Rhys Evans is a leading junior in respect of Private and Public Law children work.

A fluent Welsh speaker, he joined Chambers in 2010 and was appointed a Deputy District Judge and Fee-paid Employment Judge in 2020.

Rhys is consistently instructed in some of the most serious and sensitive Public Law children cases including matters involving child death/homicide, catastrophic injury, fabricated induced injury, serious sexual abuse, honour-based violence and FGM.

He has appeared at all levels up to the Court of Appeal and has been involved in some of the most significant children cases in England and Wales over the last 10 years. He is sought after by Local Authorities and also acts for parents and children’s guardians and has also been instructed as a leading junior on a number of complex cases.

Key cases & testimonials

Powys County Council v AB & Ors [2024] EWHC 3207 (Fam) – Represented the local authority in complex care proceedings involving fabricated induced illness.

Pembrokeshire & James [2021] EWFC 71 – Instructed on behalf of the local authority in care proceedings following the murder of a child, involving parallel criminal and family proceedings.

Re C (Children) [2016] EWCA Civ 374 – Led junior in the Court of Appeal for the local authority in a widely reported case involving a mother’s appeal against the refusal to allow her to name her twin children “Cyanide” and “Preacher”.

EB (A Child: Care Order and Placement Order) [2016] EWHC 887 (Fam) – Acted for the child in care proceedings concerning cross-border allegations that the mother had attempted to hand over the baby to another family after travelling from Spain.

 

‘Rhys is an outstanding advocate who inspires utter confidence throughout any instruction, as he is a force to be reckoned with in court and his preparation is second-to-none. Rhys goes above and beyond to assist with the running of the case and his attention detail ensures that any final hearing is meticulously prepared. Rhys is very knowledgeable in child law; he is a very good advocate and is very much in demand by local authorities, guardians and parents' solicitors.’ Chambers UK, 2026
"Rhys's legal knowledge is first-rate and always encompasses a much broader canvas of knowledge than required."Legal 500, 2026
“Rhys Evans is an expert in public children law matters and is frequently instructed by local authorities and guardians. His work has included highly complex cases involving injuries and illnesses. Rhys is always the first choice for the most serious and complex family cases and is known for his robust advocacy and meticulous preparation.” Chambers UK Bar, 2025
“Rhys is an exceptional advocate – persuasive, tenacious and absolutely devastating in cross-examination. He is known for his meticulous preparation and incredible work ethic. He inspires total confidence in clients and is always first choice for the most complex and serious cases.” Legal 500, 2025
‘Rhys is a first-class advocate who has expertise in dealing with even the most complex cases. His attention to detail is meticulous. He has a robust approach and communicates effectively' “Rhys is brilliant. He is helpful to work with, is good with future planning and really knows the law in an in-depth way” “Rhys' legal expertise is first-rate.” Chambers UK Bar, 2024
“He is a fiercely intelligent, articulate and persuasive advocate. His depth of knowledge and meticulous preparation are second to none. He is incredibly hard-working and always the first choice for his dedicated, straight-talking approach to cases. A pleasure to work with.” Legal 500, 2024
‘Rhys' preparation and drafting is meticulous and his client care is excellent. He always gives clear advice about taking the matter forward. He is a very robust advocate and experienced in dealing with the most complex public law children cases.’Chambers UK Bar, 2023
‘Very strong drafting and advice and excellent communication.’ Chambers UK Bar, 2022
“Rhys is known for his meticulous preparation and depth of knowledge and will always go the extra mile on a case. He works as a team with instructing solicitors, gives clear, firm advice and is a robust and unflappable advocate.” Legal 500, 2022
‘Thorough, committed and knowledgeable.Legal 500, 2020 & 2021

Areas of expertise

Rhys represents parents in children disputes following the breakdown of relationships as well as family members or guardians pursuing arrangements in respect of children.  His experience includes serious domestic abuse, serious sexual abuse, alienating behaviour and non-accidental injury. Rhys represents parties in disputes relating to international and internal relocation, shared care arrangements, time spent with wider family (such as grandparents), arguments as to provision of therapeutic intervention and the pursuit of specific issue and prohibited steps orders.  Rhys also has a lot of experience of the Pathfinder Pilot which is deployed in some parts of England and Wales.  In addition, Rhys acts in Family Law Act applications for Occupation Orders and Non-molestation Orders.

Rhys specialises in complex public law children work, including cases involving death, serious abuse, chronic neglect, and secure accommodation. Recent instructions include death of infants, serious brain injury, FGM, forced marriage, sexual abuse of multiple children and fabricated illness.

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