Charles Hale KC
Head of Chambers

“Charles’ unflappable, laid-back approach is very reassuring for clients – he instils complete confidence in them. He is extremely well respected and has the ear of the court. His advocacy is understated but very effective nonetheless – when he speaks, judges listen.”
Chamber and partners, 2024 (Family & Matrimonial ADR)

 

Experience

Year of Call: 1992
Year of Silk: 2014

Qualifications

Arbitrator (CIArb)

Education

LLB (Hons)
Blackstone Scholar
Middle Temple

Appointments

Private FDR Judge
Elected member of the Bar Council of England and Wales 2002 – 2012
Appointed to the President of the Family Division’s, Transparency Implementation Committee (2021 –    )
Appointed member of the International Committee of the Bar Council (2022 –   )

Profile

Joint Head of Chambers of 4PB, the leading Family Law barristers Chambers in the UK.  Family Law Specialist and Arbitrator, recognised as leading King’s Counsel in both,  Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Nominated as Silk of the Year, Legal 500, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

As a leading family KC with expertise in all aspects of financial, international and private law family cases, Charles is regularly instructed in international family disputes for high net worth individuals and often provides expert opinion in foreign divorce matters. Charles has a reputation for dealing with the most complex cases involving financial disputes and trusts, also cases arising out of same sex/modern families disputes. As one of the few recognised leading family UK barristers in both matrimonial finance and children work, Charles is often instructed to represent high profile clients in all issues arising out of their separation. He is qualified to receive instructions directly from overseas lawyers.

Charles has a significant ADR practice. As an Arbitrator, a private FDR judge and early neutral evaluator in both finance and children cases, Charles offers the full spectrum for out of court solutions to complex family disputes.  He is also qualified to receive Direct Access instructions from foreign lawyers and professional lay clients.

Charles is a member of the Family Law Bar Association and was a National Committee member from 2004-2014 and an elected member of the Bar Council for 10 years. He was appointed to the International Committee of the Bar of England and Wales (2022). Charles is one of two KC’s appointed by the President of the Family Division to the Transparency Implementation Group.

He has previously lectured at Kingston University and regularly lectures domestically including to Resolution and at the Judicial College (the training college of UK family judges).  Internationally, Charles has lectured widely, including at the South African National Family Conference, in Dublin to the Irish Bar, and in the Cayman Islands.  Charles writes articles in leading journals including a regular political/ legal column in Family Affairs  – the FLBA magazine and a monthly financial remedies column in Family Law. He is a lead author of Rayden and Jackson, Relationship Breakdown, Finance and Children (Butterworths LexisNexis).


Awarded the Family Law Junior of the Year in 2012 by Jordans, Ranked in Band 1 for both children and finance by Chambers and Partners and being one of only 5 family Barristers listed in their Top 100 Barristers list, Charles was one of the few recognised leading juniors in both matrimonial finance and children work, a practice he continues now as Leading Counsel.

Charles has recently written 4 of the main chapters in the re-published, 18th ed. Rayden and Jackson on Divorce and  Family Matters  2016.

Professional Memberships

Fellow of the International Association of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
South Eastern Circuit
Middle Temple

Directories

“Charles’ unflappable, laid-back approach is very reassuring for clients – he instils complete confidence in them. He is extremely well respected and has the ear of the court. His advocacy is understated but very effective nonetheless – when he speaks, judges listen.”

“Charles has a great manner with clients, and is always on top of the case.”

“Charles is a smooth operator, who has clients and judges alike eating out of the palm of his hand.”
Chamber and partners, 2024 (Family & Matrimonial ADR)

“He approaches cases with great care and thoughtfulness.”

“He’s got a nice understated manner and is pleasant to deal with.”

“Charles has a great way with clients.”
Chamber and partners, 2024 (Matrimonial Finance)

“Very client friendly and very knowledgeable, he has a disarming manner which cuts through tension and conflict to get the best result for his client.”

“Charles is a perfect all-rounder. His client care is sublime and his advocacy is off the charts. Clients absolutely adore him as they know he’s so dedicated and committed to them.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023 (Children & Matrimonial Finance) 

‘Charles’ advocacy is second to none. He can turn the hardest case into a win and is charming with opponents and the judge alike.’
Legal 500 2023, Family (Including Divorce and Financial Remedy) 

Charles is a phenomenal advocate with a great bedside manner with clients. He is able to explain complex issues in a simple fashion. He never forgets the emotional aspect of a case and that these are deeply personal issues for the clients.’
Legal 500 2023, (Children Law) 
Top Tier

‘ A superb advocate, always going the extra mile to defend the client’s position. He prepares meticulously, reading all papers. His advice on all children matters is always spot on. ’
Legal 500, 2022
Top Tier

‘ Has strong advocacy skills and the ability to cut through information to find the important issues. He quickly instils confidence in his clients.” “Charles is down-to-earth, hugely bright and willing to go the extra mile for solicitors and clients alike.” “He has the ability to relate and connect with clients from many different backgrounds.’
Chambers & Partners, 2022

Renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals including those with alternative family arrangements. His practice includes international child abductions and jurisdiction disputes.

Strengths: “Has a suave way of ensuring he gets what he wants in cross-examination, delivering subtle but killer blows. He has a real ability to relate to any type of client and to make them feel listened to and supported.” “Judges warm to Charles immediately. He is a highly persuasive advocate and negotiator who gets results.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

‘Is a superb advocate. He has a knack of understanding both the client and how best to present their case.’ ‘Is a phenomenal advocate and extremely persuasive. His other great skill is with lay clients. He puts them at their ease and is able to explain difficult legal concepts in a down to earth, friendly manner.’
Legal 500 2021, Children
Top Tier

‘Is a phenomenal advocate and extremely persuasive. His other great skill is with lay clients. He puts them at their ease and is able to explain difficult legal concepts in a down to earth, friendly manner.’
Legal 500 2021, Family (Including Divorce and Financial Remedy)


Renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals including those with alternative family arrangements. His practice includes international child abductions and jurisdiction disputes.

Strengths: “Amazing on his feet and unflappable. His technical knowledge and ability to put clients at ease in complete confidence is second to none.” “Charles Hale can present the most complicated issues almost effortlessly.”

Recent work: Acted in Re C, a Supreme Court appeal on behalf of a legal charity on the issue of repudiatory retention in a 1980 Hague Convention case.
Chambers & Partners 2020                                                                                              Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

‘Forms strong relationships with clients and immediately puts them at ease.’‘Is recommended for his command of the courtroom, his honeyed advocacy skills and user-friendliness.’
Legal 500, 2020
Top Tier

Renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals including those with alternative family arrangements. His practice includes international child abductions and jurisdiction disputes.

Strengths: “Razor sharp and unflappable, he’s consistently good, and can always be relied upon to rise to the occasion. He is able to deliver advice, even in very difficult circumstances, in a calm, measured and client-focused way.”

Recent work: Acted in an appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the concept of ‘anticipatory breach’ in Hague Convention proceedings.
Chambers & Partners 2019                                                                                            Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

‘A master of persuasion and charm, the archetypal iron fist in a velvet glove.’ ‘The don. An unparalleled ability to turn the ear of the court in his client’s direction.’
Legal 500, 2019

Renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals including those with alternative family arrangements. He earns praise for his ability to connect with the full spectrum of clients.

Strengths: “An excellent advocate who is able to put across his client’s case in a persuasive and effective manner. He inspires judicial respect, his cross-examination skills are excellent and he always seems unflappable. He is calm with clients, who feel confident with his representation. He has great attention to detail and is always well prepared.”

Recent work: Represented a father in the Court of Appeal whose child had been relocated to another area of England. Hale argued that internal relocations should be treated in the same way as international abductions.
Chambers & Partners 2018                                                                                                Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

‘He describes the most complicated circumstances in ways that are accessible to clients and judges alike.’ ‘He simplifies complicated information extremely well.’
Legal 500, 2017

Renowned family silk who specialises in complex matters in both the private children and matrimonial finance spheres. He routinely handles significant cases on behalf of an impressive client base of high-profile individuals.
Strengths: “A very commanding presence in the courtroom. He’s wonderfully pragmatic, very persuasive and very thorough. He has one of the best client manners going.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

He comes alive when he gets on his feet and leaves clients feeling supported and comfortable.”
“A master tactician with a fine grasp of detail and an excellent manner with clients.”
Legal 500, 2016
Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

A barrister with “gravitas,” who brings an authoritative approach to both private children and money cases. People are also quick to emphasise his ability to empathise and engage with clients.

Strengths: “Handles children and money with equal aplomb and efficiency. A powerful advocate, he brims with authority and common sense. Clients adore him for his calmness and unflappability. He is a shrewd negotiator and can be steely when needed. Judges trust his judgement and instinct.”
Chambers & Partners 2016
Ranked for Children & Matrimonial Finance

‘His demeanour inspires confidence in even the most difficult or nervous clients; he is an excellent advocate.’ ‘Very intelligent, hardworking, and responsive; clients love him and he gets results.’
The Legal 500, 2015

Deals with both very high-value matrimonial finance proceedings and complex children law matters. He is regularly sought out for cases pertaining to cross-border children disputes and for his advice to alternative families.
Expertise: “Charles is the ultimate negotiator. If there is a good deal to get, he will get it.” “When he speaks people are drawn to what he says; he’s a very persuasive and powerful advocate. His bedside manner is great, and he captures the trust of a client instantly.”
Chambers & Partners 2015 – New Silk

Charles Hale QC – ‘A very accomplished advocate and a calm port in stormy seas.’ ‘Meticulous in preparation and a master of cross-examination.’
The Legal 500, 2014

Charles Hale is a family practitioner who is a master at both matrimonial finance and children related cases. He is regularly instructed by leading London and national solicitors and has handled cases of the utmost complexity and sensitivity such as A, B and C (2012), a matter concerning the relationship of a gay birth father to a child of lesbian mothers. Other recent matters of note include Re T (Children), which raised a very significant point in respect of costs in children proceedings involving local authorities. “A very smooth operator with clients, he shows an empathy and understanding of their emotional issues which is second to none. Clients are made to feel that he is really part of the fight.”
Chambers 100 List UK Bar
The Chambers Bar 100 ranks the top barristers practising at the Bar of England and Wales.

Elicits much acclaim for his work on both the matrimonial finance and children law sides, and is routinely sought out for his strengths on high-value divorce cases and large-scale cross-jurisdictional children disputes.

Expertise:”His delivery is well judged and he is very easy to work with. He inspires a lot of confidence.”

Recent work: Hale acted on behalf of the Grandparents Association in a widely publicised Supreme Court appeal regarding the liability of a local authority to pay the costs of a party to care proceedings.
Chambers & Partners, 2014
Band 1 for both Children and Matrimonial Finance

The ‘very personable’ Charles Hale is ‘one of the very few senior juniors around who can tackle both financial remedy and children cases with equal facility’. ‘He is meticulous in preparation and a master of cross-examination.’
The Legal 500, 2013

Charles Hale climbs the rankings for both children law and matrimonial finance matters, and receives strong plaudits for his work pertaining to international children disputes and high net worth divorces. Sources reveal that he “never takes a bad point,” while adding that he is a “smart advocate” who is “good at finding solutions to intractable problems.”
Chambers & Partners 2013 – Band 1

The ‘impressive’ Charles Hale, who is ‘a number-one choice for complicated children cases as well as financial issues’.
The Legal 500, 2012

Charles Hale “is very good at both money and children cases,” and is thus a popular choice amongst solicitors for cases that contain both elements. He has a “very conciliatory approach and is extremely popular with clients,” say sources.
Chambers & Partners 2012

Charles Hale is an ‘exceptional performer’ who is ‘outstanding at both children and money work’. Charles Hale is ‘a formidable advocate, particularly in cross-examination ’.
The Legal 500, 2011

12/03/24
[2023] EWHC 490; [2024] Fam Law 51
13/02/24
[2023] EWHC 3446 (Fam)
20/11/23
[2023] EWHC 3475 (Fam)
14/06/18
[2018] EWCA Civ 1368
22/12/15
[2015] EWCA Civ 1302
18/12/15
[2016] 3 WLR 1 : [2016] 2 FCR 576 : [2015] EWCA Civ 1305 :[2016] Fam Law 284 : [2016] Fam 253
05/03/15
[2015] EWHC 210 (Fam)
04/11/14
2014 EWHC 4210
14/03/14
[2014] EWHC 963 (Fam)
14/03/12
[2012] EWCA Civ 285
03/12/09
[2009] EWHC 3074 (Fam); [2010] 1 FLR 1229
03/12/09
[2010] 1 FLR 1229 : [2010] Fam Law 328 : [2009] EWHC 3074 (Fam)
19/03/08
[2008] EWHC 363 (Fam); (2008) 2 FLR 293
23/03/07
[2007] EWCA Civ 248