Public Law Care and Adoption

We are experts in Public law proceedings. We have a long-standing reputation for being an outstanding set of chambers in this area with years of experience in dealing with complicated public law children cases of the utmost gravity, including cases of child death, serious non-accidental injury, fabricated or induced illness, serial neglect, cases under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court concerning life-sustaining medical treatment for children, restraint of publicity, and wardship.

"The barristers dealing with Public Law Children Act cases in this set and in the local area are excellent." Legal 500 2023 

Our barristers appear regularly in all levels of courts, from appellate courts to the High Court, County Court and the FPC. We are regularly instructed by parents, by CAFCASS, and also by Local Authorities all around the country. In addition, we have considerable experience acting for relatives of those involved in care proceedings, foster parents, step-parents, and the Official Solicitor.

St Philips Family is renowned for how our barristers and clerks work closely and co-operatively with solicitors and clients to ensure an excellent level of service.

Many of our barristers have appeared in significant cases which have helped to shape the current law relating to care proceedings. Our barristers regularly contribute articles to law journals and publications. A number of the team have published major works in the field of family law.

A number of our barristers also sit as part-time members of the judiciary including one Deputy High Court Judge, six Recorders of the County Courts, two Deputy District Judges and a Deputy Assistant Coroner.

Our barristers are regularly involved in offering training to various groups, including Social Workers and medical experts. St Philips Family ran a highly successful roadshow training event throughout the Midlands explaining the complexities of the PLO to other practitioners, with the support of the Designated Family Judges in Coventry, Worcester, Derby, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Telford, Wolverhampton and Stoke on Trent.

Our Public Law Care and Adoption Barristers:

Please get in touch with our dedicated family clerking team with any questions regarding our service and expertise.

Mark Mansell, Anthony Burgess, Kelly Fullwood, Sarah Doyle and Ellie Hogan-Evans.

family@st-philips.com +44 (0)121 246 1600
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Lillian Garnier
Family
14/05/2025

Lillian Garnier Achieves Pro Bono Pupil Pledge Milestone

Congratulations to Lillian Garnier for completing Advocate’s Pro Bono Pupil Pledge through her work in assisting with an enforcement application of interim spousal maintenance, where she was also able to...

William Horwood
Events
13/05/2025

Financial Remedies Seminar, 8 July

We are delighted to invite you to an informal and engaging seminar in chambers discussing the legal landscape around jurisdiction and forum conveniens in divorce and financial remedy proceedings. William...

Katie Stephens
Family
13/05/2025

Katie Stephens completes Pro Bono Pupil Pledge

Many congratulations to Katie Stephens, a pupil barrister within our Family Group, who has completed Advocate’s Pupil Pledge through her work in providing advice prior to a TOLATA trial. In...

Child Care Conference
Events
09/05/2025

Anatomy of a Care Case: The Modern Approach – Child...

We are delighted to confirm the agenda and open registrations for our Child Care Conference which will take place in Chambers on the afternoon of Tuesday, 10th June 2025. We very much...

William Horwood
Family
14/04/2025

William Horwood Shortlisted for Prestigious John Collins Pro Bono Excellence...

We are delighted to announce that William Horwood has been shortlisted for the John Collins Pro Bono Excellence Award at the 2025 Bar Pro Bono Awards. This award is named...

Katie Stephens
Family
28/03/2025

A simple guide to issuing claims under TOLATA 1996 for...

In the absence of financial provision akin to divorcing couples, the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) is a tool for separating couples in relation to...

Lillian Garnier
Family
25/03/2025

Committals in financial remedies  – a remedy of last resort?

Hale LJ opined in Hale v Tanner, that applications for committal within a family law context raise unique considerations (for example, children).[1] The procedure is complex and must be followed...

Emma Williamson
Family
19/03/2025

Emma Williamson to Return to Chambers

We are delighted to inform you that Emma Williamson will return to the St Philips Family Law Group following Maternity Leave and is available to take instructions from Wednesday 23rd April 2025....

William Horwood & Lauren Starmer
Family
24/02/2025

William Horwood & Lauren Starmer appeared for mother in Re...

The case was heard by Poole J in January 2025 and judgment was handed down last week. The judgment raises novel points about how issues of jurisdiction are to be...

William Horwood & Beth Armitage
Family
14/02/2025

Two barristers nominated for Bar Pro Bono Awards

We are pleased to share that two members of our Family Group, William Horwood and Beth Armitage, have received nominations at the 2025 Bar Pro Bono Awards. William has been...