Public Law Care and Adoption

St Philips has a long-standing reputation as an outstanding set in public law children work.

Barristers in our Care Team handle cases of the utmost gravity and complexity - including child death, serious inflicted injury, fabricated or induced illness, and applications under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.

“St Philips Chambers … boasts a strong portfolio of barristers whose expertise is valued by private individuals, parents, children and local authorities.” Chambers & Partners

"The barristers dealing with Public Law Children Act cases in this set … are excellent." Legal 500

Who we act for

We regularly act for parents, local authorities and children’s guardians throughout the country. We also have considerable experience acting for intervenors, extended family members, foster parents, step-parents and the Official Solicitor.

At every level

Our barristers can appear at all levels of court and a number of Team members have acted in reported cases that have shaped the current law.  Members have also contributed to leading journals in the field.

Working with you

St Philips’ Care Team is known for the close and co-operative way our barristers and clerks work alongside instructing solicitors and their clients.  We are committed to delivering an excellent and responsive service at every stage.  Likewise, we understand the importance of balancing technical expertise with pragmatism and an approachable outlook.

Judicial experience, recognition and training

The Team includes a Deputy High Court Judge and Recorders, and a number of our members are ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.  With the support of Designated Family Judges, we also lead training events with solicitors, social workers, medical experts and others at widely attended events across the Midlands.

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.

David Walters, Kelly Fullwood, Sarah Doyle and Ellie Hogan-Evans.

family@st-philips.com +44 (0)121 246 1600
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David Walters
Family
14/07/2026

David Walters joins St Philips Chambers as Senior Family Clerk

St Philips Chambers is delighted to announce that David Walters has joined Chambers as Senior Clerk to our Family Group. David’s arrival marks an important new chapter for one of...

Keiron McCabe
Family
24/06/2026

Keiron McCabe appears for the Mother in FM v SB...

Keiron McCabe, instructed by Faizan Sadiq of Greens Solicitors, recently appeared in a fact-finding where all 11 allegations of domestic abuse were found in his client’s favour. The case concerned...

William Horwood
Family
20/05/2026

William Horwood successfully defends local authority in judicial review claim

William Horwood acted for the Defendant local authority in a recent judicial review claim in the Administrative Court in Birmingham before Mr Justice Kimblin. The claim arose out of the...

Keiron McCabe & Lillian Garnier
Family
05/05/2026

Modest Assets, Real Stakes: Private FDRs beyond ‘big money’ matters

Although typically associated with high-net worth cases – where the available assets exceed the parties’ needs – private financial dispute resolutions (“pFDRs”) should also be given serious consideration in disputes...

Emma Williamson & Katie Stephens
Family
27/04/2026

Pathfinder Courts Rebranded: The Rise of “Child-Focused Courts”

The rebranding of Pathfinder Courts to “Child-Focused Courts” marks a significant shift in how private law Children Act proceedings are managed across England and Wales. In this article, Emma Williamson...

Sarah Buxton & Beth Armitage
Family
20/04/2026

Summary – A County Council v PS & Anor [2026]...

Sarah Buxton and Beth Armitage recently appeared in the case of A County Council v PS & Anor [2026] EWFC 68, a care case listed for a final hearing over...

Lauren Starmer
Family
15/04/2026

Finalising at IRH: robust resolution or forfeited fairness? A reflection...

Introduction In his judgment of Re S-W (children) [2015] EWCA Civ 27, Sir James Munby quoted the age-old maxim that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ but went on to make...

Care Conference 2026 - Save the Date
Events
15/04/2026

Public Law Proceedings in the Age of Tech & AI: Care...

We are delighted to announce further details concerning our upcoming Annual Care Conference – Public Law Proceedings in the Age of Tech & AI. A full-day programme featuring external speakers and Barristers...

Hannah Jarvis
Family
01/04/2026

Standard of Living and Financial Needs: Invasion of Non-Matrimonial Assets...

Pupil barrister Hannah Jarvis explores how the courts approach financial needs in short marriages, focusing on when non-matrimonial assets may be brought into play. Distribution of Assets The objective of...

William Horwood & Lauren Starmer
Family
20/03/2026

Court of Appeal Hands Down Judgment in Re J, Re...

The Court of Appeal has today handed down judgment in Re J, Re M, Re P (Loss of Parental Responsibility) [2026] EWCA Civ 344, three conjoined appeals dealing with legal parentage. The...