Archives 2019

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.’

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

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.