Andrew Norton KC, MCIArb

Practice Overview

• Children (Public Law)

  Within public law proceedings, Andrew represents local authorities, parents, other family members, and children.

  His expertise is in cases where serious, life threatening injures have occurred. He regularly conducts fact-finding hearings involving complex medical issues.

  Many of Andrew’s cases have an international element and he is highly skilled at advising local authorities on placement of children overseas and adoptions with international elements, often receiving instructions in cases involving child abduction, Forced Marriage and Diplomatic Immunity issues

• Children (Private Law)

  Within private law proceedings, Andrew acts for parents and other adults involved in the most complicated, often intractable disputes relating to children.

  He has a detailed knowledge of intractable cases requiring a specialist approach and early intervention to identify such cases and ensure effective outcomes.

  He has successfully obtained - and resisted - permissions to relocate children both within England and Wales and overseas.

• International Family Law

  Many of Andrew’s cases have an international element and he is skilled at advising and representing parties considering planned relocation. He has particularly strong links with the United States and can provide some guidance on legal issues in that jurisdiction, signposting specialist American legal advice when required.

• Court of Protection

  Within the Court of Protection Andrew receives instruction from the Official Solicitor to the Senior Courts to represent the protected party, from local authorities seeking guidance on complex cases and from families seeking to resolve difficulties regarding a family member.

• Arbitration

  Andrew is an Arbitrator and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).

• Mediation

  While Andrew is highly experienced in court disputes, he is passionate about alternative methods of Dispute Resolution as a means to conclude proceedings in the most effective way for the parties. He is a trained mediator able to work in both children cases and within the Court of Protection. He has a special interest in mediation used to resolve Elder Care disputes.

  He has undertaken training both in the UK and also through the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, drawing on the experience of that organisation in resolving significant community disputes, thereby broadening his mediation skills.

• What the Directories Say

  "He has great people skills and always makes sure his client's case is properly put." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Andrew has a very subtle style of advocacy. He's very gentle but effective with his questioning." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Andrew Norton is very good and has a nice manner about him." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Andrew is a first-rate silk. He is bright and always on top of the details." Tier 2 - Legal 500, 2025

  "Very good with clients and at observing their sensitivities. He is an intelligent, persuasive advocate, who is extremely effective." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "He's really good, always well prepared and meticulous on the detail." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "Andrew Norton's attention to detail and client care skills shine through." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "Andrew is measured, restrained and effective as an advocate. He is always on top of the papers and takes a sensible and proportionate approach to all cases." Tier 2 - Legal 500, 2024

  "He has a very steady hand and is calm, unruffled and a good performer." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "Andrew is meticulous in his client approach and preparation and is a calm, polite and measured advocate. He leaves no stone unturned in court." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "An extremely impressive advocate; meticulously prepared and always stays focused on the issues." Tier 2 – Legal 500, 2023

  “Is exceptionally well-prepared, great advocate for local authorities, very calm and one thing that you could never say about Andrew is that he is underprepared.” Tier 3 - Legal 500, 2021

  "Recommended for his Hague Convention expertise." Legal 500, 2016

  "He has a persuasive and dedicated style in mediations and is an engaging advocate." Chambers UK, 2014

  "Recommended as a children's public law expert who has experience of appearing in the Court of Protection." Chambers UK, 2013

  "Extremely effective" advocate and a "good communicator."  Chambers UK, 2012

• Notable Cases

  W-A (Children : Foreign Conviction) [2022] EWCA Civ 1118

  A Local Authority v AA [2022] EWHC 1596

  B (Children: Care Proceedings: Jurisdiction: Transfer of Proceedings) [2022] EWHC 1494

  F v M & Anor [2017] EWHC 949 (Fam)

  Re B [2017] EWCA Civ. 1635

  Re X [2016] EWHC 1668

  Re L [2015] EWFC 48 

  D (A Child) (Habitual Residence: Consent and Acquiescence) [2015] EWHC 1562 FAM 

  A London Borough and M and F and B [2015] EWHC 2407 (Fam)

  Surrey County Council v AB [2014] EWHC 1115 (Fam)

  Re B (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 1901

  R (Adoption Contact) [2005] EWCA Civ 1128; [2006] 1 FLR 373

  Merton London Borough Council v K [2005] EWHC 167; [2005] 2 FLR 422

  A Local Authority v S [2004] EWHC 1270 (Fam) 

  R v Cornwall [1999] 1 FLR 1055