We are delighted that chambers has been ranked as a Band 3 Set in the category of Family: Children in the 2015 edition of Chambers & Partners for the first time. Chris Poole and Giles Bain are ranked individually for the second year running and Sam Wallace is ranked for the first time.

The Set

New Court Chambers handles matrimonial finance work but is more celebrated for its efforts on the children side. It acts for over a dozen local authorities and regularly represents a growing number of children’s guardians. Commentators believe the set has come along well in recent times, and praise it not just for the quality of its barristers but also for its provision of in-house training for social workers, team and senior managers and local authority lawyers. Those that instruct the set say: “The barristers here are very good at dealing with difficult clients” and “never lose sight of the fact that the child’s welfare is paramount.”

Client service: “The clerks are are willing to help outside of their remit. They’re helpful, they try to sort out counsel straight away, and are friendly and reliable.” Paul Bloomfield is the senior clerk.

Chris Poole

Has a strong reputation in public law children proceedings, particularly in cases relating to medical negligence and serious physical and psychological abuse.

Expertise: “He’s solid on the law and very good on his feet. He’s always able to put the client at ease and represent them well. He’ll go a long, long way.”

Giles Bain

A specialist children lawyer who handles complex care cases involving non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. He is particularly good at cases which involve the examination of challenging medical evidence.

Expertise: “Giles is good in court, gives sensible advice to the client, and is good with judges. He has a sensible, matter-of-fact approach that gains respect.”

Sam Wallace

Specialises in children cases and routinely appears for parents, guardians and local authorities. He has handled a number of serious cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse.

Expertise: “A measured and thoughtful advocate who is calm under pressure, and presents things in a straight and fair way.

Chambers & Partners 2015