Bethany is an excellent advocate. She prepares thoroughly and is skilled at working with vulnerable clients as she employs both empathy and objectivity. She is razor-sharp in her ability to find the key to the case. Her approach to each matter is entirely client centred. Her advocacy is a force to be reckoned with. ‘Bethany’s approach to each case is meticulous. She is astute and dynamic’.”

Chamber UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Bethany has developed a busy and thriving junior practice as a specialist family law barrister. She accepts instructions in all aspects of family law including:

  • Financial Remedy Proceedings
  • Schedule 1 Children Act 1989
  • Private law Children Act matters
  • Part IV FLA 1996 (Domestic Violence)
  • ToLATA 1996

Before joining St John’s Chambers, Bethany successfully completed pupillage at 1 Hare Court in London, where she obtained extensive experience in financial remedy disputes. This includes dealing with complex financial structures, high net-worth parties and assets outside of the jurisdiction.

Bethany is happy to advise in conference or in writing. She is pleased to consider instructions on a pro bono basis in appropriate cases.

Directory Quotes

An incredibly bright junior and an exceptional advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Bethany is fiercely intelligent, forthright and dynamic. She is, forensically, extremely astute and provides sensible, client-focused advice.”

The Legal 500 2023, Divorce and Financial Remedy

Bethany specialises in financial remedies disputes and private children law, with particular experience in cases that involve cross-jurisdictional issues. ‘Bethany has an excellent eye for detail and quickly grasps complex issues.’ ‘She is an extremely strong advocate who is able to empathise with clients while providing robust advice.’ ‘Bethany’s client relationship work was excellent. She made a difficult case easy for the client to understand.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Client Quotes

Her preparation leading up to the trial was fastidious, her advocacy skills exceptional and her attention to perfecting a complex order quite remarkable… I would not hesitate to instruct her or recommend her to others in the future.”

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BCL, Oxford University, (Distinction),
    • BA in Jurisprudence, Oxford University, (First Class) (top of the year in family law and administrative law)
    • BPTC
    • BPP Law School, (Very Competent)
    • Manches Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • The Martin Wronker Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2013)
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award (Lincoln’s Inn 2012)
    • 4 New Square Scholarship (University of Oxford 2014)
    • Sunley Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2015)
    • Ruth Deech Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)
    • Ely Carter Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)
  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Bar Pro Bono Unit
    • Lord Denning Society
    • Lincoln’s Inn
  • Additional information:

    Originally from Cornwall, Beth moved to Oxford and thereafter London to complete her legal education and training. She developed her passion for family law and children’s rights as an undergraduate at Oxford where she ultimately finished top in her year for the subject. Beth went on to receive a scholarship enabling her to become a postgraduate at Oxford, submitting a BCL dissertation scrutinizing the courts’ treatment of Gillick competent children refusing medical treatment. This has given her a strong knowledge in the areas where family law and medical law overlap. She also spent her time as a postgraduate studying equality law and anti-discrimination mechanisms across the UK, EU, India and Canada. This included consideration of equal marriage rights and rights to a family/private life.

    Throughout her training Beth has provided pro bono advice and representation on a range of private children and school exclusion matters. She has also worked as a children’s rights research assistant, exploring whether children have rights specific to them as children.

    Beth has written for Jordan’s Family Law Online and Family Law Week.

  • Bethany Scarsbrook is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.