Introduction
Christopher Adams is joint head of the St Philips Children Law Group. Christopher was called to the Bar in 1986 and joined Number 2 Fountain Court (one of the founding sets of St Philips Chambers) in 1988, practising initially in the field of common law. Christopher has practised exclusively in the field of public child law since 1995. He acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children and other family members and is frequently instructed in cases involving serious and medically complex injuries to children.
He was head of the St Philips child-care team for three years and has spoken at conferences and seminars on various aspects of the law relating to children.
Christopher was appointed as a Recorder in 2005 and is authorised to deal with family cases in both the private and public law jurisdictions. In 2013, he was authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge in the Family Division.
Public Law Care and Adoption
Christopher has practised exclusively in the field of public child law since 1995. He acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children and other family members and is frequently instructed in cases involving serious and medically complex injuries to children.
He was head of the St Philips child-care team for three years and has spoken regularly at conferences and seminars on various aspects of the law relating to children.
Christopher was appointed as a Recorder in 2005 and is authorised to deal with family cases in both the private and public law jurisdictions. In 2013, he was authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge in the Family Division.
Recent Cases:
- A County Council v AB & Others [2015] EWFC 82
- Coventry City Council v B, A, RK, KK [2012 ] EWHC 4014 (Fam)
- C v Solihull MBC [1993] 1 FLR 290
- Hereford and Worcester CC v S [1993] 2 FLR 360
- Re C (A Minor) (Care Proceedings:Disclosure) [1997] Fam 76
- Re G (Leave to Appeal:Jurisdiction) [1999] 1 FLR 771
- A Local Authority v A & Others [2009] EWHC 1982 (Fam)
Education
LLB (Hons) King’s College London
Appointments and Memberships
Deputy High Court Judge (Family Division)
Association of Lawyers for Children
Testimonials
“Chris is widely regarded as one of the leaders in child care law; he is hugely knowledgeable, prepares meticulously and is a calm and persuasive advocate.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Chris excels with complex matters.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Christopher has extensive knowledge with a warm and sensitive approach to all matters. He is supportive and works as part of a team on behalf of the children he is representing.” Legal 500 2024
“Christopher has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law. He is such a persuasive advocate and has real gravitas.” Chambers & Partners 2024
“Christopher has a brilliant manner, his advocacy is careful and measured; it is powerful. He has a deliberately understated yet immense power of persuasion.” Chambers & Partners 2024
“There appears to be no boundary to his wealth of knowledge and ability to think outside the box.” Chambers & Partners 2024
“Christopher presents a complex public law matter before a judge fairly and empathetically whilst at the same time representing the client’s interests determinedly. He has an attention to detail that is second to none and a genuine focus on child law.” Legal 500 2023
“Christopher is a very experienced barrister who has the ability to handle cases calmly in the most complex of circumstances. A most capable and safe pair of hands.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“A very calm and methodical advocate, excellent in complex matters.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“He is very accessible, thorough, and has a keen eye for detail.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“Christopher has a calming manner about him which he uses to positively influence others. He has excellent knowledge of the law and procedure as well as cross-examination skills.” Chambers UK 2022
“A formidable intellect but also a charming and persuasive advocate.” Chambers UK 2022
“Chris has an incredibly calm manner and is unfazed by any challenge. He is polite, professional and friendly at all times. He is insightful and recognises the challenges and stressors that other opponents face and brings a common-sense approach to the case.” Legal 500 2022
“Completely unflappable, his eloquent and calm approach makes him an advocate of the highest calibre.” Legal 500 2021
“He’s an extremely impressive junior barrister with a supportive manner. He is empathetic whilst being well prepared, methodical and meticulous in both financial and children’s cases.” Chambers UK
“He’s in a league of his own.” Chambers UK
“Very experienced. Calm, but resolute in advancing the client’s case appropriately.” Chambers UK
“A skilled advocate who is well respected, carefully analytical and extremely courteous to deal with.” Chambers UK
“He is absolutely excellent. He is a very understated operator and has an absolutely first-class mind. He is a very clever man, and very good with the clients.” Chambers UK
“He is superb – I would imagine he is one of the leading juniors in the public care work area.” Chambers UK
“He has a consistently professional manner dealing with both lay and professional witnesses and an exceptionally courteous and helpful approach in the conduct of court matters.” Chambers UK
