Introduction
Chris Watson is a children law expert and practises exclusively within this field. He is joint head of the St-Philips Chambers Children Law Team and a Recorder deployed to sit on the Northern Circuit. He has vast experience in complex public law cases, including those involving child death, non-accidental head injury, serious physical abuse, serious sexual abuse, drowning, honour-based violence, FII, international adoption and the inherent jurisdiction.
He conducts many lengthy hearings in the High Court and was previously shortlisted for the “Birmingham Barrister of the Year” award. He also provides regular legal training and is an approved pupil supervisor.
Notable cases
Some of the complex cases Christopher has been instructed in recently are as follows:
- Re N and E [2023] – represented the local authority in a catastrophic head injury case in the High Court;
- Re S and S [2023] – represented the children in the Court of Appeal;
- Re A and T [2023] – represented the father in a reported re-opening case in the High Court;
- Re S and F [2022] – represented the mother in a fabricated or induced illness case;
- Re D and M [2022] – represented the mother in a catastrophic head injury case;
- Re W and K [2022] – represented the father in a catastrophic head injury case in the High Court;
- Re B and W [2021] – represented the father in a poisoning case in the High Court;
- Re B and C [2021] – represented the local authority in a child death case in the High Court;
- Re T and H [2020] – represented the children in a child death case in the High Court (case reported);
- Re R and L [2020] – represented the local authority in a High Court case in which guidance was given to local authorities who become involved in private law proceedings (case reported);
- Re U and V [2020] – represented the local authority in an alleged human trafficking case in the High Court;
- Re C and S [2020] – represented the mother in a shaken baby case in the High Court;
- Re D and E [2019] – represented the local authority in an alleged fabricated or induced illness case in the High Court;
- Re B and S [2019] – represented a mother in the Court of Appeal;
- Re X and C [2018] – represented a father in a 4-month sexual abuse case in the High Court;
- Re X and Z [2017] – represented the local authority in an international American adoption case in the High Court
Reported cases
- A Local Authority v A and others [2009] EWHC 1982 (Fam) [2010] 3 FCR 503;
- Re A and B (One Parent Killed by the Other: Guidance) [2011] 1 FLR 783;
- A City Council v T and others [2011] EWHC 1082 (Fam) [2011] All ER (D) 217 (May);
- Re H (a child) [2012] All ER (D) 281 (Oct);
- Re Y (Minors) (Care Proceedings: Genetic Testing) [2013] 2 FLR 249;
- Re P (Sexual Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearing) [2019] EWFC 27
- A City Council and A [2020] EWFC 15;
- Re ABC (Children) (Overlaying Child) [2020] EWFC 57;
- A Local Authority v XX [2021] EWFC 27;
- Z (Care Proceedings: Reopening of Fact Finding) [2023] 8 WLUK 72
- Re S (Children: Findings of Fact) [2023] EWCA Civ 1113;
- Re X (A child) [2023] EWFC 264
Testimonials
“He’s very level-headed and calm in challenging situations.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“He handles all matters with the upmost care for all those involved in the case and his attention to detail is impeccable.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Christopher is a smooth and elegant advocate. He has a natural flair for advocacy and an unrivalled ability to navigate even the most complex matters. His meticulous preparation is reflected in his advocacy and written work alike.” Legal 500 2024
“Christopher’s advocacy is exemplary; he is meticulously prepared for every single matter, has a commanding presence and he goes out of his way to make sure the client’s voice is heard.” Chambers & Partners 2024
“Christopher is a phenomenal legal mind, his preparation is like none other, it oozes command. He tries to find resolution and gives well-received advice.” Chambers & Partners 2024
“Christopher is a strong advocate, and his case preparation is very thorough. He has an excellent ability to represent vulnerable clients.” Legal 500 2023
“Chris is an extremely competent and efficient advocate. He is also compassionate towards parents where necessary and guides the court through the evidence with significant skill that comes from his vast experience.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“Christopher has an excellent knowledge and skill base. He is also easy to approach and is responsive.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“He is a really capable barrister, who produces excellent work and really good drafting.” Chambers & Partners 2023
