advice to clients is always on the money. He has excellent judgement and knows how to get a result. Roger is a superb financial remedy practitioner. He has amazing attention to detail and fights for clients. He's tenacious when necessary but pragmatic and commercially aware." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)
'Roger is highly intellectual and forensic in his research and case preparation. He commends great respect in the courtroom and he is an exceptional advocate. He exudes gravitas and experience and is on top of every detail. He never misses a point and is always up for the fight.' ‘top drawer’ Roger Bickerdike is well-versed in advising on high-value financial remedy cases. A phenomenal advocate who is very impressive on his feet. Roger Bickerdike is ‘detailed and precise’ (Legal 500, 2025)
Expertise
Family
Areas of Expertise
• Financial Remedy: specialist in mid and high value claims
• Children Law: private law, including internal and international relocating.
He has been involved in over 30 reported cases and has presented at many seminars on various aspects of both financial remedy and children law.
Notable Cases
WS v HS (Appeal - interim sale of matrimonial home) [2018] EWFC 11
W v H (Financial Remedies: Pensions) [2021] EWFC B63
Clerks
Robert Cole
Call: 1991
Robert Cole
Head of the Family Law Team
LLB (Hons), LLM, MCIArb, FLBA
Legal Aid Supplier Number 3490U
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 or 01274 722 560
Robert is a leading matrimonial finance specialist. He sits on the Chambers Executive Board. Robert is regularly asked to act as adjudicator in Private FDRs and to sit as an Arbitrator. He is the Head of the Family Law Team at Broadway House Chambers.
‘A superb and highly skilled advocate with a hugely talented mathematical brain. Robert is calm, collected and has excellent instincts. ’ (Legal 500, Tier 1)
Reputation
He continues to be invited to lecture at the Judicial College (for the judiciary) on matters dealing with accounts and corporate structures within financial remedy cases.
Ranked Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and Top Tier in Legal 500 for over the last 17 years.
“Robert's advocacy is direct, punchy and impactful. He is the calmest head in the room; everybody hangs on to his every word. Simply brilliant. The ‘formidable advocate’ Robert Cole leads the group, which continues to handle a broad range of financial remedy matters” (Legal 500, 2025)
"Robert Cole is one of the best barristers in the North of England for financial cases. He is incredibly experienced and his understanding of issues relating to businesses is second to none. Robert Cole is excellent at complex financial remedy cases. He is great on his feet and clients love his straight-talking, pragmatic approach. Robert is an outstanding barrister – he provides commercial advice to clients but negotiates with great skill." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)
“Robert Cole is widely considered a leading expert for high net worth divorces and separations. He is particularly respected for his ability to handle cases involving highly complex asset structures and businesses, drawing on his accountancy background.” (Chambers & Partners, 2023 and 2024)
“A superb and highly skilled advocate with a hugely talented mathematical brain. Robert is calm, collected and has excellent instincts.” (Legal 500, 2023)
“He is very good at managing clients’ expectations and is always phenomenally well prepared. He is a fountain of knowledge and has exceptional case law expertise.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022)
“Robert will always give an honest and open view of the strengths and weaknesses of the case but will also fight hard for the client in court. A pragmatic negotiator.” (Legal 500, 2022)
Expertise
Robert has worked in the field of matrimonial finance from Call in 1991 but concentrating in this field alone since 2000. He has a recognised practice across the whole of the north of England, the Midlands and beyond. He deals with all range of complex and high value cases involving issues of non-matrimonial source, companies, trusts and overseas assets, forensic analysis of resources and high income maintenance disputes. Robert had a background in accountancy prior to being called which compliments and enhances his work.
Notable Cases
G v L [2021]
Dispute as to W’s claim against wealth held by the parties where H had owned a pre-marital company that was sold during the marriage and whether proceeds then mingled when dealt with thereafter. Dispute as to duration of the marriage; when cohabitation commenced and therefore what growth in company arose within the relationship. Total assets of £16M: W received £6M capital & £1M pension at PFDR.
G v G [2020]
Case involving application of sharing principle to marital acquest: dispute over what constituted matrimonial property after 10 year marriage where W brought £5M to the marriage and H brought shares in family business and pension to the marriage, which had grown by circa £2M during the relationship plus £7500,000 growth in pensions. Extent to which growth a product of joint endeavour or natural growth of pre-marital asset. Decision also to reflect on needs of parties and liquidity of parties given W’s existing wealth. Case settled after PFDR with capital award to W of £750,000 + £250,000 pension.
HW v WW [2020] EWFC B20
Application to re-open consent order on basis that impact of Covid 19 on H’s business was a Barder event. The court determined that the pandemic was capable of being a Barder event but that the impact was a) foreseeable in the specific circumstances of the case and b) the impact was not sufficiently great to warrant the order to be set aside. However, the judge urged a pragmatic approach to the timing of payments and a revision of the periodical payments pending capital payments. The case was subsequently resolved by agreed amendment to original order.
C v C [2019]
H won national lottery prize of £10million prior to marriage. All remaining assets (£5.2million) were derived from this non-matrimonial source. Marriage of 19 years duration; W43: H47. Issue as to whether duration of marriage and treatment of assets diluted weight attached to source of the assets under the sharing principle or whether the case should be approached from need-basis only; further issue as to W’s needs and whether W was cohabiting. W received award of £2million on clean break.
M v M [2019]
Case involving £16.5million assets in the form of land, property and corporate structures (UK and offshore) in 18 year marriage. Central issue as to non-matrimonial source (H claimed £12million brought to the marriage from inheritance/family gifts) and dilution/mingling of assets by acquisition of assets/development of corporate structures using inherited funds. Also issue of meeting needs in context of standard of living; annual budgets of £250,000/£300,000 from each party. W received land/assets of £6.1million generating income of £150,000pa plus retained assets of £900,000 in her name.
J v J [2016] BAILLI M23
Case involving funds misdirected from trading company by false invoicing to offshore Cayman Island bank account, amounting to £500,000. Test for adverse inference considered and applied. Issue of how to structure award, given H’s further movement of the money.
Clerks
Nicola Shaw
Call: 1992
Nicola Shaw
Lincolns Inn (Sunley scholar)
Modern Languages LLB (Hons) Leeds University 1998
University of California Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law
Inns of Court Bar Vocational Course 1991-2
University of Victoria, Wellington, Dispute Resolution LLM Course
Collaborative lawyer, trained 2007
Trained Arbitrator
DDJ 2010
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 or 01274 722 560
Nicola practises exclusively in the field of Dispute Resolution. Following a career at the Bar specialising in financial remedies, she was appointed as a full time District Judge in 2016. She was lead Judge for her region in the Financial Remedies Court from its inception in 2018 until taking early retirement in 2022. She now sits regularly in the Financial Remedies Court in London, as well as in the local courts on the North East Circuit.
Reputation
Nicola has chaired conferences and been invited as keynote speaker at specialist Dispute Resolution conference.
She was the representative for the Association of District Judges on the International Association of Judges from 2017 to her retirement, which involved being an ambassador for the English and Welsh judiciary on the international stage. She presented papers to the study commission and has chaired discussions in this forum.
She is the editor of the Financial Remedies Journal with a particular responsibility for pFDRs.
Chambers and Partners 2016:
“She is noted for her expertise on the intersection between family law and trusts, with particular experience in TOLATA cases and the co-ownership of property under trust. She can handle civil procedures which would make a lot of family lawyers wobbly at the knees. She's a real expert.”
“She is particularly noted for her training in collaborative law, and her client-friendly approach and innovative thinking set her apart from other practitioners in the field. "She sits as a Deputy District Judge and provides good, solid advice in financial cases. She is very accessible and takes a real interest in the case." "She is thoughtful, very client-friendly and a pleasure to work with."
She specialises in complex financial proceedings and cohabitation disputes. Commentators praise the value of her training in collaborative law, and note her considerable expertise in alternative dispute resolution and mediation. "She takes a holistic view of the client's circumstances and thinks outside of the box to consider the practical consequences of any advice she gives." "Nicola Shaw is very accessible and takes a real interest in the case, providing good, solid advice in financial cases."
Legal 500:
Very approachable and always well prepared
A first-rate lawyer, who is pragmatic with great interpersonal skills has a good, reassuring manner with clients’
Expertise
Nicola acts as a Private FDR Judge, Early Neutral Evaluation Judge and Arbitrator at Broadway House Chambers.
Whilst in practice, Nicola had a special interest in cases involving farms, partnerships and small businesses, as well as being regularly instructed in cases involving complex pensions arrangements.
Since being appointed, she has facilitated and adjudicated in cases which have multi-million pound assets and complex financial structures, across the spectrum to those where the financial assets are small, but which require careful handling to achieve fairness for the parties.
Clerks
Francesca Fothergill
Call: 1994
Francesca Fothergill
Somerville College, Oxford MA (Oxon) Modern History
City University Diploma in Law
Inns of Court School of Law
Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar
FLBA
Agricultural Lawyers Association
Associate Member at 29 Bedford Row.
Trustee of Lord Crewe’s Charity, which provides community, clergy and educational support primarily in Northumberland and County Durham.
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Francesca is a highly experienced matrimonial finance specialist, with an emphasis on high net worth cases, which often involve contested business valuations, complex tax and trust structures, inherited wealth, nuptial agreements and third party intervention.
Renowned nationally for her particular expertise in relation to cases concerning farms and landed estates.
Francesca has experience representing individuals with cross-border financial arrangements and is frequently instructed in cases involving foreign assets and cross jurisdictional disputes.
Reputation
”Francesca Fothergill is an extremely competent matrimonial finance advocate with a significant reputation for her grasp of issues relating to farming and landed estates. She is frequently instructed in cases with complex forensic accountancy evidence and in matters such as prenuptial agreements. She is well reputed for her knowledge of trusts, inheritance and taxation matters. She is formidable and will fight her corner for her clients. She is no-nonsense and gets to the heart of the issues for the clients. Francesca is an excellent advocate.” (Chambers and Partners, 2025)
”Francesca is the legal swan: dignified and graceful but with a powerful kick under the water when needed. A stunningly good advocate. Francesca Fothergill is ‘fearless in her advocacy’ and ‘eminently comfortable on her feet’, with an excellent track record in handling high-net-worth matrimonial finance cases, and is widely recognised for her niche expertise in advising on cases involving landed estates and farms.” (Legal 500, 2025)
"Very technical and great at dealing with complex matters. She understands the peculiarities of high net worth finance cases. Very experienced, very good at cross-examining and a very good advocate. She is forensic in her approach, and she is very direct and doesn't give false hope. She will act as the devil's advocate, and she is very forthright and very determined."(Chambers and Partners 2024)
”Francesca is excellent at building rapport with the clients and commands much respect from them for this, as well as for her honest, pragmatic advice.Her advice is robust and firm, Francesca has an excellent manner with clients and is a completely safe pair of capable hands."(Chambers and Partners 2023)
“Francesca is a polished performer with a forthright approach. She is able to build excellent rapport with a wide variety of clients." (Legal 500, 2023)
"She is an extremely bright and able junior." (Legal 500, 2022)
”A fearsome opponent and a superb advocate who has the ability to think on her feet like no other."(Legal 500, 2021)
"Extremely competent matrimonial finance advocate. Very clear in her advice and meticulous in her preparation."(Chambers and Partners 2020)
"She is really good at building a rapport with clients, she’s really bright, she has a great brain."(Chambers and Partners, 2019)
"A formidable advocate, very good with agricultural cases and very approachable. Her practical knowledge is great and she is also very bright. She is good at grasping the intricacies of a case."(Chambers and Partners, 2018)
"Francesca is good at dealing with complex cases, and particularly good with difficult clients and opponents."(Legal 500, 2018)
Expertise
Francesca lectures at Resolution and FLBA events, and also provides ‘in-house’ bespoke training to solicitors.
Francesca welcomes instructions to sit as a private FDR Evaluator.
Notable Cases
A v A: (2023) Arbitration with assets of £8m, mainly a dispute as to the value of car dealerships, with contested specialist forensic accountancy evidence, and issues as to pre-marital wealth and the nature of contributions
J v J: (2023) Arable farming case, assets ca. £24 million, with farming operation across limited companies, partnerships, and sole trader entities. Disputed accountancy evidence as to future maintainable income, and a dispute as to the relevance of inherited/gifted assets after a very long marriage.
L v L (2022): Assets of £124m arising upon the sale of a private company. Preliminary issue as to the enforceability of a previous agreement, and thereafter arguments as to special contribution, post separation accrual and enforcement.
W v W: (2022) H had significant business assets in UK, Europe and SE Asia (ca. £10 million). Complicated issues in relation to offshore trusts and taxation, and focus upon the relevance of pre-marital wealth and post -separation accrual.
M v M: (2021) Enforcement of separation agreement. Assets £42 million. Analysis of autonomy and the effect of the agreement, liquidity/Wells v Wells sharing, respective earning capacities and post-separation accrual.
C v F: (2020) Couple with extensive family companies in the travel industry, based in the UK and the Caribbean. Issues of illiquidity, projected profitability and taxation. Relevance of pre-marital wealth.
T v T: (2020)Application for declaration of nullity based on lack of capacity and non-consummation. H had died, instructed by his executors. Expert medical evidence contested. Successful at final hearing.
Clerks
Matthew Rudd
Call: 1994
Matthew Rudd
Head of Employment Law Team
ELA
FLBA
Chambers and Partners
Legal 500
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
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.
Reputation
Matthew regularly presents at Employment and Family Seminars and undertakes private FDRs.
Matthew is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 for his Employment practice:
Chambers and Partners UK Bar
“Matthew is a very pragmatic advocate who appreciates the difficulties in a case. He was very cool and calm, and the client was very happy. Matthew has good client care skills, readily picked up the issues and provided sound advice. Matthew is a solid go-to barrister who cuts through the case to get to the key issues. Matthew's vast experience leads to wise and measured decisions." (2025)
”Matthew is very calm under fire and builds great rapport with clients, and he's good on his feet." (2024)
"Matthew Rudd is head of the chambers' employment law practice. He is well versed in a range of complex unfair dismissal and discrimination claims" (2023)
"Effective and enormously experienced, he has impressed me. He can really analyse the important merits of a claim." "An experienced employment barrister, he is thorough and pragmatic as well as being a good advocate." "He cuts through legal issues and explains everything with such ease." (2022)
Legal 500
“An unflappable barrister with gravitas and natural authority.” (2025)
“Band 2 Advocate” (2024)
"A tenacious advocate with a calming influence. Practical, thorough and exceptionally dedicated" (2023)
'An exceptionally dedicated barrister. He cuts through complex legal issues with ease. Experienced and unflappable.”(2022)
Expertise
Employment
As Head of the Employment Law Team, Matthew undertakes work for both employees and employers and has extensive experience in Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination, TUPE and Restrictive Covenants. He regularly handles multi-day cases with large bundles.
Family Law
Matthew has considerable experience in Financial Remedy high value asset cases and cases involving family businesses. He regularly undertakes TOLATA work and Inheritance Act Claims.
Civil and Sports Law
Matthew undertakes Civil and Sports Law work connected to his Employment and Family practice.
Notable Cases
F v H: Successful Claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination and successfully defended the appeal to the EAT;
C v SDCC Arguments over whether conditions amounted to a disability with a large number of witnesses and whether dismissal due to disability or SOSR;
F v JCT Claim involving unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. Respondents awarded £10,000 costs despite Claimant claiming to be impecunious;
B v SN Advising the Claimant in ongoing ET proceedings involving claims for harassment, victimisation and sexual orientation discrimination over a number of years;
I v A Represented the Claimant in a complex claim for breach of contract and unlawful deductions from wages with a counterclaim by the Respondent. Successful in all aspects of the claim;
U v L & C Complex case involving a TUPE transfer acting for the transferee who was jointly and severally liable for obligations of the transferor under regulations 13 and 14 of TUPE. Multi handed case involving test Claimants for 25 representative Claimants.
Clerks
Zira Hussain
Call: 1998
Zira Hussain
LLB (Hons ) Law
Legal Aid Supplier Number 305RU
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
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.
Reputation
Zira is ranked in the Legal 500 for both Financial Remedy and Children work. Legal 500 states the following:
2025:
‘A practical barrister and persuasive advocate who is incisive in cross examination’
‘A very personable junior, organised and has a great manner with clients’
2024:
‘Zira is utterly unflappable. She is a stalwart advocate who remains self assured in court’
‘Zira has an exceptional grasp of the facts in a case. Her advocacy is conducted with meticulous preparation’
‘The tenacious Zira Hussain has experience in advising on pre – nuptial agreements’
2018 “She has a great bedside manner with clients”
2019 “Very enthusiastic and a dynamic cross examiner”
Zira was shortlisted for the Family Law Award at the Yorkshire Legal awards 2021, 2022 and 2024. The Yorkshire Legal Awards is the pinnacle of professional excellence, showcasing the best and brightest lawyers, practices and firms the region has to offer.
Zira won the Family Law Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2022.
Zira was also shortlisted at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024 in the category of Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year.
Zira was shortlisted at the prestigious Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022 in the category of Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year. The Family Law Awards have firmly established themselves as a highly prestigious event, celebrating the success and achievements of family lawyers and the vital contribution that they make to society.
Zira was nominated by then Legal Services Commission for inclusion in the prestigious Muslim Women Power List 2009. The list was run and devised by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission in partnership with The Times to commend achievements of Muslim women at the top of their profession or on their way to the top and aimed to highlight their contribution to the socio-economic society.
Zira was also nominated for the European Muslim Women of Influence List 2010. Finalists were announced at a gala event in Spain which tied in with the EU Presidency.
Zira has featured in her former university’s marketing and promotional materials. Zira was featured in the Eastern Eye as an inspirational woman. Zira has also featured in a digital magazine as an empowered woman.
Zira accepts instructions to sit as a Private FDR Judge.
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.
Notable Cases
Re N ( A Child: Religion: Jehovah’s Witness) 2011 EWHC 3737
Clerks
Ian Miller
Call: 1999
Ian Miller
LLB (Hons) (Pg Dip) (FLBA)
Legal Aid Supplier Number 385FD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
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.
Reputation
Ian has been a regular speaker on the professional legal lecture circuit for many years including being part of the Jordans publishers’ team early on in his career. Ian regularly speaks at Broadway House Chambers CPD and training events and is regularly invited to speak at events organised by legal professionals. During his time at the university Ian spoke regularly to public and private audiences on media law, artificial intelligence and the law and IT and regulation. Ian has been a panel member on a number of local and regional radio broadcasts on matters such as human rights, artificial intelligence and driverless cars.
In 2014, Ian joined the University of Bradford as a lecturer whilst maintaining his practice in Chambers. During his time at Bradford Ian set up the School of Law’s first Law Clinic, acted as Deputy Head for 3 years and was the Director of Clinical Legal Education. Ian resigned his Associate Professorship at the University in 2022 to return to full time practice.
Expertise
Family/Civil
Ian has worked in the field of matrimonial finance and TOLATA from Call in 1999 but has focused on matrimonial finance and TOLATA exclusively since 2014. During his years of a mixed practice Ian undertook a broad range of civil and family work including child protection, professional negligence, Land tribunal cases, employment law and general common law. These previous practice areas provide Ian with a good grounding in other areas of law that regularly pervade into complex financial remedy cases involving partnerships, third party property ownership, companies, and tracing.
Ian is able to undertake private FDR hearings for Trusts of Land proceedings, Inheritance Act proceedings and Financial Remedy cases.
Sports Law
Having taught for several years at the University of Bradford, Ian has developed an expertise in privacy law, misuse of private information, breach of confidence and media law.
Whilst teaching at the University of Bradford, Ian wrote modules on privacy and defamation law and taught law and media in the digital age to both undergraduate and post graduate students. Having now returned to full time practice with chambers, Ian is now accepting instructions in the following areas of media Law:
- 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.
Notable Cases
B v B [2022]
Third generation family farm. Assets circa £2.5m gross. Wife well into retirement. Issue as to how the sharing principle should apply to the assets which were brought into the marriage solely by the H. Agreed that the H would pass the farm to the parties’ son. Matter compromised with the W receiving 25% of the assets.
S v S [2022]
In addition to a modest family home, the parties assets were comprised of a significant pension held by one party and valuable commercial land owned by the other with another family member and which was inherited. Should the court depart from equality after a very long marriage on the grounds that half the assets were inherited? If the party holding the inherited land could or should sell the land in question. How should the pension be divided? Matter compromised. Sharing was to apply to the inherited wealth given the length of the marriage (DJ). The inherited land could be released at some point when the party desired it and could be seen as akin to a pension fund for that party. Proceeds of sale of FMH sufficient to house both parties modestly if divided equally. Small pension share required to equalise capital position. 50:50 division of the whole of the assets was appropriate notwithstanding the inherited wealth.
M v C [2016]
Proprietary estoppel – declaration of trust – whether the court may vary the terms of a declaration of beneficial interest set out in a signed declaration on the grounds that the parties had entered into an explicit oral agreement post dating the original declaration.
M had agreed to re-mortgage their jointly owned home in order that C could inject capital into his business in order to support and promote it. The court found that the parties had explicitly agreed that C’s share in the home would be reduced accordingly, and that C would account to M for the benefit he had received on any future sale. The court finding also that C had agreed to meet the additional sums due each month under the mortgage as a result of the borrowing.
Court declaring that M was entitled to the same amount that C had borrowed as a first deduction before dividing the proceeds of sale equally between them. Hameed v Qayyam [2009] EWCA Civ 352 and Clarke v Meadus [2007] EWHC 352 relied upon. (a transcript of the judgment is available). Permission to appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
Clerks
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
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
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.
Reputation
Appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown from 2012 to 2018.
Regular speaker at Chambers’ law seminars.
Individual entry in the Legal 500 for over 12 years.
- Alex Modgill “provides robust advice” – Legal 500 UK
- “Always very thorough and well prepared, and consistently produces good results” – Legal 500 UK
Expertise
Family
Alex is an integral member of Broadway House Chambers’ Top Tier-rated Family Law Team. His practice covers all aspects of financial proceedings, from matrimonial finance, claims under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Inheritance Act 1975, the Married Women’s Property Act 1882, and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. He is regularly instructed to advise and represent parties and intervenors in financial proceedings, including trusts and estoppel cases.
Alex is often instructed in high value cases including those involving complex business structures, family trusts and inheritances. Alex’s reputation in this area is characterised by his legal knowledge, the depth of his preparation and his attention to crucial detail.
Business, Property and Probate
Alex Modgill has a strong civil law practice. In commercial and chancery matters he advises and acts in cases involving freehold and leasehold property ownership, trusts (including TOLATA 1996 proceedings), contractual matters and the sale of goods and services. Alex is frequently asked to draft pleadings and advise on liability and quantum, especially in high-value cases.
Alex has considerable experience in personal injury law: he is regularly instructed in cases regarding employers’ liability, public and occupier’s liability, and road traffic accidents.
Notable Cases
A v A, B and C [2022]
Represented B and C, intervenors in financial remedy proceedings between A and A, at a 6-day hearing. Complex issues including trusts, proprietary estoppel, debts and freezing injunctions (s. 37 MCA 1973) relating to several residential and commercial properties, shareholdings in businesses and other assets in the UK, plus other alleged assets overseas.
B v B [2022]
4-day hearing involving high value assets including real property, shares in a business with a greatly disputed value, high income, family commitments in England and overseas.
B v B [2020]
Financial remedy proceedings, large asset case including high income professional parties, large pensions in UK and Europe. Expert evidence regarding the implementation of pension sharing regarding a pension in Europe.
A v A [2019]
Financial remedy proceedings, high asset case, long marriage, shares in a private oil company in England with subsidiary in Asia.
F v G [2021-22]
Advised and represented the Respondent in complex claims brought by one formerly engaged party against another under MWPA 1887, MC(PM)A 1958, MPPA 1970, and LR(MP)A 1970. Beneficial interests alleged in two properties (plus equitable tracing) as a result of substantial contributions in money or money’s worth.
R v S [2021]
Advised and successfully represented the claimant at a very complicated, potentially career-threatening 10-day employment tribunal hearing in claims for unfair dismissal. Significant issues about non-disclosure.
Clerks
Nick Power
Call: 2004 (Solicitor 1998)
Nick Power
BA (Hons) Law and European Business Studies
FLBA
Arbitrator MCIArb
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Nick is a highly sought after financial remedy specialist with over 20 years' experience. He is instructed by solicitors across the north of England who welcome his expertise and team approach. He is consistently ranked as a leading junior in the professional directories and has been described as a "first choice junior for many solicitors handling money work" and as "a measured and unflappable advocate who has an excellent rapport with solicitors, judges and clients". He is committed to NCDR, is a qualified arbitrator and sits as private FDR evaluator.
Reputation
Legal 500 – 2025 – Tier 1
'Nicholas is an unflappable and measured advocate, who has excellent rapport with solicitors, judges and clients. An incredibly persuasive barrister.”
Chambers & Partners - 2025 – Band 1
"A great barrister who is always well prepared and knows the case inside and out. He is great with clients, very knowledgeable and has strong advocacy skills. Nick has a great manner with clients, ensuring that they fully understand even the more complex issues in cases."
Legal 500 – 2024 – Tier 1
“Nicholas Power garners praise for his ‘exceptional knowledge.”
Chambers & Partners - 2024 – 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 – 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
“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 – Tier 1
“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.”
Chambers and Partners – 2021 - Band 1
“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. 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 - Band 1
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.”
Expertise
Nick’s practice encompasses all aspects of financial remedy proceedings including applications for financial provision for children under the Children Act 1989 Schedule 1. He is regularly instructed to advise prior to the issue of proceedings and is committed to alternative dispute resolution where appropriate. He has extensive experience of representing business owners, professionals and their spouses, as well as third parties, in cases where the assets are up to £10m. His case load regularly involves the following issues:-
- Property portfolios
- Companies and business interests
- Significant pension assets
- Inherited assets
- Assets outside the jurisdiction including overseas Trusts
- Complex income structures including those offshore
- Farms
- Trusts
- Third party applications and dispute over ownership of assets
Notable Cases
- Recent cases have included:-
- Disputed actuarial evidence in relation to pension sharing and the instruction of separate experts
- An overseas trust and pre-nuptial agreement
- Significant offshore earnings
- Conflicting company valuations with experts giving evidence; contested section 37 applications in relation to share transfers.
- Company and property holdings with arguments as to non-matrimonial property and post-separation accrual
Clerks
Sharn Samra
Call: 2002
Sharn Samra
LL.B. (Hons)(London School of Economics), 2:1
Bar Vocational Course (2002), Very Competent
Member of Lincoln’s Inn
Recorder of the Family Court (North Eastern Circuit)
Recorder of the Financial Remedies Court (North Eastern Circuit)
Deputy District Judge (Civil and Private Children: North Eastern Circuit)
Member of FLBA
Legal Aid Supplier Number 162YG
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Sharn is a family law specialist and has developed a strong reputation across all areas of her practise during 20 years at the Bar. She is a formidable advocate who is known for both her meticulous case preparation and personable manner.
Reputation
Sharn regularly presents seminars to lawyers and non-lawyers both regionally and nationally. Recent presentations include: The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Fact-Finding Hearings within Public Law Proceedings.
Expertise
Family Law
Within financial remedy proceedings, Sharn is particularly renowned for her ability to grapple with complex finances and has considerable experience in multi-party cases involving third party interests and bankruptcy matters.
In public law cases, Sharn acts on behalf of all parties at all levels of the Family Court, including regular representation of Local Authorities. She has significant experience in cases involving an international element including forced marriage cases.
Within private law cases, Sharn has a long standing interest in cases involving domestic abuse and is known for her sensitivity in representing vulnerable parties for which she has undertaken specialist training.
Notable Cases
X v. Y [2022]: Sharn successfully represented a Mother within private law proceedings at a 5 day finding of fact hearing, securing all findings as sought in respect of domestic abuse against the Father. There was a central element of controlling and coercive behaviour. Special measures were sought on the Mother’s behalf and the issues highlighted in Re H-N were addressed.
A Local Authority v. S v. S v. S [2021]: Sharn represented the LA in respect of its application for a forced marriage protection order. Sharn provided ongoing advice and representation during the proceedings on issues of: habitual residence, jurisdiction and care planning. A forced marriage protection order was made at the conclusion of the proceedings and a transfer of jurisdiction to Romania.
A Local Authority v. X (A Mother) & Ors [2020] EWFC B7:Sharn represented the LA in its application for care and placement orders and was successfully able to persuade the court that deemed service could be granted in circumstances where direct personal service on the parents had not been possible.
A Local Authority v. B v. E v. E [2020]: Application for care and placement orders lasting over 2 years. Sharn represented the child throughout. The mother had a learning disability, requiring an interpreter and an intermediary. Listed for an 11 day hybrid final hearing in November 2020; care and placement orders made.
DS v. LS v. JS [2019]: Successful private law appeal on behalf of a grandmother against the decision of lay magistrates within private law proceedings. The case concerned an 8 year old who had lived with his grandmother for the majority of his life. The appeal was allowed and the case remitted with CAFCASS being invited to allocate a new officer; child stayed with grandmother.
Clerks
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
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
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 builds a great rapport with clients and is a determined advocate.Emily is a fantastic advocate and she has a great way with clients. She is calm, collected and sensible. She is focused on finding the best outcome for clients, with a sensible approach. She's very technical, good on her feet, and judges like her." (Chambers and Partners - Band 1 Finance and Band 2 Children, 2025)
'Emily is a very high quality junior: sensible, intelligent and respected, she fights hard when needed. The family law world is her oyster.Emily Ward‘s ’eye for detail is phenomenal. Emily is an excellent communicator, who quickly makes clients feel at ease. She is well prepared, fights hard when she needs to, and knows how to land the killer blow in her papers and cross-examination. Emily Ward is ’a high quality junior on financial cases‘, and is often instructed in cases involving complex trust structures, pre-acquired wealth and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.” (Legal 500, 2025)
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 (Chambers and Partners - Band 1 Finance and Band 2 Children, 2024)
‘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.
Notable Cases
Re W [2016] EWCA Civ 793 (July 2016) – Representation of grandparents on pro-bono basis unled against three silks. Important and leading case in relation to adoption.
Re W (Adoption – Contact) [2016] EWHC 3118 (Fam) – Re-hearing of Re W (below). Appeared against a silk unled.
Re W [2016] EWHC 2437 (Fam) - First instance contested adoption case.
IC v RC [2020] EWHC 2997 (Fam) – Important case in relation to the slip rule and legal principles associated thereto.
SH (A Child) [2020] EWHC 1510 (Fam)
O v O (2020): Finding of fact hearing in private children proceedings where Emily’s client was accused of sexually abusing his step-daughter over a prolonged period of time. Careful consideration and handling of the child witness was required taking account of advocates toolkits and special measures.
W v W (2021): Representation of the respondent in high value and complex financial remedy proceedings in a civil partnership dispute. Significant issues in the case included the respondent’s: (i) substantial pre-acquired assets; (ii) the respondent’s interest in a by-pass trust (c.£1M); (iii) significant inherited assets; (iv) shareholding in a company with a value of £16.6M; and, (v) interest in a newly incorporated company. Expert evidence was required, including in relation to the impact of Covid-19 and extraction of funds for the settlement. The added complication in this case was the short length of the marriage, but also the applicant’s health needs and the potential for ongoing spousal maintenance payable by the respondent. Case settled on a clean break basis, which excluded the majority of the pre-acquired assets.
F v M (2021): Representation of a father contested jurisdiction proceedings in the High Court. The final hearing, which ran over four days, involved complex issues of fact, with multiple witnesses giving evidence from different countries, and complex issues of law (including Qatari law) were considered.
Clerks
Jake Ellis
Call: 2010
Jake Ellis
Deputy Head of the Business, Property & Probate Team
LLB Bachelor of Law - 2:1, LLM Master of Laws – Merit, BVC (Very Competent)
Lincolns Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02ECP
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Jake has very quickly established himself as a leading financial remedy and property specialist and as “a name to watch by instructing solicitors”.
Jake is considered to be well versed in matrimonial finance cases involving trusts, business/commercial interests, inherited wealth and farming assets and is regularly instructed to act in cases of significant value.
As the Deputy Head of the Business, Property and Probate Team, Jake’s finance and property practice extends to complex disputes between unmarried couples pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 as well as claims arising out of the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975.
Reputation
Legal 500
“Jake is extremely charismatic and enthusiastic. He really excels in financial remedy work. A junior punching above his weight.” (2025)
“A strong advocate with laser-like attention to detail. He listens to the client and provides clear and comprehensive analytical advice. A barrister who is always prepared to go the extra mile.” (2023 and 2024)
“Jake is an excellent communicator who provides robust advice. He can turn a complex set of facts into a clear pleaded case. He puts clients at ease straightaway with his very personable approach.” (2022)
Chambers and Partners
"Jake is a smooth advocate and he does not compromise on detail. He is great with clients, very knowledgeable, always prepared and has strong advocacy skills.” (2025)
“Jake Ellis is noted for his dedication to clients and cases. He is particularly well versed in handling the financial aspects of separations, many of those involving complex structures such as inherited wealth and farming assets.” (2023 and 2024)
"Nothing is too much trouble for him and he relates well to clients of all types. Jake goes above and beyond for clients and instructing solicitors. His manner with clients is fantastic. A popular junior noted for his dedication to clients and cases. He is particularly well versed in handling the financial aspects of separations, many of those involving complex structures such as inherited wealth and farming assets.” (2022)
Articles and Seminars
Jake has had articles published in the Family Law Journal. Jake also regularly speaks at Chambers seminars concerning finance and TOLATA matters.
Expertise
Financial Remedy
Jake advises and represents clients in financial relief proceedings from pre-issue to final hearings and is regularly instructed to assist and represent clients attempting alternative methods of resolution, such as at mediation, round table conferences/discussions and private FDR’s.
Jake has experience across the broad spectrum of financial remedy cases but has a particular expertise in cases which include disputes involving trusts, business/commercial interests, inherited wealth and farming assets.
Jake is also available to put his specialist knowledge to use as a private FDR judge.
Business, Property and Probate
Jake has a thriving practice advising and representing clients in cases brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Jake’s busy chancery practice blends well with his extensive financial remedy practice, in particular property disputes arising out of cohabitation and challenges to interests in family estates.
Notable Cases
Jake was instructed in a case involving a large property portfolio, held in the UK and abroad and on trust by third parties, and a number of commercial interests, valued at over £17 million.
Jake was instructed in a case that culminated in a 7 day trial, involving two interveners and several witnesses, to resolve a dispute around interests in capital and property held in the UK and abroad.
Jake was instructed in a case that concerned assets of over £2.3 million, which largely consisted of a multi-generational farm and investments inherited by the Applicant Husband.
Jake was instructed to act in a case concerning a multi-generational family farm brought into the marriage by the respondent and associated business established by the parties during the marriage and operated as a partnership.
Jake was instructed in a case concerning the validity of a pre-nuptial agreement and loan agreement in a case where the assets were valued at over £1.3 million.
Clerks
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
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Alyssa is an experienced family law specialist, having exclusively practised in the areas of financial remedies and private children for over 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.
Reputation
Expertise
Financial Remedy
Alyssa has significant experience in matrimonial finances cases at all stages of proceedings. Her practice also encompasses acting for Intervenors and Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 matters.Recent work Alyssa has undertaken in this area includes:
• Cases involving the Official Solicitor
• S37 injunctions
• The successful setting aside of a consent order on the grounds of misrepresentation and duress
• Acting for Intervenors in a case involving a large family property portfolio
• Cases involving insolvency
• Financial disputes concerning farming and agricultural enterprises
Alyssa regularly provides advice in these areas, at conference and by way of written opinion.
Private Children
Alyssa has a particular interest in difficult and complex private children cases. She is often instructed on cases involving parental alienation/alienating behaviours and matters which involve serious allegations of domestic abuse.Alyssa is frequently instructed to appear on behalf of clients in a wide variety of Private Children Law cases including Child Arrangements Orders, International and Internal Relocation applications, Special Guardianship Orders and Private Adoption. She is also regularly instructed to provide advice in these areas, both in writing and in conference.
Alyssa is popular with solicitors and clients in high-conflict private children cases. A particular case she was instructed on was described by the expert psychologist as ‘the most serious case of parental alienation I have come across in my entire career.’
Domestic Abuse
Alyssa is regularly instructed in applications under Part IV Family Law Act 1996. She is first choice for many solicitors in these matters, due to her sensitivity and care in dealing with vulnerable clients.
Notable Cases
Anon (2023) - financial remedy proceedings involving a current political figure. Income arguments related to parliamentary expenses.
Re O (2022)– private law children case involving two serving police officers, in a matter whereby the Father has been charged with rape and sexual assault. The case also involved legal argument in respect of adducing evidence of covert recordings.
Re B (2022) private law children case whereby F was imprisoned for stalking and other domestic abuse related offences. Case involving serious allegations of coercive control.
Anon (2022) – financial remedy proceedings involving a well-known retired sportsman. Issues in the case included pension sharing in respect of pension accrued at height of sporting career.
N v N (2020)– private law case which eventually became public law, following arrest of one party for employing others to spray acid at one of the children. Criminal proceedings ensued which attracted widespread national press interest.
P (A Child) [2015] EWCA Civ 1428 – Alyssa acted at first instance and thereafter successfully for her client in the Court of Appeal in a complex private law children matter involving international elements and an ‘abusive’ mother, with an order for no direct contact being upheld by the Court of Appeal.
S (A Child) [2015] EWFC B212 – Private law children case involving unknown whereabouts of Respondent birth parents. Child Arrangements Order made in client’s favour.
London Borough of Waltham Forest v AD [2014] EWHC 1985 (Fam) – Instructed on a case for a Local Authority on behalf of the child requesting a reporting restriction in a case where the Father had killed the Mother. Guidance given by Keenan J as to procedure in such applications.
Clerks
Andrzej Bojarski KC
Door Tenant - Call 1995 | Silk 2024
Andrzej Bojarski KC
Barrister, Arbitrator and Mediator
LLB (Hons) London School of Economics
Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb)
Family Law Bar Association
Chancery Bar Association
Gray’s Inn
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Andrzej Bojarski KC is a senior barrister and a leading ADR practitioner (as a family law arbitrator and a mediator), with a practice which has an unrivalled span across family law and chancery law. He is routinely instructed in cases involving complex business and trust structures, difficult issues of commercial law or corporate law, or with claims involving third parties. Much of his case load involves cross-border international elements. As well as his matrimonial work he deals with the chancery aspects of family disputes, including ToLATA claims and Inheritance Act disputes. He has developed particular expertise in crypto assets and FinTech.
Andrzej is also one of the most experienced and frequently chosen arbitrators and private FDR neutral evaluators. He is also a popular and effective mediator, known for bringing calmness to acrimonious disputes and finding creative solutions to apparently intractable problems.
Andrzej writes and lectures widely on English family law. He has been the Consultant Editor of the last two editions of the Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Law volumes of the authoritative legal encyclopaedia Halsbury’s Laws of England and he is also the author of a leading textbook on financial remedies in divorce.
Reputation
"A silent assassin. Pleasant and solutions-focused, he's forward-thinking and amicable with his opposite number, but in court he's ruthless in the way he presents the case and makes submissions to judges."
"A super advocate who is very easy to listen to. He's focused, he doesn't take nonsense points and he makes the most of his good ones. His cross-examination is really good."
"Andrzej Bojarski is excellent - he's very calm and very well-liked by his clients. He gives good advice and his paperwork and preparation are perfect."
(Chambers and Partners, 2023)
‘Andrzej brings his advocacy skills to the private judging sphere. He is thorough, empathetic and kind, hugely intelligent, and probably thinking five steps ahead of the advocates in front of him on every case, hard-working and keen to find/broker settlement. He is fully resolution-focused and will leave no stone unturned in trying to get a couple to that end.’
‘Andrzej gives clear well thought and excellent advice. He is a very good advocate and unfailingly polite to all involved. He is reliable and hugely experienced. He puts clients at their ease.’ He has ‘excellent client care skills’ and is an ‘incredibly easy barrister to work with’.
(Legal 500, 2023)
"Andrzej is fair-minded, technical and able to deal with the most difficult areas of family law."
"He really gets under the skin of the case from an early stage, and is personable, calm and understated. His technical knowledge is excellent."
"He is well prepared, very knowledgeable and has a great eye for detail."
"He's very financially astute, and I rate him very highly"
(Chambers & Partners, 2020)
"Has the ability to untangle the most complicated financial setup and then offer practical advice." (Legal 500, 2020)
"Andrzej is a master for detail and an excellent draftsman."(Chambers & Partners, 2019)
"He wins by being clever, persuasive and rational." (Chambers & Partners, 2019)
"Go-to individual for financial work. I know I can trust him and he will cut to the chase. He is brilliant with the client too." (Chambers & Partners, 2017)
"A very accomplished advocate. Good on paper and in court." (Chambers & Partners, 2017)
"Andrzej is excellent for financial work. His expertise in complicated offshore finances is second to none, and he is a barrister who offers strong advice." (Chambers & Partners, 2017)
"He is just outstanding. He knows the law and procedure like the back of his hand."(Chambers & Partners, 2016)
"Measured, eloquent, sensible" (Chambers & Partners, 2016)
Publications:
Consultant Editor of the Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Law volumes of Halsbury’s Laws of England.
Author of Unlocking Matrimonial Assets on Divorce (Family Law, 3rd edition 2012)
Author of numerous articles and regular presenter of webinars, seminars and lectures on family law.
Ranked as a leading practitioner for financial remedies work and ADR by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Expertise
Finance: Andrzej is very highly rated as one of the most knowledgeable and skilled lawyers in the field of family finance, dealing with cases where the parties were married and are divorcing, and also in disputes between unmarried couples or resulting from other family relationship breakdowns. He is routinely instructed in the most difficult cases and has particular experience of trusts and complex business structures, usually with a multi-jurisdictional and international dimension. He is also well-known for his experience of and expertise in cases involving crypto-assets and FinTech, business and corporate governance issues in the midst of relationship breakdown, and property disputes involving families, including in relation to the estates of the deceased.
While he was still a junior barrister the influential Chambers & Partners Bar rankings listed Andrzej as one of only four “Star Individuals” in Matrimonial Finance work in London.
ADR: Andrzej has been a family law arbitrator since 2012 and has been acting as a neutral evaluator in private FDRs since 2017. He has conducted in excess of 200 arbitrations and private FDRs with many clients regarding him as the ‘go to’ tribunal in difficult cases. The Legal 500 says “Andrzej brings his advocacy skills to the private judging sphere. He is thorough, empathetic and kind, hugely intelligent, and probably thinking five steps ahead of the advocates in front of him on every case, hard-working and keen to find/broker settlement. He is fully resolution-focused and will leave no stone unturned in trying to get a couple to that end.”
International: Many of Andrzej’s cases involve an international dimension and he has extensive experience of jurisdictional disputes and the tracing or assets and enforcement of orders across international borders. He is also regularly approached to offer advice on English law to lawyers overseas. Andrzej is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Notable Cases
Unger v Ul Hasan [2023] UKSC 22. Seminal Supreme Court decision on whether unadjudicated matrimonial claims survive the death of a party.
Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15 and [2023] EWFC 136. Successful repudiation of a wife’s claim that a husband had undisclosed assets of over $30 million.
Joseph v Grandison [2019] EWHC 977 (Fam). Successful enforcement of a ‘best endeavours’ injunction.
Clerks