Andrew Commins
Call 2004 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications LLB (European), Exeter LLM/Magister der Rechte, Saarland, Germany Anglo-American Scholar 2004; Diplock Scholar 2003; Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Award 2004 (Middle Temple) Award for ‘Outstanding’ grade on Bar Vocational Course. Scholar of the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (2002) Germany
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Areas of Practice
Andrew studied law at Exeter University and went on to gain a second degree in German Law from the Universitaet des Saarlandes, Germany. He completed his Bar exams at UWE in Bristol. He speaks German and is currently learning Italian.
Family Law
Andrew joined the St Johns Family Practice Group in 2004 and his work encompasses all areas of family law including ancillary relief, public and private children work, cohabitation disputes, Inheritance Act claims and domestic violence applications.
Andrew has a particular interest in financial arrangements arising from divorce and co-habitee disputes.
He also has a background in housing and homelessness policy and practice in Bristol and in dealing with clients suffering from discrimination and domestic violence.
Andrew has also given seminars on the following topics:
- Domestic Violence and Children
- Ancillary Relief: Maintenance and Capital Provision
- Ancillary Relief: Foreign Property
- The Civil Partnership Act 2004
- Cohabitation
Andrew is always prepared to give lectures on areas of family law of particular interest to practice groups. Please contact the clerking team for further details.
Andrew endeavours in all circumstances to return paperwork within 10 days of receipt.
International Work
Andrew volunteered from November 2009 until March 2010 for FIDA-Kenya , a non-governmental organisation in Kenya working to promote women’s human rights and access to justice. He developed an access to justice strategy to develop the organisation’s capacity to meet the needs of Kenyan women within the informal justice system. An article written by Andrew analysing Kenya’s responses to gender-based violence is available here. He is also continuing to volunteer whilst in the UK as a technical team member and advisor for CLEAD, a civil society organisation based in Kenya promoting equality and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Direct Access
Andrew is qualified to undertake Direct Access work in appropriate cases, for further information, please visit our Direct Access page.
Recent Articles
- Ancillary Relief and Sexual (Mis) conduct: Negating Need: K v. L Family Law Journal (June 2010)
- Dividing Matrimonial Property on Divorce: Colonialism, Chauvinism and Modernism in Kenya International Family Law Journal (June 2010)
- The ‘Second-Wife Impact’ and Ancillary Relief, Family Law Week (4 May 2010)
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2010
- Andrew Commins continues to climb the rankings as a result of his “intellect, hard work and superior client-handling skills.” He is a notable junior.
Chambers UK 2009
- Andrew Commins enters the tables after receiving a raft of positive feedback for his “fantastic way with clients.” He pays “great attention to detail” and is praised for his “ability to put people at ease.”
Legal 500 2007
- At the junior end, Andrew Commins, has ‘a charming client manner and excellent legal skills’.
