Christopher is described as “immensely bright, hard-working, reliable and definitely preferable to have on your side in court as opposed to against you”. He is a highly respected and busy specialist family finance practitioner.
He practices in matrimonial finance law, specialising in the fields of financial claims arising from family cases; claims under the Inheritance Act and claims under the 1996 Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. In addition, he has a related niche practice, acting on professional negligence claims arising from family law matters, and is one of a very small number of barristers whose family law practice extends to claims of this nature against solicitors and barristers. He is described as the “go to” barrister for members of the Legal Profession and Insurers in this niche area.
Christopher qualified as a commercial finance solicitor at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer before joining the Bar and specialising in family finance. He is a highly regarded and sought after leading finance junior and is consistently recommended in the Law Directories. A magic circle family partner recently said of him ‘Immensely bright, hard working, reliable and definitely preferable to have him on your side in court as opposed to against you.’. He is both tenacious and charming and very astute to what is needed in order to secure what is needed for the client.
Very recently acted in the Mason case (high profile media interest Jan 2019) where the instructing partner on the case described him as “absolutely brilliant” and “one of the most able barristers I have worked with in my many years in practice”.
Otherwise referred to as:
“an extremely able and tenacious advocate”
“a very forceful advocate and brilliant cross examiner”
“an intelligent manner that translates very well with judges”
“a genial manner combined with a steely resolve”
“a real pleasure to work with. Always my number 1 choice in financial cases”
Christopher has a particular expertise in handling professional negligence claims brought against barristers, solicitors and accountants in the area of family law. He is regularly instructed by claimants, defendants and insurers.
“uniquely placed to advise on matrimonial finance claims by reason of his day to day practice in the family courts undertaking family financial work”
“really bright and very good at tailoring his advice to clients”
“fantastic advocate. Very thorough. Extremely good cross examiner”
“an absolute dream to work with”.
“Christopher was recommended to me following my securing a negative advice on merits from the specialist professional negligence set that I regularly use. Because of his expertise in matrimonial finance Christopher re-cast my client’s claims which led to a significant 6 figure settlement in mediation”
Christopher acts regularly for clients on a direct access basis and has a considerable wealth of experience in assisting clients to meet their goals. He is very approachable and flexible to meeting the diverse needs of direct access clients.
“Thank you Christopher for helping me to secure a secure financial future against all the odds”
“Christopher was brilliant in court and brilliant in cross-examination”.
“I would have paid to be able to film you cross examining my husband so as to be able to re-watch again and again”
“I had instructed solicitors for near 2 years and was on the verge of giving up before a friend recommended that I contact Christopher. After one meeting with him my resolve had returned and as a result of the advice he gave me and the paperwork he did on my behalf I have my life back and am secure for the future”.
Christopher is available to conduct private FDRs.
Reputation & Awards
‘Christopher has an excellent eye for detail and relates to clients very well. He is particularly good at explaining complicated legal areas.’
Legal 500, 2022
‘Christopher is a fighter, clever, and a pleasant opponent out of court.’ – Legal 500, 2024
‘The go-to man if you need a win, Chris champions his clients through the most complex and bitterly fought litigation, ensuring they emerge not only victorious, but also unscathed: a true tiger; yet sensitive with his clients and pragmatically pro-resolution.’ – Director, Teelan & Silwal Family Law Limited, 2024
‘Christopher is a force with whom to be reckoned. He is forceful, fearless, and a formidable opponent – someone who manages to terrify the other side in court and impress a judge. He is perfect for a client who needs strong representation and someone to protect the interests of the vulnerable.’ – Legal 500, 2023
‘A formidable opponent, and someone one definitely wants to have on one’s side, Chris is thorough, persuasive and punchy. He commands respect and rightly earns it from clients, solicitors, opponents and judges.’ – Director, Teelan & Silwal Family Law Limited, 2023
‘Christopher has an excellent eye for detail and relates to clients very well. He is particularly good at explaining complicated legal areas.’ Legal 500, 2022
‘An experienced junior.’ – Legal 500, 2021
‘ An experienced advocate. ’ – Legal 500, 2020
‘Immensely bright, hard working, reliable and definitely preferable to have him on your side in court as opposed to against you.’
Education
- Worth School
- Nottingham University (LLB Hons)
- Admitted as a Solicitor (1989) – practice at Freshfields
- Admitted to the Bar (1993)
Professional Memberships
- Family Law Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Lawyers Association – Member
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Languages
- French (fluent)
- Spanish (working)