Introduction

John is an established family law barrister, specialising in private law children disputes and financial remedies proceedings. 

Family law

John regularly appears in family courts across the country. He is often instructed in cases of a particularly sensitive nature including cases involving allegations of serious domestic abuse and parental alienation. He is trusted by solicitors and lay clients alike and puts them at ease with his calm and reassuring demeanour. Clients frequently express their appreciation for John’s firm representation in court, and his continuous support outside of court and throughout the difficult process. 

John is a persuasive advocate, who has developed his strong advocacy skills through his frequent court appearances. He is particularly apt at dealing with vulnerable witnesses, having successfully completed the vulnerable witness training programme. John was awarded an advocacy scholarship for the Bar Course, along with a merit-based scholarship from the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. 

Other experience

For several years, John has been instructed by a leading City law firm on behalf of a Core Participant in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. 

John has also been instructed in the Inquest into the Death of an Officer Cadet at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he has interviewed some of the most senior members of the British Army, drafted witness statements, and advised on evidence. John has been instructed in several high value personal injury and clinical negligence cases on behalf of Government bodies including the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. 

Finally, John has trained with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has been instructed as external counsel. He has had a clear track record of success when acting on behalf of the NMC. 

Interests

John is completing a PhD at the University of Exeter in the Department of Classics, Ancient History, Religion and Theology. 

If you would like to instruct John, please contact the clerks. 

Family

John brings a calm and reassuring presence to his clients in the difficult circumstances of Family Court proceedings. He is pragmatic and solution-focused.

Children

John represents clients in an extensive range of private law children disputes. This includes applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, and a wide array of Specific Issue Orders including change of name, change of school, internal and international relocation, and restriction of parental responsibility. 

In these proceedings, John not only represents parents but also grandparents to obtain orders including Special Guardianship Orders. 

John has represented clients in particularly complex children matters including international abduction cases in the High Court, and extremely serious allegations of domestic abuse requiring multi-day fact-finding hearings. 

Financial remedies

In addition to his private law children practice, John represents clients in First Appointments, FDRs and Final Hearings. He is often praised for his strong negotiation skills and endeavours to achieve the client’s desired outcome without the need for a Final Hearing, saving the client the cost and stress of further litigation. 

Notably, John was instructed to represent the wife of a recently bankrupt international oil tycoon in financial remedies proceedings involving £100 million in assets. 

Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders

John represents both Applicants and Respondents in applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. These may be stand-alone applications, or applications within wider litigation. 

Public Inquiries

John has a noteworthy practice in  inquests and inquiries, for which he has developed an in-depth knowledge of specialist fields. He has been instructed in high-profile matters including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the inquest into the death of an Officer Cadet at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Qualifications

BPTC (BPP)

LLB (LSE)

Awards & Prizes

Blackstone Scholar (Middle Temple)

Blackstone Entrance Exhibition (Middle Temple)

Advocacy Scholar (BPP)

Aspire Award (Linklaters)

Memberships

Family Law Bar Association

Association of Disciplinary and Regulatory Lawyers

ADR-ODR International Mediation Panel

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

Middle Temple Young Barristers Association

Testimonials

"John has become our advocate of choice to instruct for our regular Clients or on more complicated cases." (IBB Solicitors)

"I just wanted to pass on my thanks to John who really did an excellent job. He is a credit to his profession. We go the results we were after and this was all down to John." (Lay client)

"I have had the pleasure of working with John on various complex and protracted cases.

 John has a rare combination of strength together with determination, fortitude, charm and legal ability. John combines professional integrity with a sympathetic understanding of our clients’ issues.

John is a fierce opponent when negotiating on behalf of our clients.

 Anyone who is facing proceedings is likely to be anxious. However, when I have instructed John, I know that he will provide a reassuring presence in court that leaves our clients feeling confident in their case." (Farani Taylor Solicitors)

“The whole process of working was John has been very easy, considering my lack of experience in legal matters. John was very professional during my time in court, explaining all the stages to me, and I am also very happy with our result which was in no small part due to his negotiation skills. I would definitely recommend to a friend.” (Lay client)

Direct Access

John is accredited to accept work under direct access, also known as public access, in suitable cases. In order to instruct John on a direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at clerks@33bedfordrow.co.uk. 

Languages

Arabic