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Ben is renowned for his mastery of the detail of the case, skilled negotiation and focused and effective cross-examination, and his ability to instil confidence in his clients.
His cases are often in the High Court containing complex medical and legal issues, and he is well regarded for his written and oral advocacy, and management of challenging evidence.
Key cases & testimonials
Lack of Mulitagency Approach to Deaf Parents [2024] EWFC 364 (Fam)
Public law proceedings involving parents who were both profoundly deaf. Successful application to adjourn mid-way through final hearing based on deficiencies of Local Authority work with the family established under cross examination. The case applies Equality Act, Care Act and Re: D ‘parenting with support’, principles.
A Father v A Mother [2024] EWHC 3125 (Fam)
High Court international non-Hague summary return proceedings. Application of PD12J to summary proceedings and review of authorities on the nature and scope of PD12J. Application successfully refused.
TM v TF [2024] EWHC 2786 (Fam)
High Court appeal from Circuit Judge decision to progress contact to overnights in the context of serious background findings of domestic abuse, and a non-accredited DAPP provider having been used, but approved by CAFCASS at the time. Appeal successfully dismissed.
LA v M & Ors [2024] EWHC 1336 (Fam)
High Court forced marriage protection order and wardship proceedings seeking return of children from Afghanistan. The case involved closed material and consideration of Special Advocates, international agency liaison, Tipstaff orders and proportionality of long-term passport orders and restriction of international movement.
Re: Fatima & Ors [2023] EWFC 212
High Court public law proceedings concerning the death of a child with serious injuries in Father’s care, in the context of previous public law proceedings with a fracture and rehabilitation plan. Findings also made of sexual abuse perpetrated by Father on siblings. Represented the Guardian.
A v B & Ors [2023] EWFC 304 (B)
Rare case of contested application for parental responsibility for a step-parent. Consideration of previous case law, Section 3(5) Children Act and the nature of parental responsibility, and legitimacy of a step parent. Application successfully granted.
Re: C (‘Parental Alienation’; Instruction of Expert) [2023] EWHC 345 (Fam)
The President heard an appeal for refusal to re-open findings of alienation, essentially based on the lack of qualifications of the court appointed expert and her lack of regulation. The Association of Clinical Psychologists intervened, and the expert. The President dismissed the appeal and referred the issue of unregulated experts to Parliament. Guidance also given as to the approach the courts should take towards ‘alienation’ and how to view it as a series of abusive behaviours.
Local Authority B v BD & Ors [2022] EWHC 2341 (fam)
Fact finding hearing before Lieven J on an international trafficking case. All other parties represented by QCs. Findings made and consideration of definition of trafficking and controlling and coercive behaviour.
RR, Re Costs [2021] EWFC Sept 21
Following findings of death by poisoning the High Court considered and reviewed the law in relation to the issues of costs, curtailment or extinguishing parental responsibility, section 91(14) and no contact. An excellent authority for an overview of all those issues.
A and B (Minors, placement, faith) [2021] EWHC 455 Admin
Judicial review proceedings issued against a Local Authority who refused to place significantly disabled children with no religious comprehension s20 in a fully religiously compliant placement. The court considered religious laws and the interplay between public law. Declaration of unlawfulness obtained.
A City Council v A Mother & A Father & Ors (Care Proceedings: Radicalisation) [2019] EWHC 3076 (Fam)
High Court: Care proceedings where the key issue was radicalisation and extremist material. The children are placed at home under final care orders with exceptional support measures including monitoring of electronic devices. The Judge praised the approach to assessment, and often it is criticised in this category of cases.
Ben is a passionate barrister. He is persuasive, meticulous, and well-prepared, which puts everyone who interacts with him in and out of court at ease.Legal 500, 2025
He's fantastic on his feet, excellent at cross-examination, always prepared and just great to work with.Chambers UK, 2025
He's hugely personable and someone who puts clients at ease.Chambers UK, 2025
Ben is strategic and he thinks creatively, whilst always keeping the client at the forefront of his mind.Chambers UK, 2025
He brings a sense of calm to the most contentious of cases and is a master at cross-examination.Chambers UK, 2025
Ben is approachable, full of energy and genuinely interested in his cases. He becomes fully absorbed and gives each case his heart and soul. He is creative, thinks out of the box and usually steps ahead.Legal 500, 2024
A calm and measured barrister who fizzes with ideas.Chambers UK 2024
Clients take a shine to him as he is very personable and he instantly makes them feel at ease.Chambers UK 2024
He handles a broad range of serious public law children cases.Legal 500 2019
Experienced in public law proceedings. Legal 500 2017
Areas of expertise
Ben undertakes complex private law cases including:
- Parental alienation
- Surrogacy
- International relocation
- Intractable contact disputes and High Conflict cases
- Domestic violence
Ben undertakes serious and complex public law cases, including:
- Catastrophic injury and death
- Radicalisation
- Sexual abuse
- Care cases with a Human Rights Act element
- Re-opening of fact-findings
- Contested adoption
Further information
Nottingham Law School, Bar Course – very competent
Nottingham Law School, Graduate Diploma in Law – commendation
London School of Economics – International Relations and History – 2:1 joint honours
Appointments & Memberships
Inner Temple
Family Law Bar Association
Midland Circuit
Deputy Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board, Education and Training sub-committee