St Ives Chambers has always been at the forefront of the development of Family Law in the Midlands and is proud of its reputation as ‘the Midlands’ leading family law set’ (Legal 500) and its growing reputation as ‘a nationally recognised family chambers’ (Chambers & Partners).
Many members of the group are individually praised in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners each year. The clerks are also recognised as being ‘very good’ and noted for being ‘commercial in terms of fees’ (Chambers & Partners 2016). Members are noted for their ability and preparation but also their approachability. They are noted for their ability to provide pragmatic, straightforward advice to clients and their powerful negotiation and advocacy at Court.
The strength of the group lies in its depth and the good professional relationships between team members and their clerks. The range of work undertaken and experience of members means that clients benefit not just from the experience of the individual barrister but from the collective knowledge and experience of the group which includes KCs, Deputy High Court Judges, Recorders and Deputy District Judges.
Work Undertaken
At St Ives we recognise that family finance is a broad jurisdiction. Members have a wealth of experience dealing with high net worth cases, those involving multi-million pound pensions, partnerships, companies, farms, offshore assets and trusts. We also recognise that cases involving modest resources can often present the greatest challenge and to that end we remain committed to ensuring appropriate representation is provided to those with more limited budgets.
The following areas of work are undertaken by members of the Family Finance group:
- Divorce – defended petitions and issues as to jurisdiction
- Financial provision for children
- Financial provision for cohabitants
- Financial provision on dissolution of Civil Partnerships
- Financial provision on divorce
- Inheritance Act claims
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
Alternative methods of resolving disputes
St Ives Chambers continues to evolve. In recent years the use of alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law has grown as parties pursue a speedier, less litigious route to securing a fair outcome. To meet this need St Ives Chambers has introduced Counsel Led Dispute Resolution to the Midlands facilitating an early resolution in suitable cases. It is also piloting a scheme where couples wishing to achieve a negotiated settlement can obtain a joint written advice or meet with a barrister in conference to identify a fair order. With many of our number now sitting as Deputy High Court Judges, Recorders and Deputy District Judges we are able to bring considerable experience to resolve disputes via these methods.
Recommendations
Legal 500 2024: “St Ives Chambers is ‘a great set of chambers’ ‘offering extremely experienced and impressive barristers across all areas of family law at all levels’. The group is well-known for its excellent track record in handling high-value, complex matrimonial finance cases.”
“St Ives Chambers is a fantastic set for family law. It has great strength in numbers throughout.”
“St Ives Chambers is the leading family set in Birmingham.”
Chambers and Partners 2024: “St Ives Chambers is a well-established and highly regarded family set. Its expansive bench offers expertise across the full range of matrimonial finance and children cases. Members handle an array of matrimonial finance matters, including prenuptial agreements in addition to financial remedy cases featuring complex asset structures, pensions and maintenance orders. A source reports: “I can always rely on expert advice from St Ives. They are up to date on all changes in the law and provide sound advice.”
Chambers & Partners 2019: St Ives is “an excellent chambers, with a deserved reputation for excellence in family law”
Legal 500: “St Ives Chambers is ‘the Midlands’ leading family law set.”
