Ruth Kirby KC

Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Court of Protection Bar Association
Administrative Law Bar Association
London Irish Lawyers’ Association

Ruth has specialised in children law with an emphasis on international aspects for more than 20 years.  The bulk of her practice has been in the Family Division including: abduction, jurisdictional disputes and wardship/inherent jurisdiction cases. Many of her reported cases have been in this area of family law.

Ruth has specialised in children law for more than 20 years.  Private law and international children work has formed the bulk of her practice which has been in the Family Division including:

• Abduction and other unlawful movement of children and adults;
• Wardship and Inherent Jurisdiction cases (publicity/privacy cases and stranded spouses);
• Complex disputes concerning children and vulnerable adults; and
• Jurisdictional issues

Ruth has always practised in both privately-funded and legally-aided cases including in complex COP cases. In one case, she secured a costs order for £1 million.  She tends to specialise in the complex welfare aspects of cases working with her Chancery colleagues on the financial aspects but does both aspects in more modest cases.

Ruth has specialised in children law for more than 20 years.  She has acted for all parties in public law proceedings throughout her career.  The bulk of her practice has been in the Family Division including:

• Disputes about jurisdiction;
• Care proceedings overlapping with wardship and Inherent Jurisdiction cases;
• Complex care proceedings; and
• Radicalisation cases.

Ruth has had a longstanding belief in all forms of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).  She qualified as a commercial mediator in 2004 and as a family mediator in 2014. She is trained as a collaborative lawyer.

Since qualifying as a children law arbitrator in 2022, she has been involved in arbitrations as counsel and when appointed as the arbitrator.

Ruth brings her forensic cross examination, analytical and advocacy skills to this growing part of her practice.  She is also involved in disciplinary tribunal work for professional bodies and has represented those involved in disciplinary issues within the world of rugby.

Ruth has lectured for the London Safeguarding Children’s Board, the Counter Terrorism Unit at the Met Police (SO15), Gresham College and the Family Law Bar Association. She has also lectured in various academic environments including at the LSE and for the Bar Council.  She has trained the Irish Judicial College on diversity and ethnic issues and trains students and junior barristers in advocacy at Middle Temple.

“Clients love Ruth because they always feel listened to, and she will fight incredibly hard for them. She is creative at coming up with solutions and strategies for complex cases.”

“She is brilliant with client’s and an exceptional advocate and strategist.”

“She is a pretty phenomenal woman. She is tenacious, hard-working and always welcomes the instructing solicitor’s opinion in the case. She has an incredible knowledge for case law.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025

‘Ruth is a high-quality KC who fights fiercely for her clients. She is an exceptional tactician and strategist.’
Legal 500, 2025

‘Ruth is a force of nature. She quickly grasps the most complex matters – absorbing the paperwork like a sponge. She goes the extra mile in court to pursue points for her clients, and her advocacy is slick, persuasive and, when needed, fiery.’
Legal 500, 2024

“Ruth is the best advocate I have ever worked with and she is great with clients. She works exceptionally hard and, no matter what her schedule, she will always make time for you.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024

“A joy to instruct as she really gets stuck in and makes her arguments forcefully. Every point she makes, she just builds and builds upon to create a compelling submission.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023

‘Ruth is a force of nature and an incredible strategist. Her advocacy style is punchy, considered and direct, and she never left a stone unturned.’
Legal 500, 2023
“A good fighter who is powerful in the courtroom and empathetic towards clients.” “She articulates powerful arguments in a persuasive manner. She is 100% ready to deal with the pressures presented in cases, and has the ability to think two steps ahead.” “Ruth has a natural, easy rapport with clients which puts them at ease.”

Chambers & Partners, 2022
“A formidable advocate who provides punchy thinking, she deserves her elevation to silk this year.”
Legal 500, 2022

Strengths: “Holds her own in complex cases and fights her client’s corner. She wants to achieve the best result for the children involved in the case.” “Concentrates on the bigger points and puts her whole heart into both legal aid and private cases.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021

• R (Child Abduction: Parent's Refusal to Accompany) (Rev1) [2024] EWCA Civ 1296
• G (Children) (Supervised Contact) [2023] EWCA Civ 1453
• C v M (A Child) (Abduction: Representation of Child Party) [2023] EWCA Civ 1449
• C v M & Anor [2023] EWHC 1182 (Fam)
• LKM v NPM [2023] EWFC 118