Archives 2024

David Stevens specialises in Civil and Financial Remedy cases. He is also available to conduct ‘Private FDRs’.

David joined Trinity Chambers as a pupil in January 2024. He was called in 2023 having qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 and as a Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Rights Civil Proceedings) in 2018. His wide ranging expertise covers a broad range of civil practice, including chancery, personal injury and insolvency, together with financial remedy matters. David has an approachable and personable style together with a detailed knowledge of law and procedure.

David sits as a Recorder and a Deputy District Judge.

Emily is ranked as a “Rising Star” in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500 for her work in the practice areas of divorce & financial remedy and children & domestic violence.

Emily enjoys a busy court and advisory practice across Chambers’ key practice areas. She welcomes instructions in all areas of family work, including financial remedy proceedings, applications under the Family Law Act and private law children proceedings. In addition, Emily has a growing practice in private (non-agency) adoption matters.

Emily also maintains a keen interest in civil work. She advises in claims between unmarried couples or other cohabitees concerning the ownership of property and other assets, including claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. She is also accredited to accept instructions on a public access basis.

Emily has a music degree from Durham University. She is also a member of the FLBA and sits on the Essex YRES committee.

Prior to joining Chambers, Emily worked as a consultant for a number of top-tier investment banks.

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’.

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’.

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.’

Stefanie is a Family Law practitioner specialising in private law disputes relating to children and financial proceedings.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition places Stefanie in Tier 1 of its leading juniors for both her work in Divorce and Financial remedies and Children and Domestic violence.   She is there described as ‘meticulous in her preparation and has a detailed and in-depth knowledge of all areas of family law. She is a strong advocate, and without fail, clients are impressed with the advice and representation they receive from her.’

Stefanie works hard to earn her clients’ trust across a wide range of sensitive situations and is adept at providing clear and sound advice. She is known for her thorough preparation. Her strong advocacy in court and her effective representation of clients during any negotiation process and in the court arena.

Stefanie’s financial work includes high value cases, companies and family businesses, dissipation of assets and pensions, including those accrued by the armed forces, police and fire brigade.

Proceedings in respect of children include those involving allegations of sexual abuse, physical harm and intractable contact disputes involving parental conflict and alienation, applications pursuant to Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 and property disputes under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Legal 500 2024

‘Stefanie is meticulous in her preparation and has a detailed and in-depth knowledge of all areas of family law. She is a strong advocate, and without fail, clients are impressed with the advice and representation they receive from her.’

Stefanie Wickins is the ‘go-to senior barrister for any complex matter’ on circuit and garners praise for her ‘robust approach to financial hearings strong cross-examination of witnesses’. 

‘Stefanie has a wonderful rapport with clients. She manages expectations brilliantly and maintains a strong, decisive presence in advocacy.’

A ‘formidable advocate’, Stefanie Wickins is ‘extremely thorough with case preparation, and provides clear and concise advice’. 

Legal 500 2023

‘Stefanie is a first-class barrister who always achieves the best possible results for clients. She is always on hand to assist and goes above and beyond with every case.’

‘Stefanie is an extremely good advocate. She is tenacious and always gets the job done. She really fights the corner for her clients to achieve the best outcome.’

Stefanie Wickins is the ‘go-to barrister in the region for family finances’ and is highly regarded for ‘strong advocacy skills, work ethic and preparation for cases’

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

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.

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.