Chambers is delighted that a number of  practitioners across Chambers, at all levels of seniority, have been ranked in The Legal 500 2023.

Ben Chapman has, for a second year running, been ranked as a Rising star in both Child Law (Public & Private) and Social Housing categories and Marie Huggins has been ranked as a Rising star in Child Law (Public & Private). A number of our members are then ranked as Leading Juniors.

We are also very proud that the hard work of our practice management team has has also been recognised, with feedback on their helpfulness, approachability and professionalism being highlighted.

Head of Chambers, Jeremy Janes, said “I am delighted that the talents and achievements of so many members of chambers have been recognised in their entries in this year’s publication. The hard work and friendly and efficient service of the clerking team has also rightly been highlighted. Chambers continues to strive to provide the very best service to all our users and I look forward to seeing more members featuring in future publications.“

With a record number of rankings for Chambers for our Family and Civil practitioners, team Practice Director Stuart Walker commented “I am very proud to see a record number of counsel listed from KCH Garden Square, for the second year running, in the upcoming edition of The Legal 500. This includes Tier 1 counsel in both the family/children law and social housing categories.”

And finally, many thanks to all our clients who took the time to participate in the Legal 500’s research this year as without their feedback, this would not have been possible.

The full list of rankings:

Ben Chapman
Social Housing & Child Law (Public & Private) Rising Star Ranked: Tier 1
‘Well regarded for his ‘extensive knowledge of occupation orders’ and ability with vulnerable clients.’
“Ben has a great manner with clients and always gives a full note of the hearing and quickly updates following hearing.’

Marie Huggins
Child Law (Public & Private) Rising Star Ranked: Tier 1
‘Marie empathises with the clients in a very understanding manner but is quick to give hard and tough advice where needed. She is very thorough, organised, and very well prepared. She is very client focused and keen to do all she can for her clients.’

Oliver Nunn
Social Housing Ranked: Tier 1
‘Oliver is very thorough in his work and pays close attention to detail. He gives sound and considered advice and has excellent drafting skills.’

Tom Russell
Social Housing Ranked: Tier 1
‘Tom is an extremely effective and an advocate. He is down-to-earth and very commercial. He takes time to understand a client’s aims and remains focused on those until a resolution is reached. He is able to explain complex issues very clearly to clients and grasps detail quickly.’

Moira Ashton-Walsh
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 2
‘Moira is a highly persuasive advocate. She is thoroughly approachable and gives sound and pragmatic advice. She prioritises her lay clients’ arguable issues whilst managing their legitimate expectations. She is always well prepared, pays good attention to detail and strives to achieve sensible outcomes for the children who are the subject of the case whilst ensuring her lay client’s interests are properly argued. She is a skilled negotiator but will not hesitate to contest a matter where necessary.’

James Cleary
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 2
‘James is methodical, articulate, and approachable. He is always well prepared and spends time with the clients to ensure their understanding. He is a great sound board and is always available to answer any queries in between hearings.’

Patrick Bowe
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Patrick is very patient with clients and always puts extra effort and time into clients who have cognitive difficulties. Patrick is able to easily adapt to the needs of a client and the particular personality of the clients.’

Thomas Bramall
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Thomas is very good at explaining complex issues to the client department. He is always very approachable and ensures work is done to a high standard. There is always clear feedback regarding court hearings and the client is aware of the next steps.’

Samuel Coe
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Samuel is very good at adapting to the needs of a client and is a very patient person. He makes clients feel that they have been listened to and will make sure every client has understood and is OK before finishing his involvement with them. He is very knowledgeable, and this is always a benefit with clients.’

Frida Dahlqvist
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Frida’s forensic attention to detail is second to none and really shines through in complex cases, particularly with a medical element. She is empathetic and thoughtful in working with clients, which makes them feel confident and well represented.’

Lisa Hardy
Crime (General and Fraud) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Lisa is very thorough in the preparation of any case and always establishes a positive relationship with the client. She is always very well prepared and has a wonderful ability to put the client at ease very quickly. She is confident and always offers sound advice to anyone she represents.’

Zoe Henry
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Zoe is very thorough, and her advice is always very clear. She reads everything carefully and provides excellent position statements to address all issues. She is always approachable and her ability to pick up difficulties and consider options to resolve them is outstanding.’

Jamal Jeffers
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Jamal is an excellent advocate with a thorough and detailed knowledge of the law and legal procedures. He is clear in advice and is able to develop and maintain positive relationships with his clients. Particularly in very emotive situations, he is able to speak to clients at their level and is able to show compassion whilst giving an excellent level of representation.’

Louise Sapstead
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Louise is an effective communicator and keeps instructing solicitors and clients updated. She has always accommodated hearings, covering on days off, knowing that continuity of counsel is important and very much appreciated by the client and other advocates in the matter. She always remains calm, which is always much appreciated when dealing with a complex matter.’

Steven Veitch
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Steven is a strong and fluent advocate with a good grasp of the law and facts in all cases. He is also confident in dealing with expert and professional witnesses and clear and realistic in submissions made to the court.’

Siân Waldron
Child Law (Public & Private) Ranked: Tier 3
‘Siân is diligent, articulate, approachable, committed and an excellent advocate. She is well respected by her peers and clients alike. Her case preparation is second to none.’

Our full Legal 500 set profile is online here.