Since Chambers was established in 1989, our aim has been to provide strength in depth across the complete range of family law.
We believe that a truly effective family set must combine the efficiency of modern business methods with an approachable and friendly manner.
With 58 full tenants across all lengths of call, we are able to provide a truly comprehensive service. We have grown steadily to the point where 1 Garden Court is now one of the largest set of Chambers in which all members specialise in family law. In 1997 we became the first set to create a Family Mediation Service.
1 Garden Court has eight specialist family practice teams, each of which is convened by one or two senior members of Chambers. The teams meet regularly to discuss developments in their field of family law and to organise educational events.
The present teams are: Ancillary Relief; Care and Adoption; Child Abduction, International and Private Child Law; Local Authorities; Court of Protection; Mediation; Human Rights Working Group; Family Related Crime.
Clerking is provided by a team of 8 headed by our Senior Clerk, Howard Rayner. Administration is headed by Shona Kelly, Chambers Manager, with a team of 5.
Chambers is based at 1 Garden Court in the Temple. Clerking is fully computerised and networked for internal and external communication. We have an extensive library which is available to all members and Chambers subcsribes to the on-line and update reporting services.
We are conscious that everyone in the legal profession is facing tremendous change. By deepening our specialist expertise in family law and modernising our professional practices, we believe that we will be equipped to respond to this change. In addition we are committed to working in closer partnership with our instructing solicitors to ensure that we can meet their needs in a demanding future.
Development of this Site
We intend that this site will become a source for up-to-date information on Chambers practice and developments in family law. We plan to add new features in the coming months.