‘An expert on surrogacy and the modern family. Andrew’s preparation is stellar – his notes show a mastery of the law and facts. Judges hang on his advocacy, which balances persuasion with an empathy for the cases he deals with.’
Legal 500, 2024
Experience
Year of Call: 2008
Education
University of Manchester (BSocSc Social Anthropology First Class)
University of Leeds (LLM)
BPP Law School (BVC)
Pegasus Scholarship 2013
Bedingfield Scholarship (Gray’s Inn) 2007
Mooting Finalist University of Leeds 2006
Consitutional Law Essay Prize (University of Leeds) 2005
The Professor Max Gluckman Prize (University of Manchester – Awarded for Highest First Class Degree)
Profile
Andrew is widely recognised for his expertise in cases concerning children. His practice focuses on parental disputes about arrangements for children after separation, international children law including child abduction, and applications to relocate children to another country. He is also in demand in cases where the local authority is involved, including those with complex medical evidence and allegations of sexual abuse. Andrew was awarded the ‘Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year Award’ in November 2021 at the annual LexisNexis Family Law Awards.
From 2016-2020 Andrew was led by Alex Verdan KC and Cleo Perry KC representing a core participant in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (Children in the care of Lambeth Council investigation).He was also led by Cleo Perry KC representing a core participant in a second investigation, also as part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks investigation).
Andrew brings a calm but knowledgeable approach to his work with parents engaged in disputes about their children. Clients find him approachable and empathetic. He has represented clients in all levels of court, and adopts a courteous but no-nonsense approach to advocacy. His case load is both domestic and international, and he is experienced in dealing with cross-jurisdictional issues, particularly in international adoption and international surrogacy cases. Andrew is also instructed in cases concerning vulnerable adults in forced marriage, stranded spouses and FGM cases.
In addition to his practice focusing on arrangements for children, Andrew has developed a specialist practice advising and representing clients on the law relating to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (surrogacy, parental order applications and fertility treatment) and disputes arising from LGBTQ+ parenting arrangements. Andrew appeared as junior counsel on behalf of the AIRE Centre in the Court of Appeal in R (Alfred McConnell) -v- The Registrar General for England and Wales and others [2020] EWCA Civ 559. The appellant sought to appeal a decision of the President of the Family Division in judicial review proceedings concerning the Registrar General’s decision to register a trans man who had given birth to a child as the child’s mother. He also appeared as junior counsel on behalf of University College London NHS Foundation Trust in AB v CD [2021] EWHC 741 (Fam) which concerned whether parents could lawfully consent to the prescription and administration of puberty blockers. In 2014, after being awarded a Pegasus Scholarship, he worked in Los Angeles in a law firm specialising in surrogacy and fertility law and since his return has been acknowledged as one of the leading barristers in this area, writing surrogacy articles for Family Law Week. Andrew has experience representing, intended parents and surrogates in applications for parental orders as well as parents and fertility clinics in declaration of parentage cases. Andrew’s book ‘A practical guide to the law in relation to surrogacy’ was published in November 2020. In 2021 he provided an expert opinion in a case before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court concerning international surrogacy arrangements (O Trustee et al v Q et al)
In May 2021 Andrew was appointed a Governing Board Member of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.
Andrew has experience representing parties in cases concerning deprivation of liberty and best interests in the Court of Protection.
Andrew is also the author of the domestic adoption chapter of Rayden and Jackson on Relationship Breakdown, Finances and Children (2016 edition).
Outside work, Andrew enjoys running and cycling.
Professional Memberships
Gray’s Inn
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Court of Protection Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
Associate member of the American Bar Association (Family law section)
Child Abduction Lawyers Association
Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association
JUSTICE
Directories
“Andrew is a wise, considered, knowledgeable and empathetic barrister.”
“Andrew will go that extra mile and is also most generous with his time.”
“A lawyer who has a brilliant manner with clients; he’s very approachable and nothing is too much trouble.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024
‘An expert on surrogacy and the modern family. Andrew’s preparation is stellar – his notes show a mastery of the law and facts. Judges hang on his advocacy, which balances persuasion with an empathy for the cases he deals with.’
Legal 500, 2024
“Andrew Powell has an incredible brain and superb client skills. He is a phenomenal advocate for clients.”
“He is a number-one choice for any matter related to surrogacy, what he doesn’t know about surrogacy law isn’t worth knowing.”
“Andrew is always able to cut through difficult cases and make them seem straightforward with his huge wealth of experience and calm approach.”
“He is wonderful on every level – adored by solicitors, clients and judges alike.”
“He is known for being at the cutting edge of surrogacy and alternative family work.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
‘Andrew is a highly talented barrister with excellent core talents. He is insightful, knowledgeable, great communicator with excellent people skills.’
Legal 500, 2023
“A persuasive, personable advocate and cross-examiner who is a calm presence in court.” “He’s got an absolutely encyclopedic knowledge of surrogacy law, but puts it in a way that’s accessible. His written and oral submissions are things of beauty.” “He exudes charm and remains calm under pressure.”
Recent work: Represented the London Borough of Lambeth in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Chambers & Partners, 2022
‘An excellent advocate on complex children cases. Extremely personable with good client communication skills.’
Legal 500, 2023
Children law barrister with a domestic and international practice. He is proficient in child abduction cases and has particular expertise in surrogacy issues.
Strengths: “A charming and formidable opponent. He undertakes additional research into complex areas of the law, and goes above and beyond the requirements for each hearing.” “His knowledge of surrogacy law is utterly amazing and his passion shines through.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
‘His knowledge of surrogacy law is second to none and he is a very personable and sensible advocate.’
Legal 500, 2021
A rising presence in the world of private law children work both domestically and abroad, who is proficient in child abduction cases. He has further particular expertise in surrogacy issues.
Strengths: “So obviously knowledgeable, and has a way of clearly demonstrating that knowledge and his legal prowess whilst still being really lovely and chatty with clients in a way that puts them at ease. He’s able to explain complex legal concepts in an accessible way that enables clients to understand the situation. You know his papers will be beautifully prepared and that he will know absolutely everything about the case.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
‘Is quick to assure worried or anxious clients and is a safe pair of hands when you have a complicated matter that needs a detailed solution.’
Legal 500, 2020
A rising presence in the world of private law children work both domestically and abroad, who is proficient in child abduction cases. He has further particular expertise in surrogacy and broader fertility issues.
Strengths: “A warm and persuasive advocate with a real passion and enthusiasm for his work, which shines through in all he does. He has a detailed knowledge and reassuring manner which clients warm to instantly.”
Chambers & Partners 2019
‘A natural and gifted advocate.’
Legal 500, 2019
A rising presence in the world of private law children work both domestically and abroad who is proficient in child abduction cases. He has further particular expertise in surrogacy and broader fertility issues.
Strengths: “His knowledge in surrogacy cases is really second to none. He’s just really personable, gets on really well with clients and is really persuasive with the judges. He’s just got this charm about him that you don’t see with barristers of his call, and is really classy.”
Chambers & Partners 2018