Archives 2023

Sophia joined Trinity Chambers as a pupil in April 2023, sitting with Tina Harrington. Sophia accepts instructions within all of Chambers’ core practice areas.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Sophia worked as a paralegal at a regional law firm assisting on family matters, including public and private law proceedings. Her role involved conducting client conferences, drafting various documents for Court and undertaking legal research, as necessary.

Sophia was also a student caseworker at Kent Law Clinic during her time at the University of Kent, working on Family and Criminal Law matters. From her time as a paralegal and a student caseworker, Sophia gained thorough experience, which makes her sensitive to the requirements of clients who are dealing with difficult issues.

Mika joined Trinity Chambers in August 2023, having been a tenant at Cardinal Chambers for 8 years and prior to that 6 years at East Anglian Chambers. Before coming to the Bar Mika worked for Citizens Advice Bureau as a legal caseworker representing clients at court and managing a large volume of cases.

Specialising in family law Mika accepts instructions in all areas surrounding family breakdown from domestic abuse and injunctive relief, to arrangements for children, care proceedings and finances on divorce.

Mika is an experienced advocate, whose calming and reassuring approach puts her clients at ease. She has a reputation for being thorough in her preparation with attention to detail. She has strong negotiation skills and always strives to achieve the best outcome for her clients in each individual case. With her practical, no nonsense approach she is often able to encourage her clients to reach constructive and practical solutions.

Mika is particularly noted for her ability to reassure and guide clients in the most challenging and protracted cases. Mika provides a comprehensive service to clients and solicitors alike. Solicitors are particularly appreciative of her quick feedback following hearings and the confidence she instils in her clients.

Mika also accepts instructions direct from the public under the Direct Access Scheme.

Sophie became a tenant in April 2023 following successful completion of pupillage and is pleased to accept instructions in all areas of Family Law.

Sophie has experience in representing local authorities, guardians and lay parties at all stages of care proceedings and is able to advance her client’s case in a sensitive yet effective way. She has conducted numerous care final hearings and is known for her empathy for her clients and her determination to obtain a good result.

Sophie regularly undertakes hearings in private law children work, including multi-day fact-finding and final welfare hearings.

She has successfully obtained findings in difficult fact-finding hearings with multiple witnesses and is not intimidated by appearing against more senior advocates.

She is known for her ability to put her clients at ease, understand the real issues in the case, give robust advice and advance her client’s case in a calm yet determined manner.

Sophie is developing a financial practice and has proven herself to be an accomplished negotiator at financial dispute resolution hearings.

A Helena Normanton QC Scholar, Sophie studied the bar course at the ICCA, where she achieved a distinction and received multiple awards for obtaining the top results in her cohort.

Before joining Chambers, Adam volunteered at Citizens Advice and, prior to embarking on a career in law, spent a number of years touring North America in a blues/rock band from his home on the Isle of Man.

Sophie enjoys a busy court practice across all areas of Family Law, in particular welcoming instructions in financial remedies (including Schedule 1 claims), private children work and applications under the Family Law Act.

Since joining chambers, she has acted in a variety of complex matters across the full spectrum of Family Law, both at first instance and on appeal.

Sophie is also accredited to accept instructions on a public access basis.

Aside from her court practice, Sophie recently co-authored a chapter of Resolution’s Spousal Maintenance Handbook.

Prior to joining chambers, Sophie worked as a paralegal in a specialist family law firm where she gained wide-ranging experience in financial remedies and private children law. She also volunteered with the Schools’ Consent Project, where she led workshops for secondary school students focusing on the legal definitions of consent and sexual assault.

Pietra enjoys a busy practice in all areas of family law, including private children, financial remedies, care proceedings and Family Law Act applications.

Pietra accepts instructions on a public access basis.

Pietra is recognised for her calm and measured approach, capable of reassuring clients whilst ensuring their needs and wishes are conveyed assertively.

Before joining Chambers, Pietra was a paralegal at LexisNexis, completed an internship at the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations in New York, and volunteered for the National Centre For Domestic Violence, as well as for the CEDAW People’s Tribunal.

Daniel Proctor accepts instructions in all of chambers’ key practice areas. Daniel has consistently received positive feedback from his  professional and lay clients alike for his empathetic yet robust approach in court.

Family Law
Daniel’s family practice incorporates both private and public children cases, financial remedies as well as injunctions. Daniel has acted at all stages of family litigation including fact-findings, final hearings and appeals.
Daniel’s private children work began when he provided pro-bono advice and represented litigants-in-person whilst he was completing his professional qualifications.

Civil Law
Daniel also has a broad civil practice and has been instructed to appear in trials and interim applications in a wide range of civil matters including Road Traffic Accidents, Personal injuries, Contracts and Banking.
Prior to starting his pupillage Daniel gained over 4 years’ worth of invaluable experience working as a paralegal in the clinical negligence department of a leading national law firm.

Tina Harrington specialises in Financial Remedy cases and Private and Public Children Act work. She is also available to conduct ‘Private FDRs’.

During her career Tina has dealt with many complex and multifaceted cases, she is a specialist in high value financial remedy matters and is highly respected amongst her peers and clients. Tina is known for her clear and concise approach and ability to help clients feel at ease with court procedures.

Tina is also an Assistant Deputy Coroner, sits as a recorder and is Trinity’s Head of Chambers.

Tina has been described by the Legal 500 in its 2021 edition as ‘a formidable barrister who brings a point of view to heavyweight cases’ and is placed in Tier 2 of of its rankings of leading juniors.

Tina has been described in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500 as ‘Tina is so very experienced and a delight to work with. She is always thoroughly prepared and fights the client’s corner. Her rapport with clients is excellent. She is down to earth and a very reassuring presence for anxious clients.’

Legal 500 2024

Tina is so very experienced and a delight to work with. She is always thoroughly prepared and fights the client’s corner. Her rapport with clients is excellent. She is down to earth and a very reassuring presence for anxious clients.’ 

Tina Harrington is ‘tenacious in cross-examining witnesses and highly skilled in the presentation of the client’s cases to the court’.

Rex was called in 1991 having had a successful career in the Royal Navy. He has a wide ranging family practice which has more recently had an emphasis on care work but he also has a strong following in financial remedy and private law children cases. Those that are unusually complex, in either law or facts, are of particular interest, as are those that involve an international element.

As well as his family practice, Rex also has a broad civil practice, which includes trusts, wills and probate, and is happy to receive instructions in the Court of Protection.

Rex has acquired a reputation for his hard work, careful planning and strong people skills, which are essential in any family cases.

More recently, Rex has been involved in the high profile case of Young v Young and received praise from Moor J for his representation of Mrs Young.

Rex is also a family financial arbitrator.

Gabrielle Jan Posner specialises in public and private law children’s cases acting for parents, family members and children. She has a thorough knowledge of all aspects of practice and procedure.

Gabrielle moved to Trinity after many years in London. She is regularly instructed in complex cases and is highly respected amongst her peers.  She is known for her empathetic approach to clients and her assured style of advocacy.

Gabrielle is the author of numerous articles for Family Law and Family Law Week and speaks regularly at seminars.

Gabrielle sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court and Family Court.

Cherry was called to the Bar in 1985 joining Trinity Chambers in 1999. Cherry has also practised as a solicitor, worked as a law lecturer and legal adviser.

As a family law barrister with Trinity Chambers, Cherry undertakes all aspects of family law, bringing to her cases a wealth of experience and expertise, constructive negotiation and strong representation in court to give a positive/excellent outcome.

Sitting as a part time judge contributes to Cherry’s overall expertise.

Andrew Bailey has established a strong and varied practice in Essex and London, specialising in all aspects of family law, property disputes and employment cases.

Andrew joined Trinity Chambers at its inception in 1997 following his success in chambers in Chelmsford.

He has a notable practice in employment law, including dismissal claims and discrimination cases for both Claimants and Respondents. He appeared for the Essex Police Authority in a claim for sex discrimination. In addition to litigation, he has also advised in uncontentious contractual matters.

Andrew is perhaps best known for his work in family law litigation. He is recognised for his ability to assist in complicated public law Children Act cases, acting effectively and sensitively for Local Authorities, for Respondent parents and Guardians.

In private law family work, Andrew provides a highly professional level of support at all levels of court hearings for parents and partners. His work in this area covers all aspect of family life from children act disputes to cohabitation litigation and ancillary relief. Andrew is able to combine an approachable manner with helpful negotiating skills, as the case requires. He also applies his scrupulous preparation in contested hearings.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition placed Andrew in Tier 3 of its leading juniors and described him as “a go-to counsel on TOLATA matters. His strong presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witnesses is impressive”.  He appeared in the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Kernott v Jones.  This claim, brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, which involved a determination of the parties’ interest in a jointly owned property following 14 years separation.  Andrew held this case from trial in Southend County Court, to the High Court and Court of Appeal before eventually appearing before the Supreme Court in May, 2011.

Andrew sees the case of Kernott v Jones as a reflection of his practice interests. That case sees the cross-over between family and trust law and the conflict between the principles of ‘fairness’ against the background of 20 years of chancery jurisprudence.

Member of FLBA, ELBA, Society of English and American Lawyers.

Legal 500 2024

‘Andrew is a go-to counsel on TOLATA matters. His strong presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witnesses is impressive.’

Legal 500 2023

‘Andrew is extremely thorough in his preparation. He is an excellent advocate and builds a wonderful rapport with the clients.’

Josephine Ashwell (formerly Josephine Spratt-Dawson) was engaged in commerce for fourteen years prior to being called to the Bar. Her business experience provides her with valuable expertise in respect of disputes arising from commercial activities.

She has practised in Chelmsford throughout her career. Born in Essex, Mrs Ashwell has strong local links and brings with her practical local knowledge which is of value in many of the cases she handles.

Mrs Ashwell has established a busy practice in family and civil law with a strong emphasis on ancillary relief and general chancery matters including contested trust and probate actions.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition places Mrs Ashwell in Tier 3 of its leading juniors stating. She has previously been recognised in the 2021 edition as ‘her main strengths include robust advocacy skills and speaking plainly to the client and managing their expectations.’   She has a reputation for her tenacious approach to her advocacy whilst being able to deal with sensitive issues in a calm and practical manner.

Mrs Ashwell can always be relied upon to give firm and fair advice even in the most difficult of circumstances. She has concern and understanding for her client which enables them to have confidence that she will do all she can to progress the matter without giving unrealistic expectations.

Member of the FLBA.

Legal 500 2023

‘Josephine is one of the most effective and accomplished advocates in all matters appertaining to family law, children law and financial remedy matters. She gives concise and constructive advice to the clients setting out the difficulties.’

Dave O’Brien specialises in Public and Private Children Act work and Financial Remedies. He is also an Accredited Family Mediator.

Dave re-qualified as a Barrister after many years as a senior Social Worker, Manager and Guardian and has been based in East Anglia for much of his legal career. He has dealt with many high value matters and is highly respected amongst his peers and clients.

He is a member of the FLBA, Irish Lawyers Association and the Bishop of Brentwood’s Commission for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

Since completing his pupillage at Trinity Chambers, William Green had developed a practice encompassing most areas of family law.

In his family practice, Mr Green welcomes instructions in all areas of work. He has experience of emergency applications and committals and has developed his practice in the areas of private and public Children Act proceedings. Further, he undertakes litigation relating to financial matters, including maintenance pending suit, ancillary relief, variation and enforcement of financial orders.

He is noted for his approachable style and ability to put anxious clients at ease. His confidence and familiarity with court practice provides assistance and support to professional and lay client alike. In negotiations, he adopts a practical approach and is ready to assist clients achieve the best possible outcome.

Grahame Richardson specialises in private and public law Children Act work, financial remedies and cohabitation cases. He is available to conduct ‘private FDRs’. In public law cases he represents children, parents and local authorities.

Grahame was called to the Bar in 2001 after 23 years as a solicitor in Essex. He is highly respected amongst his peers and clients.
Since 1993 Grahame has also sat as a Deputy District Judge, and is permitted to try public law matters.

Grahame is hugely experienced and is known for giving well considered, realistic and sensitive advice, as well as robust representation.

Anne-Marie has since 2006 specialised in Family Law in particular complex financial remedy and child law disputes.

Anne-Marie’s private child law practice deals with the most intractable of child arrangement disputes. Anne-Marie has earned an international footprint and a reputation for tackling high profile cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. She represents local authorities, parents, grandparents and children in care proceedings and holds particular expertise in the cross examination of experts and other witnesses in complex, fact-finding hearings.

Anne-Marie provides specialist advice in child law cases where there is an international or diplomatic element, including both obtaining and fending return orders in applications to remove children from the jurisdiction.

Anne-Marie provides particular expertise in financial remedies upon divorce or separation and TOLATA claims

Some interesting reported cases Anne-Marie has appeared in:
SK v BK [2017] EWHC 976 (Fam)
[2016] EWHC 1371 (Fam)
Sutton v MH (No. 1) [2016] EWHC 1375 (Fam)
NH (1996 Child Protection Convention: Habitual Residence) [2015] EWHC 2299 (Fam)
Re K (1980 Hague Convention) (Lithuania) [2015] EWCA Civ 720
Anne-Marie was led by David Williams QC in the Court of Appeal.
Re S (A Child: Care Order) [2014] EWHC 529 (Fam)
VC v GC (Jurisdiction: Brussels II Revised Art 12) [2012] EWHC 1246 (Fam)

Stephanie is a specialist family law advocate who has established a busy practice in the east of England since she joined Trinity Chambers in 2006. She regularly appears in care proceedings as well as disputes around child arrangements, injunctive proceedings and financial matters.

Receiving instructions from solicitors, local authorities and direct access clients, Stephanie is well known by the local judiciary for her ability to mediate collaboratively, as well as fight tenaciously, whilst always remaining focused on her client’s best interests. She is a barrister who works tirelessly to establish a client’s objectives and priorities before delivering a personally tailored service which focuses on achieving that positive outcome in an efficient and effective manner.

Liam regularly deals with a variety of Children Act, Family Law Act, and Matrimonial Causes Act matters. He frequently represents Local Authorities as well as Children’s Guardians, parents, other family members and interveners.

Liam has particular expertise in complex matrimonial finance matters including a number of high profile and high asset cases.

Liam also appears in a broad range of civil matters. He appeared before the Court of Appeal in the reported case of Thurrock Borough Council v Aaron West [2012] EWCA civ 1435.

Alice Newton specialises in private and public Children Act disputes and financial remedy. She is ranked as a Leading Junior in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500.

Alice has developed a busy and successful practice. Following a degree at Oxford University, Alice initially maintained a broad practice, gaining extensive experience in criminal law, family law and many aspects of civil law. Alice’s exposure to a range of disciplines has provided her with invaluable insight and experience in dealing with all levels of tribunal. 

Alice is regularly instructed to act on behalf of parents, children, grandparents, proposed special guardians and Local Authorities. She has been instructed on many complex cases, involving for example non-accidental injuries, sexual or serious domestic abuse. She also has particular experience and success in dealing with relocation applications (cases where one parent wishes to leave the jurisdiction). Alice has had great success in representing parents seeking to care for their children. 

Alice also undertakes financial remedy cases. She frequently represents clients in financial remedy work, including variation and enforcement of financial orders as well as TOLATA applications and again has achieved good results. 

Alice is known for her friendly yet assertive approach and has enjoyed considerable success in cases she has undertaken. She is always well-prepared and will strive for the best outcome for her clients, while providing sensible and pragmatic advice. 

In her spare time, Alice plays a variety of musical instruments. 

Legal 500 2024:

“Alice is very thorough in her preparation for financial remedy proceedings. Her work is meticulous. She quickly establishes a good rapport with clients who are comforted by her comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their cases. She provides clear and decisive advice.”

“Alice is quick on her feet, clear, concise and fights her client’s corner. She is hard to rattle.”

Alice Newton is “very knowledgeable and hardworking”, and her “advocacy is tenacious and determined”. 

Some recent feedback: 

Client: “I can’t thank you enough Alice.  You have been an absolute star and I am so glad that [my solicitor] chose you to represent me.  She said you would be perfect for the job and she was right.” 

Client: “I was going to email you because I wanted to say how fantastic Alice was on Wednesday. She really put me at ease as I was feeling really anxious.”   

Solicitor: “Alice did a fantastic job in securing this Order for [client] and I am very pleased with the outcome.” 

Solicitor: “Fantastic Alice, very well done indeed!” 

Lisa Tuckwell specialises in divorce, financial remedy, private law Children Act, Family Law Act and public law proceedings.

Lisa worked as a partner and solicitor-advocate in a firm of Essex solicitors for 19 years before transferring to the Bar in 2017. As a solicitor-advocate she appeared regularly in local Courts as well as travelling further afield.

Lisa was a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 where she was described as a lawyer who “gets results and was not intimidated by her opponents”. Lisa is known for her tenacity as an advocate and her ability to manage clients’ expectations.

Laura is a specialist family law barrister with a busy practice encompassing divorce, matrimonial finance and private and public law children work who strives to obtain the best outcome for clients in each and every case.

Laura offers robust, practical and remedy-based advice and representation. Level-headed and focused on ensuring a good outcome. She is known for being candid with clients about their cases and prospects of success while applying her experience and expertise to fight their corner tenaciously in court.

Laura maintains a deliberate balance in her practice between financial remedies proceedings and Children Act matters.

She undertakes all areas of matrimonial finance work including applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989; dealing with parties who have modest assets, as well as those with high value assets or more complex assets in multiple jurisdictions or company structures. Laura advises on the consequences of inheritance and the likely impact on the divorce settlement ordered by the court. She also advises regularly in respect of without prejudice offers that should be made to the other side in the lead-up to financial dispute resolution or the final hearing, in an effort to save time, stress and cost for clients.

Laura represents clients in private law children applications including Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Order and Specific Issue Order applications, internal relocation and change of surname. She is regularly instructed to represent clients where there have been serious allegations of violence, sexual offences, parental alienation and intractable contact disputes and often where a Guardian has been appointed for the children.

Laura is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public.

Jessica accepts instructions in all family matters including public and private children law, financial relief, and Family Law Act applications. She also maintains a busy civil practice.

Jessica joined Trinity Chambers as a tenant in 2018 after completing pupillage in Chambers. Prior to joining Chambers, Jessica worked as a paralegal in a busy firm specialising in family and immigration law and previously worked as an adjudicator for POPLA.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hiking and baking.