For Advice. For Advocacy. For Dispute Resolution. For Litigation. For Family.

4PB Family Law Barristers

4PB is one of the largest chambers in England and Wales, practising only in the field of Family Law, comprising 25 ‘silks’ and 67 ‘juniors’, a total of 92. Our barristers practise across all areas of family law. Instructed by the country’s premier family law firms, our practitioners are regularly involved in landmark developments in family law and family justice.

We are supported by a first-class team of clerks, practice manager and administrative staff.

In October 2021 we relocated from our long-held base in the Temple at 4 Paper Buildings, to modern premises in the heart of St Paul’s, which provide the latest video and communication technology to allow our members to conduct consultations, conferences, remote hearings, ADR and mediation. We are leaders in our field recognised each year by numerous legal accolades and awards.

We are now 4PB.

4PB provide expert, practical legal advice in all areas of family law;
Powerful and effective court advocacy;
Out-of-court family dispute resolution services;
Public and direct access barristers in appropriate cases.

Financial Remedy Essay Competition 2024

Following the success of our inaugural competition, we are delighted to announce the launch of our Financial Remedies Essay Competition 2024 for the second year.

With this opportunity, we aim to encourage current law students, as well as those who have completed their studies and are actively seeking pupillage, to explore the realm of Financial Remedies law in the hope that they will be inspired to consider practice in this area of law. This competition underscores 4PB’s commitment to nurturing excellence and innovation in the field.

We invite individuals to write a 1,000-word essay discussing the following: “The law on maintenance should be reformed to provide for a formulaic approach.

The winner will receive £500, a mini-pupillage, and an invitation to the 4PB Finance Group Annual Seminar and Reception on Wednesday, 27th November 2024, where the winner will be announced. In addition, the winning essay will be considered for publication in the Family Law Journal.

For more information or to make a submission, click here

 

4PB News

10
Oct

Deirdre Fottrell KC and Andrew Powell Represent the Applicant in a Surrogacy Case Involving the Posthumous Use of Gametes

Deirdre Fottrell KC, leading Andrew Powell and Tom Wilson of 1GC, represented the applicant in G v Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority & Anor [2024] EWHC 2453 (Fam) before the President of the Family Division. The case concerned the applicant’s (‘G’) application for a declaration that the posthumous use of her daughter’s (‘N’)  gametes in a surrogacy arrangement was lawful, in circumstances where no written consent was provided by N for posthumous use of her gametes. The application was refused.  Deirdre, Andrew, and Tom were instructed by Louisa Ghevaert of Louisa Ghevaert Associates.

Click here to read the judgment.

8
Oct

4PB hosts launch of Resolution’s report on Domestic Abuse in Financial Remedy Proceedings

Today 4PB is delighted to host the launch of Resolution’s report on Domestic Abuse in Financial Remedy Proceedings.

The report explores the perspectives of family law professionals on this issue. It represents the combined efforts of over 50 barristers, solicitors, academics, independent financial advisers, mediators, coaches, and domestic abuse charities, who have explored this pressing and important topic on behalf of Resolution.

The report has been co-chaired by Anita Mehta from 4PB and Olivia Piercy from Hunters.

Anita commented: “This report shines a light on the experiences of victim-survivors who are accessing the Family Justice System in respect of resolving their finances. It pulls together insights both from professionals and victim-survivors.

 The report grapples with the difficult question of whether the impact of domestic abuse should be reflected in the final division of the parties’ finances.  It recognises that there are a wide range of views about that issue and does not make a final recommendation in that regard.  However, it recommends a number of changes that can be made from the moment the parties have separated until a final court order is enacted to make the journey safer and fairer for victim-survivors.

Resolution hopes to work with other stakeholders, senior judiciary and policymakers to co-operate around implementing the recommendations in 2025.”

The launch event will take place today from 5pm to 6pm, at 4PB.  The guests will hear from:

  • Anita Mehta – 4PB
  • Charles Hale – 4PB
  • Nicole Jacobs – The Domestic Abuse Commissioner
  • Grant Cameron – Chair of Resolution
  • Olivia Piercy – Hunters
  • Samantha Hillas KC – St John’s Buildings

You can view the report here.

Blockquote

The ‘remarkable’ 4 Paper Buildings is ‘simply the best stable’ of barristers who are ‘committed and passionate’ to children law, both domestic and international. With ‘a wide spread of barristers who excel in the field’, chambers offers ‘accomplished, expert counsel at every level of call and covering all particular niches’. Many of the set’s ‘stellar’ counsel are ‘absolute leaders in the field’ and there is also ‘a seemingly endless raft of very capable juniors’ coming through. Chambers’ matrimonial finance barristers are also ‘excellent’ and of the ‘highest quality’. The set is very approachable, inviting solicitors to share knowledge and welcoming in their dealings with clients.
Legal 500, 2019