“A very dynamic advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024

Experience

Year of Call: 2001

Education

BA (Hons) LLB (Hons)
Newcastle University
City University
Qualified Collaborative Lawyer
Trained Mediator

Appointments

FLBA representative (appointed) on the Bar Council 2019 and 2020
Director and co-founder of The Divorce Surgery

Profile

Harry’s practice focuses on private family law, where his expertise in all aspects of relationship breakdown between married and unmarried couples has won him many fans. He specialises in financially complex cases and also represents parents in disputes about domestic and international living arrangements for their children.


Noted by the market for his comprehensive understanding of technically complex matters and meticulous case preparation, Harry advises and represents clients about the financial consequences of divorce.  He is often instructed in cases with multi-jurisdictional issues, involving trusts and corporate assets, and also advises in relation to less commonplace financial matters such as child maintenance appeals, enforcement actions, foreign court orders, and costs cases.

Harry also has considerable expertise in advising unmarried clients about the financial impact of separation and in connection with financial support for their children (‘Schedule 1 claims’).

Away from financial matters, Harry also represents parents and children in disputes concerning children’s living and contact arrangements both domestically and internationally, including applications to remove children permanently from this jurisdiction.

Harry is noted by the major legal directories for his calmness under fire, meticulous preparation and ability to build rapport with clients, opponents and judges alike.

Together with Samantha Woodham, a fellow member of chambers, Harry is co-founder of The Divorce Surgery, a unique service which allows couples to obtain joint, impartial expert legal advice at any stage of their separation, with a view to minimising conflict and costs: www.thedivorcesurgery.co.uk.  The Divorce Surgery has won a number of industry awards, is shortlisted by LexisNexis for Family Law Innovation of the Year 2019 and has been recognised as one of the 50 most innovative law firms in Europe at the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards for 2019, at which Harry was also individually commended for his contribution in the Rule of Law and Access to Justice categories.

Professional Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
Lincoln’s Inn

Directories

“A reliable performer who is willing to fight for his clients, whilst always taking a realistic view.”

“A very dynamic advocate.”

“Combines an eye for detail with a pragmatic grasp of the overall picture in a case.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024

‘Harry has a calm manner and gives clear and sensible advice. He is good with difficult clients and able to get them to focus on the real issues.’
Legal 500, 2024

“Harry Gates is a formidable advocate who covers a wide practice area.”
“Very hard-working and well prepared, he grasps and cuts through important concepts quickly, simplifying them so that clients can better understand.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023

‘Harry is an excellent senior junior. He knows his way round the judges and courts and his views are well respected. He is a class act all round.’
Legal 500, 2023

“Careful and considered.” “He is personable, meticulous in terms of his preparation, and great with clients.” “He’s constructive, problem-solving and focused on trying to minimise conflict.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022 

‘A great negotiator. Meticulous in his preparation. Clients love Harry. He manages to cut through the complexities of a case to give concise, client-focused advice with charm.’
Legal 500, 2022

“To the point while remaining friendly and sympathetic to clients, he’s always on hand to offer support and has good drafting skills.” “Pragmatic, no-nonsense and user-friendly.” “He is great at building a rapport with clients, and is a strong spearhead of any legal team.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021

‘Is absolutely charming with clients and wins them over straightaway, whilst also giving clear and honest advice. He is thoroughly well prepared and is an impressive advocate. His commitment to cases really shines through.’
Legal 500, 2021


“Always good-natured and well prepared. He never flaps, he’s great with clients and he’s good on his feet.”
Chambers & Partners 2020

‘Has a real grasp of all the nuances in each case and is clearly very well prepared for each hearing.’
Legal 500, 2020

‘A practising barrister at specialist family law chambers 4 Paper Buildings since 2001, Harry Gates brings a wealth of experience to the table. Harry’s advice is most often sought in relation to the financial consequences of relationship breakdown. He has particular expertise in cases involving complicated asset structures, such as trusts and companies, or where assets are located overseas. Harry is recommended as a leading barrister in the major legal directories, who note his approachable style and meticulous preparation.’
Tatler High Net Worth 2020

A finance junior with an established practice in financial remedy cases, including those with an international element. Particularly noted for his experience dealing with complex asset structures and hidden assets, including offshore trusts and companies.
Strengths: “He is a gentleman and has a lovely approach with clients. He has a confident manner that belies his comparative youth, and is convincing in his explanations to solicitors, clients and the court.”
Chambers & Partners 2019

‘An eloquent advocate who is quietly successful again and again.’
Legal 500, 2019