We are proud of our reputation as having one of the most talented and approachable family teams on the North Eastern circuit. This reputation is evidenced by numerous testimonials in the independent guides to the legal profession and appropriately summarised by Chambers & Partners 2011: “Family law is one of Zenith Chambers' strong suits, and it houses some of the North Eastern Circuit's biggest hitters."
Our large team of 21 practitioners is led by John Myers, a former solicitor and experienced barrister. Barristers in the team are adept at handling all aspects of family work at all levels of complexity in the following areas: children (public and private law); matrimonial; cohabitation; ancillary relief as well as issues relating to trusts and probate. As such, Zenith Chambers provides substantial children and family finance expertise under one roof.
We have a varied and extensive client base who instruct us to act on behalf of parents, grand-parents, local authorities, guardians, CAFCASS and the Official Solicitor from across the Midlands and North of the UK. Several members are former solicitors and bring with them a wealth of experience which enhances their understanding and representation in a case. Crucially, our barristers recognise the importance of continuity of representation and work closely with our Senior Family Clerk, Rebecca Hartley, to secure this wherever possible.
Team members regularly lecture both in-house and at large scale ‘open’ events. They have undertaken a number of innovative training initiatives, including very popular ‘Wine & Wisdom’ evenings, conferences addressing topical and difficult issues such as ‘Forced Marriages’, as well as quick, 1 hour, in-house seminars titled ‘CPD & sandwiches’.
There are three distinct sub-groups to the family team which allows for focussed and expert representation:
