Nkumbe Ekaney KC

Year of Call: 1990
Year of Silk: 2011

Practice Overview

Nkumbe is Joint Head of Chambers at 1GC Family Law. He has an extensive High Court practice which encompasses all areas of Children Law. More specifically, he regularly acts in complex cases concerning serious allegations of non-accidental injury, including death, FII, sexual abuse and chronic neglect of children. He is particularly adept at dealing with the highly complex medical evidence which these cases often involve.

Nkumbe has acted for minority and immigrant parents accused of ritualistic abuse, as well as other forms of abuse justified on cultural and religious grounds, such as radicalisation. He was Leading Counsel for the father in the leading FGM case of B&G (No 2) [2015] EWFC 3.

In Private Law, Nkumbe’s practice includes cases which contain allegations of serious physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children by their parents.

Nkumbe has been ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal Directories since 2008. He is renowned not only for the thorough way in which he approaches these sensitive cases, but for his relaxed, charming and yet polished advocacy style and his excellent client-care.

He was a Deputy High Court Judge from 2017 to 2023.

  • Children (Public Law)

    Nkumbe is highly recommended for his Public Law Children work. He is regularly instructed in a wide range of care, placement and adoption proceedings which involve complex instances of infanticide and serious physical, sexual or ritualistic abuse of children and the vulnerable. He has a wealth of experience representing all parties in such proceedings, including Local Authorities, parents, children, Guardians and other relatives. These cases invariably involve complicated factual considerations and detailed medical evidence which he is quick to absorb. 

    He was Leading Counsel for the father in the first ever case on female genital mutilation in the Family Court: 

  • Children (Private Law)

    Nkumbe represents parents, children and relatives in highly contentious proceedings concerning children arising from relationship breakdown. His practice includes cases which involve permission to relocate children and the international components of such removal.

  • What the Directories Say

    "He has always been ready to go the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcomes." Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

    "Very thorough in his cross-examination and very quick on his feet. He's very well respected and clients find him very approachable, down to earth and easy to understand." Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

    "He has got a very nice courtroom style." Band 2 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

    "Nkumbe is a class act. He has a charming manner and cross-examines complex evidence with ease. His submissions are of the highest standard." Tier 3 - Legal 500, 2024

    "Nkumbe Ekaney adopts a thorough approach to cases and an amenable manner with clients. He's technically brilliant and a master of advocacy." Band 1 (Western) and Band 3 (London) - Chambers and Partners, 2023

    "Nkumbe is a leading silk in non accidental injury and sexual abuse cases. He truly is an exceptional advocate, and his attention to detail, to include understanding the complex medical evidence with ease and sharp cross-examination, makes him a force to be reckoned with." Tier 3 - Legal 500, 2023

    “An astonishingly impressive silk who oozes gravitas and has a commanding court room presence. His advocacy is really first-rate. Nkumbe has a keen eye for the detail and is always fully on top of the papers. His cross-examination is razor sharp and always extremely effective.” Tier 3 - Legal 500, 2022

    "Smooth, sophisticated and an excellent leader, he is missile-like in seeking out what the judge needs." "He reassures his clients, and his ability to look at things forensically is superb." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2021

    "He is excellent." Band 1 (Western Bar) - Chambers and Partners 2021

    "Represents parents and children in public and private child law cases, with particular expertise advising on matters concerning serious non-accidental injuries. He is also experienced at handling matters that concern sexual assault, neglect and child death." Band 2 (Western Bar) - Chambers and Partners, 2020

    "A very polished advocate who is good with clients. He’s also good at dealing with judges and is a very pleasant opponent." Band 2 (Western Bar) -Chambers and Partners, 2020

    "He is phenomenal in cross-examination and meticulous in his approach to cases." Band 2 (Western Bar) -Chambers and Partners, 2020

    "A children lawyer through and through." Chambers and Partners, 2017

    "Very well thought of."  Chambers and Partners, 2017

    "Renowned for his work in sensitive and complex child welfare law, notably infanticide cases and those involving serious allegations of abuse and neglect. In addition to his expertise in children law, he is equally proficient in dealing with the legalities that arise after breakdowns in marriages and civil partnerships."  Chambers and Partners, 2015

    "Recommended for public law children work, and cases involving infanticide and non-accidental injuries."  Legal 500, 2014

    "He is very good and always impresses." Chambers and Partners, 2014

    "Recommended." Legal 500, 2013

    "Great to deal with and someone who looks after clients well." Chambers and Partners, 2013

    "Highly recommended." Legal 500, 2012

    "His first-class practice." Chambers and Partners, 2012

    "Recommended." Legal 500, 2011

    "Recommended for childcare cases." Legal 500, 2010

    "Applauded for his relaxed and charming manner."  Chambers and Partners, 2010

    "Recommended."  Legal Experts, 2010

    "An excellent advocate — never ruffled." Legal 500, 2009

    "His 'laid-back and charming style' plays well with interviewees."  Chambers and Partners, 2008

    "Smooth as velvet in court."   Legal 500, 2008

    "Very able. Extraordinary how much detail he can absorb." 2008

    "Extremely good in court, and personable out of it." 2008

    "Extremely realistic in his approach." Chambers and Partners, 2008

  • Notable Cases

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked Western

Band 2 - 2024

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked London

Band 2 - 2024

Legal 500

Leading Silk

Tier 3 - 2024

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked London

Band 3 - 2023

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked Western

Band 1 - 2023

Legal 500

Leading Silk

Tier 3 - 2023

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked Western

Band 1 - 2022

Chambers and Partners

Top Ranked London

Band 3 - 2022

Legal 500

Leading Silk

Tier 3 - 2022