Duncan Watson

Practice Overview

• Children (Private Law)
• Family Finance & Property

  Focuses on family finance matters, and is an expert in financial remedies concerning divorce, cohabitation disputes and Schedule 1 applications. He is noted for his ability to handle complex cases relating to partnerships, companies, trusts and assets. 

• What the Directories Say

  "Duncan Watson handles clients with patience and diplomacy and is helpful and always available to discuss strategy and approve documents." Band 1 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Duncan is a professional, extremely knowledgeable and exceptional barrister." Band 1 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Duncan is a first-class and go-to barrister on alldivorce finance cases. He is a formidable advocate." Tier 4 - Legal 500, 2025

  "Duncan has and excellent bedside manner and can adapt to each client's needs. He can think outside of the box and come up with unique and practical solutions." Tier 4 - Legal 500, 2025

  "Duncan's attention to detail and overall knowledge is superb. Duncan remains calm in extremely difficult circumstances and always puts his clients at ease." Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "He is particularly sharp when it comes to dealing with company matters or international issues. Duncan has a good bedside manner and is clear in his advice." Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "Duncan is a strong advocate and is able to confidently unpick the details of a particular issue, as well as retain focus on the overall resolution of a matter. He excels in advising on complex trust issues, company issues and pensions. He can understand each client’s needs and gives options to met those needs. He thinks outside of the box." Tier 4 – Legal 500, 2023

  “Duncan has notable strength in handling complex financial matters involving businesses and trusts. He can come up with a range of solutions to any issue that needs to be resolved.” Tier 4 – Legal 500, 2022

  "Razor sharp mind. Extremely competent in dealing with complex cases involving business assets. Unflappable under pressure. Produces exceptional written advices. A fearsome advocate." Tier 4 - Legal 500, 2021

  “He is frequently our go-to barrister on complex financial matters.” “He is professional, approachable, structured in his approach and very clear in his advice to clients.” “He is a specialist who is well respected.” Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2021

  'A specialist in family finances.’ Legal 500, 2019 

  'An excellent, reliable barrister who is particularly good on financial matters. He thinks outside the box and strives to achieve the best outcome possible for clients.' 'Meticulous in his approach.' Chambers and Partners, 2019

  'He is extremely good on money cases, very particular and good at addressing the detail.' 'He is good with demanding clients, very patient and unshakable in his views, and also very methodical.' Chambers and Partners, 2017

  'When instructing him, you know you will receive the best advice and support possible.' Legal 500, 2016

  'He is a reliable counsel, an all-rounder for finances in divorce, TOLATA matters and children's issues.' Chambers and Partners, 2016

  'He does everything very thoroughly and is particularly good on complex cases with hidden assets.' 'The judges know him well and they respect him because they know he is a good advocate who pursues sensible arguments.' Chambers and Partners, 2015

  'Highly praised for his family practice. He focuses on financial remedy and is admired for his approachable manner, his care for the client’s interests and his attention to detail.' Chambers and Partners, 2014

  'Duncan Watson is ‘very strong’ for finance matters, and is ‘an impressive negotiator.' Legal 500, 2013