Constance Whippman, called to the Bar 1978, retires with effect from 2023 but continues her association with Chambers in supporting Chambers’ programme of education and training and its commitment to equality and diversity and pro bono work.
Constance has a background in civil law specialising in landlord and tenant and housing. In this capacity, she is the co-author of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1987: A Guide and Steps to Possession: A Guide. Constance served for many years as the commercial property editor of the Journal of Business Law, Sweet and Maxwell, and has written numerous articles and case reviews.
Over the course of her career Constance developed a specialist interest in the law relating to archives and has worked as a specialist advisor to projects relating to the digitisation of records particularly those of the Jewish Community in Latvia and the former Russian Empire. She has been involved in a number of specialist projects.
Constance finds her multi-disciplinary background of great assistance in considering the issues arising in all aspects family breakdown. She is known for her expertise in complex care cases where there are significant issues of child protection. She is an experienced advocate in child abduction, relocation cases, both internal and international and regularly advises in cases with an international element including the validity of marriages and divorces contracted abroad, international placements and issues involving enforcement of foreign orders.
Constance regularly advised in cases relating to finance on family breakdown. She is a trained mediator and offers Early Neutral Evaluation to both parties early on in a dispute with a view to focused advice on outcomes.
Constance is known for her client care, her analytical ability, her skills as an advocate and her commitment to ensuring that each client has the advice and support needed to make informed choices about how his or her case is conducted.
Prior to her retirement Constance served as Head of Chambers and then Co Head of Chambers from 2011-2018. Owing to her long service to Chambers sh has been given the title of Emeritus Head of Chambers.
BA, MA (Hons) 1st class
Bar Professional Exams
“Constance Whippman is truly remarkable for her warmth, ability to listen and to engage with any client whatever their background or problem and help clients move forward. My clients love her. Her direct approach, honesty, experience and professionalism provide clients with the confidence that they have achieved the very best outcome. As a fellow professional, I trust Mrs Whippman completely to negotiate, mediate or litigate knowing that, without exception, she will often go ‘that extra mile’ in the interests of her clients."
PW, Consultant Solicitor
" Intelligence and Judgement, Judgement above all judgement.
An instructing solicitor
Constance is accredited to accept work under Direct access, also known as Public access, in suitable cases. In order to instruct Constance on a Direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at clerks@33bedfordrow.co.uk.