Christopher is acknowledged by Chambers UK as one of only 5 star silks in family law in the country, and the only one outside London. With many reported cases, he is frequently instructed on appeals to the Court of Appeal. Christopher has extensive experience in high-value financial remedy, ToLATA and Schedule 1 cases, including those with a foreign element, many of which are dealt with by way of negotiated settlements or private FDR. His experience in personal injury work also translates to cases involving catastrophic injury to one partner where, in subsequent divorce proceedings, financial complexities surround the damages awarded and the particular needs of the injured party.
Christopher is highly respected for his expertise in high-profile care proceedings involving serious injury to or the death of a child, in which issues involving complex medical evidence arise and where his expertise in the field of personal injury can also be applied. He is instructed by local authorities and parents, as well as the Guardian and Official Solicitor. Issues of privacy and publicity frequently arise.
In private law child cases, Christopher represents parents and sometimes children in a wide range of disputes, achieving positive outcomes for them.
If you are representing a party involved in a family finance dispute (financial provision on divorce, Schedule 1 proceedings, and trust of land claims), Christopher can offer you and your clients Private Financial Dispute Resolution Meetings (‘Private FDRMs’) as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
He sits as a Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge.
Appointments:
- Visiting Fellow UWE
- Elected a Bencher of the Inner Temple in July 2016
Professional memberships:
- Family Law Bar Association (Founder Chairman of Bristol branch)
- Personal Injury Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Qualifications & awards:
- MA (Oxon)
Additional information:
He sits as a Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge.
A visiting Fellow at the University of the West of England, Christopher regularly contributes articles to the professional press and lectures on subjects related to matrimonial finance.
