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

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 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

 

Back to Members