Archives 2019

John Brooke-Smith specialises in Financial Remedies, private Children Act work and personal injury.

John was called to the Bar in 1981. He practised in London before moving to East Anglia in 1988, where he has established his practice working for solicitors and direct access clients throughout the region and beyond. John was appointed a Recorder (part-time Judge) in 1999 and sits in the County and Crown Courts, hearing family, civil and criminal cases.

John is a strong advocate with excellent technical knowledge who easily gains clients’ trust.  He is highly experienced and approachable and has been recommended in the Legal 500 in it’s 2024 edition: ‘John is a confident and exceptional advocate. He is calm, focused and professional and has a strong ability to express arguments clearly. He firmly grasps the issues in cases and obtains excellent results for clients. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he is able to relate and build a rapport with a wide range of clients..’  The Legal 500 puts him in Tier 2 of its rankings of leading juniors.

John’s previous entries in the Legal 500 said: “He has the gravitas that you want. When you instruct him it’s like having the wind at your back. He has a good grasp of the issues and is an excellent advocate.” and “He is a charismatic practitioner and is great at explaining matters to clients in simple language.”

Legal 500 2024

‘John is a confident and exceptional advocate. He is calm, focused and professional and has a strong ability to express arguments clearly. He firmly grasps the issues in cases and obtains excellent results for clients. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he is able to relate and build a rapport with a wide range of clients.’

John Brooke-Smith has ‘an incredible knowledge of the law and his vast experience is invaluable in more complex financial remedy cases’.

Legal 500 2023

‘John is well-known and very much-liked for his client-facing approach. He has a broad knowledge in and out of the courtroom of matrimonial and cohabitation law, he is a local go-to.’

John Brooke-Smith is known to be ‘well prepared and amiable and be empathetic with individual circumstances’.

Daniel is recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in both divorce/financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. His family law practice is complimented by a solid background in civil and chancery matters.

His fused practice is reflected in membership of both the Family Law Bar Association and the Chancery Bar Association.

Daniel is meticulous in his preparation of cases, good with clients and strong on his feet, with an effective court manner.

Financial Claims on Separation

Daniel is a specialist in financial claims arising on separation, whether those claims fall within the sphere of ‘family law’ or chancery business. He has a detailed knowledge of family and civil procedure giving him a sound tactical awareness. Mindful of the economies of litigation, where possible, Daniel endeavours to provide realistic advice at an early stage of proceedings.

Financial Remedy and Schedule 1 Claims

Daniel is frequently instructed in financial remedy proceedings (between parties to a marriage or civil partnership) and Schedule 1 claims (between parents of children). His chancery background makes him particularly well-suited to those claims in which the assets include trust property, companies or partnerships, or indeed where issues of insolvency, inheritance or probate are live.

Intervenor Claims

A significant proportion of Daniel’s financial remedy practice is advising and acting in preliminary ‘intervenor’ claims concerning the disputed beneficial or contractual interests of third parties (usually members of the extended family or business associates). In these complicated disputes, Daniel is particularly valued for his legal clarity, precise drafting and robust presentation.

Trusts of Land

Much of Daniel’s practice is advising and acting in cohabitation claims between unmarried couples brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. He has a sound knowledge of the different species of equitable claims and defences that arise in those disputes, and years of experience running them to trial.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act

Often, Daniel will be instructed to represent parties in claims for financial provision brought under the Inheritance Act.

Private Law Children

Daniel has a strong private law children practice, and frequently acts in child arrangement disputes and cases of internal/external relocation. His cases will often involve: serious allegations of violence (including sexual violence) towards partners/children; parental alienation; substance abuse; poor mental health; and hostile litigants in person, all of which he is well suited to deal with.

Civil

Aside from his trusts of land practice (see above), Daniel retains a civil practice divided between court and advisory work. He has a particular interest in disputes relating to land including: boundary and title disputes; adverse possession; rights of way and other easements.

Mediation

Daniel is qualified as a civil and commercial mediator, a service he is happy to provide within Chambers or at another agreed venue. His good manner with clients and broad litigation experience compliment this role, which he fulfils with patience and creativity.

Legal 500, 2024

“Daniel Attridge is admired for his ’calm authority in the courtroom’ and has particular expertise in complex private law children cases.” (2025)

“Daniel is intelligent, quick-thinking, incisive and thorough. He is an excellent advocate, quick to turn things around and absorbs details incredibly. He is focused and accurate.” (2025)

“Daniel is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff inside and out. He is very good with clients, giving them confidence in his advice.” (2025)

“Daniel quickly analyses material and finds practical and realistic ways forward to suit his client’s needs. He provides clear, user-friendly advice supported by considered authoritative guidance. He is an extremely formidable and effective advocate and meticulous in his preparation.” (2024)

Daniel is happy to receive instructions under the direct/public access schemes