News | 1GC|Family Law

25 March 2019

Michael Liebrecht and Elizabeth Hartnett have been appointed as Deputy District Judges

We are delighted to announce that Michael Liebrecht and Elizabeth Hartnett have been appointed as Deputy District Judges.

19 March 2019

Court of Protection Bar Association

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Bagchi QC and Malcolm Chisholm will be serving on the committee of the newly formed Court of Protection Bar Association.

14 March 2019

Re ST (A Child) (Surrogacy: Iran) [2018] EWHC 3439

Tom Wilson appeared on behalf of the applicants in the first known case involving an Iranian surrogacy arrangement. Newton J granted the parental order and his judgment has now been published.

25 February 2019

Michael Liebrecht Appointment

We are delighted to announce that Michael Liebrecht has accepted an appointment as of 25 January to sit part-time in the First Tier Tribunal, HESC, allocated to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal.

29 January 2019

Case management and FPR 2010, PD 12J (A v C)

Olivia Magennis considers the decision in A v C and the application of Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), Practice Direction 12J (PD 12J) to interim contact decisions in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse.

24 January 2019

Pupillage Open Evening

Thursday 24th January 2019
6.00pm - 8.00pm
At 1GC| Family Law, 10 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP

09 January 2019

Chambers Director

We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chambers Director, Marie-Christine Willis, with effect from 7 January 2019.

08 January 2019

Order in Court

Julien Foster examines good practice, bad practice and the pitfalls when it comes to local authorities and public law children proceedings.

04 December 2018

Legal 500 UK Awards 2019

Chambers is delighted that 1GClFamily Law has been shortlisted in three categories at the Legal 500 UK Awards 2019.

29 November 2018

Clerking Team of the Year

We are delighted to announce that the 1GClFamily Law clerking team was awarded the accolade “Clerking Team of the Year” at the 2018 Family Law Awards.

12 November 2018

The Future of the Family Division: a discussion between Sir James Munby and Sir Andrew McFarlane

Blog post by 1GC|Family Law pupil Natalie York after attending the recent breakfast seminar held by the Personal Support Unit.

01 November 2018

Chambers UK 2019

1GC|Family Law is proud to announce that we are again ranked as a leading set in the 2019 edition of Chambers UK across three practice areas. Our skills in Family: Children, Family: Matrimonial Finance and Court of Protection: Health and Welfare are recognised, with many individual silks and juniors listed.

30 October 2018

The Legal 500 2019

1GC|Family Law is pleased to announce that we are again ranked as a leading set in the 2019 edition of Legal 500, with our skills in all forms of children work being highlighted and also our expertise in Family Law (Divorce and Financial Remedy) as well as modern families, Court of Protection and Community Care being recognised, with many individual members being ranked.

25 October 2018

Advocate Bar Pro Bono QC of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that Deirdre Fottrell QC won the “Advocate Bar Pro Bono QC” of the year award at last night’s annual awards.

16 October 2018

Bar Pro Bono Awards 2018

We are proud to announce that 1GC|Family Law has been shortlisted in 3 categories in this year's Bar Pro Bono Awards.

06 September 2018

The Chambers Bar Awards 2018

We are pleased to announce that 1GC|Family Law have been shortlisted in 2 categories in this years’ Chambers Bar Awards.

03 September 2018

Welcome to our new pupils

All at 1GC|Family Law would like to welcome our new pupils, William Vaudry and Natalie York.

03 September 2018

Lucy Maxwell and Anna Lavelle

1GC|Family Law welcome Lucy Maxwell and Anna Lavelle as tenants of Chambers following successful completion of their pupillage.

03 September 2018

1GC|Family Law shortlisted for “Clerking Team of the Year”

We are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for “Clerking Team of the Year” at the 2018 Family Law Awards.

31 August 2018

‘Lawyers behind the cases’

Elizabeth Darlington, along with 7 other leading land law barristers have helped produce a series of videos that explore their involvment in recent seminal land law cases.

26 July 2018

Infected Blood Inquiry

Chambers is delighted to announce that Marlene Cayoun has been appointed as junior counsel to the Infected Blood Inquiry.

09 July 2018

Families Need Fathers Annual Conference

On the 25th June Francesca Wiley QC chaired the AGM for Families Need Fathers.

03 July 2018

Junior Clerk Vacancy

Following a period of expansion, during which time Chambers has grown to over 81 members including 11 silks, an additional Junior Clerking post has been created in order to assist the Clerks’ Room.

29 June 2018

The inquest into the death of Alexander Monson in Kenya returned a verdict of unlawful killing

Francesca Wiley QC and Iain Daniels from Ely Place have assisted the family in Kenya for the last 3 years of proceedings.

21 June 2018

Katherine Dunseath joins Chambers

1GC|Family Law is delighted to announce that Katherine Dunseath has accepted an offer of tenancy.

24 May 2018

Oliver Woolley writes from New York

Towards the end of last year, Oliver travelled to New York City, taking time away from Chambers, with the goal of being able to gain exposure to the workings and functioning of a US family law system...

09 May 2018

1GC|Family Law is delighted to announce that Fareha Choudhury has accepted an offer of tenancy.

Fareha was called in 1995 and her practice encompasses all areas of Family Law...

02 May 2018

Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2018

Alev Giz has been shortlisted as a finalist for “Legal Aid Barrister of the year” at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2018.

11 April 2018

Chambers welcomes Helen Jefferson, Andrew Venables and David McDonald.

We are delighted to welcome Helen Jefferson and Andrew Venables, former members of Hind Court to 1GC|Family Law. We also welcome David McDonald, who joins us as 1st Junior Clerk.

28 February 2018

1GC|Family Law is delighted to announce that Helen Jefferson and Andrew Venables will be joining Chambers in April

Helen was called in 2000 and her practice encompasses all areas of Family Law with a particular emphasis on Matrimonial Finance...

28 February 2018

Melissa Elsworth and Annabel Barrons

1GC|Family Law welcome Melissa Elsworth and Annabel Barrons as tenants of Chambers, effective from 1 March 2018...

23 February 2018

Susan Jacklin QC appointed a Circuit Judge

Chambers is delighted to congratulate Susan Jacklin QC on her appointment to the Circuit Bench...

14 February 2018

Williams V LB of Hackney

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Louise MacLynn are at the Supreme Court today in the case of Williams v LB of Hackney for the Appellants...

01 February 2018

Sharia Law Review

The independent review into the application of sharia law in England and Wales has been published today. The review was chaired by Professor Mona Siddiqui, who was supported by a panel of experts including Sam Momtaz QC.

22 January 2018

Y and Z v W and X [2017] EWFC 60

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Eleri Jones appeared for the successful applicant in a new decision about domicile in respect of international surrogacy applications.

15 January 2018

Special Advocate Panel

We are delighted that both Louise MacLynn and Gemma Kelly have been appointed to the Attorney General’s Special Advocate Panel.

21 December 2017

Ian Bugg appointed as a Circuit Judge

Chambers congratulates Ian Bugg on his appointment to the Circuit Bench. Ian has been a highly valued member of these Chambers over his 11 Years here and has contributed much to the life and work of Chambers, including, for several years, as our Treasurer.

05 December 2017

The Legal 500 2018 Awards – Set of the Year!

Chambers is delighted to have been awarded Family and Children Set of the Year at the Legal 500 2018 Awards.

29 November 2017

The Legal 500 UK 2018 awards

1 Garden Court are proud to announce we been shortlisted for The Legal 500 UK 2018 awards with the following nominations:

03 November 2017

Chambers and Partners UK 2018

1 Garden Court are delighted to announce that we have been ranked as a Leading Set in the 2018 edition of Chambers and Partners UK with 23 individual Members of Chambers being listed.

01 November 2017

Francesca Wiley QC and Andrew Norton QC have qualified as accredited Arbitrators

Chambers is delighted to announce that Fran Wiley QC and Andrew Norton QC have qualified as accredited Arbitrators.

11 October 2017

Legal 500 2017

Chambers is delighted to announce that we are again ranked as a leading set in the 2017 edition of Legal 500, with our skills in all forms of children work being highlighted but also our expertise in Family Law (Divorce and Financial Remedy) as well as Court of Protection and Community Care being recognised, with many individual members being ranked.

02 October 2017

1 Garden Court are delighted to welcome Annabel Barrons and Melissa Elsworth as third six pupils.

Annabel has joined Chambers from 29 Bedford Row and Melissa from QEB.

28 September 2017

1 Garden Court is delighted to announce that Elizabeth Hartnett, Steven Ashworth and Sophie Prolingheuer are joining chambers.

Elizabeth was called in 2005 and is an established Family Finance specialist who represents clients in applications for Financial Remedies on divorce, Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and TOLATA claims.

14 September 2017

MBE Private Children Law Conference 2017

Andrew Bagchi QC and Frances Orchover were delighted to join a panel of highly experienced experts in Family Law at the MBE Private Children Law Conference 2017, examining a wide range of important and topical issues in relation to private law children work.

04 September 2017

Family Law Awards Nominations

We are delighted to announce the following nominations for the 2017 Family Law Awards; Janet Bazley QC for Family Law QC of the Year and Tom Wilson for Family Law Young Barrister of the Year.

29 June 2017

1GC is moving

Chambers is delighted to announce that in early 2018 we will be moving to exceptional modern, spacious and bespoke premises at 10-11 Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

23 May 2017

Nkumbe Ekaney QC appointed as Deputy High Court Judge

Chambers is delighted that Nkumbe Ekaney QC has been appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge.

03 May 2017

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

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Tom Wilson appeared pro bono on behalf of the Applicant, instructed by Goodman Ray solicitors who also acted pro bono. Andrew Norton QC appeared on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

07 April 2017

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Richard Jones Re M [2017] EWCA Civ 228

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Richard Jones in the first case where surrogate retains child.

28 March 2017

Laura Briggs Joins Chambers

Chambers is delighted to announce that Laura Briggs has accepted an offer of tenancy.

24 March 2017

Financial remedy update: latest article from Christopher Sharp QC

The article continues Christopher’s regular reviews of the more important recent financial remedy cases, this one covering the period from October 2016 to March 2017.

23 February 2017

In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case K) [2017] EWHC 50 (Fam)

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Thomas Wilson appeared on behalf of the applicant in the case of In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case K) [2017] EWHC 50 (Fam).

22 February 2017

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Marlene Cayoun successful in the Court of Appeal in case concerning habitual residence under the Brussels II Regulation

Deirdre Fottrell QC led Marlene Cayoun and Georgina Rushworth of Coram Chambers in the Court of Appeal in the matter of Re J (A Child) (Finland) (Habitual Residence) [2017] EWCA Civ 80 about the Court's jurisdiction under Brussels IIA (Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003).

06 February 2017

Arbitration in Children Cases

Chambers is delighted to announce that Charles Geekie QC & Claire Heppenstall are now accredited Arbitrators.

06 February 2017

Janet Bazley QC – Article on Arbitration in Counsel Magazine

Janet Bazley QC and Gavin Smith of 1 Hare Court have been commissioned to write an article for Counsel Magazine on Arbitration.

03 February 2017

Janet Bazley QC, Sarah Morgan QC and Marlene Cayoun - Re S (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 44

Janet Bazley QC, Sarah Morgan QC and Marlene Cayoun appeared in the Court of Appeal case of Re S (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 44, a decision relating to findings of fact in a long-running private dispute about a child.

27 January 2017

Article on Costs in Financial Remedy

Mark Ablett, one of our pupil Barristers, has an article on a new approach to Costs in Financial Remedy proceedings published in Family Law Week.

12 January 2017

Sam Momtaz Appointed as Queen’s Counsel

Chambers is delighted to announce the forthcoming appointment of Sam Momtaz as Queen’s Counsel, taking our tally of Silks to 13. The appointment will be effective on 13 February 2017.

23 December 2016

1GC Jordan’s Family Law Chambers of the Year Win

Chambers is delighted to have been awarded the accolade of Family Law Chambers of the Year at the Jordan’s Family Law Awards 2016.

30 November 2016

Deirdre Fottrell QC & Gemma Kelly - N (A Child), Re [2016] EWHC 3085 (Fam)

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Gemma Kelly represented the child in an application before the President for recognition of her adoption in India and an adoption order under the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

17 November 2016

Charles Geekie QC and Gemma Kelly Successful Appeal

Charles Geekie QC and Gemma Kelly successfully appealed on behalf of a local authority in the Court of Appeal in Re W (a child) 2016 EWCA Civ 1140.

06 November 2016

Bar Pro Bono Award 2016 Nomination

Chambers is delighted to announce the nomination of 1 Garden Court's rising barrister Tom Wilson for the selfless and voluntarily Bar Pro Bono Award 2016.

02 November 2016

Chambers & Partners - 1GC Guide

Chambers & Partners' UK Bar ranks and recommends the most outstanding sets and barristers throughout the Bar of England and Wales.

02 November 2016

Chambers & Partners 2017 Rankings

1 Garden Court is proud to be listed and recommended in the Chambers & Partners Guide 2017.

19 October 2016

The Legal 500 Awards Shortlist

1 Garden Court is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the 'Family Set of the Year’ and Janet Bazley QC 'Family Silk of the Year' at The Legal 500 Awards 2017.

17 October 2016

Olivia Magennis Joining 1 Garden Court

1 Garden Court is delighted to welcome Olivia Magennis our newest member of chambers. Olivia was called in 2005.

05 October 2016

Tom Wilson appeared pro bono on behalf of the appellant in the case of Re K (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 931

Tom Wilson appeared pro bono on behalf of the appellant in the case of Re K (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 931.

03 October 2016

1 Garden Court Welcomes Luke Eaton and our New Pupils

We are pleased to announce that Luke Eaton has joined chambers as a tenant after successfully completing his pupillage.

20 September 2016

The 2016 Chambers UK Bar Awards Nominations

Chambers is delighted to announce the nomination of 1 Garden Court's renowned barrister Deirdre Fottrell QC in the Family category for Silk of the Year.

14 September 2016

Legal 500 2016

Chambers is delighted to announce that we have been ranked once again as a leading Children Law set in the 2016 edition of Legal 500 and, furthermore, that our expertise in Family Law (Divorce and Financial Remedy) has been similarly recognised.

13 September 2016

In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case O) [2016] EWHC 2273 (Fam)

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Tom Wilson appeared on behalf of the child in the case of In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case O) [2016] EWHC 2273 (Fam).

12 September 2016

In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case L) [2016] EWHC 2266 (Fam)

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Tom Wilson appeared on behalf of the applicant, Sarah Morgan QC and Lucy Sprinz acted on behalf of the respondent and Charles Geekie QC and Sharon Segal appeared on behalf of the children's guardian in the case of In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case L) [2016] EWHC 2266 (Fam).

01 September 2016

Chambers’ Success in Nominations for the Jordan’s Family Law Awards 2016

We are delighted that our barristers, Deirdre Fottrell QC and Sharon Segal have been shortlisted in the Family Law QC and Family Law Junior categories respectively in this years Jordan’s Family Law Awards and Chambers has been shortlisted for the award of Family Law Chambers of the Year.

01 August 2016

Family Finance Arbitration – Claire Heppenstall accredited arbitrator

Chambers is delighted to announce that Claire Heppenstall is now an accredited Family Finance Arbitrator.

20 July 2016

Darren Howe QC appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Darren Howe QC has been appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge, pursuant to s9(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981.

18 July 2016

Arbitration in Children Cases – Janet Bazley QC and Gilly Stanley are accredited arbitrators

1 GC is delighted to celebrate the launch, on 18 July 2016, of IFLA’s Scheme for Arbitration in Children Cases.

01 July 2016

Nkumbe Ekaney QC Joins Chambers

Chambers is delighted to announce that Nkumbe Ekaney QC, previously a door tenant, has accepted an offer of full tenancy.

30 June 2016

Z (surrogacy agreements: Child arrangment orders) [2016] EWFC 34 (30 June 2016)

Landmark surrogacy case where Ms Justice Russell granted the surrogate mother the the care of the young child (Z) with the biological father and his same sex partner being granted contact every 8 weeks for the next 2 years.

27 June 2016

Jessica Lee Joins Chambers

Chambers is very pleased to announce that Jessica Lee has accepted an offer of tenancy.

22 June 2016

KB and RJ v RT [2016] EWHC 760

Deirdre Fottrell QC acted for the commissioning parents in the case of KB and RJ v RT [2016] EWHC 760

26 May 2016

Independent Review Panel on Sharia Law

1 Garden Court would like to congratulate Sam Momtaz for being appointed on to the Independent Review Panel on Sharia Law launched today by the Home Secretary, Theresa May MP.

13 April 2016

The problem of litigants in person and vulnerable witnesses

Keep an eye out for Tom Wilson's article in the April edition of Family Law.

06 April 2016

In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case G) [2016] EWHC 729 (Fam)

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Lucy Sprinz appeared on behalf of the applicant parent and Janet Bazley QC and Sharon Segal appeared on behalf of the children's guardian in the case of In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case G) [2016] EWHC 729 (Fam)

25 February 2016

DB v DLJ [2016] EWHC 324 (Fam)- Mostyn J on 24 February 2016

Jeni Kavanagh acted as junior counsel in this significant case which considers the link between the Family Law Arbitration Scheme and the Arbitration Act 1996 and how that Statute fits in with s25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and the Agreement cases in family law.

27 January 2016