Professional Practice

Tim is the preeminent silk specialising in international family law. He is regularly instructed by leading firms (and also many smaller firms) in cases with an international dimension concerning (among other areas) finance, children, and the recognition of foreign marriages and divorces. He also has wide experience in drafting international pre- and post-nuptial agreements and advises on the nuptial aspect of trusts. He has appeared in numerous reports cases, including in the House of Lords, the Supreme Court and the Privy Council as well as in Courts of Appeal of the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. He is accustomed to and enjoys working alongside foreign lawyers and regularly gives expert evidence on English law in other jurisdictions. Tim has been closely involved with the transition from the EU Regulations affecting English family law. He has had a number of meetings with ministers and civil servants and has twice given evidence to a House of Lords committee about Brexit and family law.

• Recommendations

  "He is exceptionally calm and collaborative, and a reassuring presence to the most difficult of clients."

  Legal 500 2022

  "Has an unrivalled reputation for technical, tricky cross-border maintenance cases." "A man with a brilliant brain, who is outstanding at multi-jurisdictional cases. He makes himself available to help, even at short notice, and always goes the extra mile." "He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of European enforcement."

  Chambers and Partners 2022

  ‘Is resourceful, lateral and creative in his arguments.'

  Legal 500 (2020)

  "He's the god of gods when it comes to international jurisdiction." "His experience, breadth of knowledge and exposure to top end cases make him a leader in his field."

  Chambers and Partners 2020

  ‘A master of the subject and the go-to silk in cross-border or international work.’

  Legal 500 2016

  His particular strengths are in relation to international law; he has a very compelling manner

  The Legal 500

  Excellent at dealing with difficult clients in a sensitive but firm way

  The Legal 500

  Frequently appears in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, representing clients in respect of complex international financial and private law children proceedings. Expertise: "In terms of the Europe scene and jurisdictonal arguments, there is no better." "He's very confident and he knows the law so well."

  Chambers & Partners 2015

  ‘His accessibility is unrivalled, and he has very sound judgement and excellent drafting skills.'

  Legal 500 2015

  Tim was awarded (2013-14) Legal 500 Children and Family Silk of the Year and was the Chambers & Partners Family Silk of the Year 2011-12. He has been given consistently high rankings in both Chambers & Partners Directory and the Legal 500 for many years. He is ranked in Chambers Band 1 for matrimonial finance and is described as “One of the UK's best matrimonial finance practitioners, particularly in relation to cases with international elements”.

• Notable Cases

  • Villiers v Villiers
    [2020] UKSC 30
    
  • D v D (Financial Remedies: Pre-marital Agreement and Unequal Shares)
    [2020] 2 FLR 662 (HC)
    
  • Lachaux v Lachaux
    [2019] 2 FLR 712 (CA)
    
  • Giusti v Ferragamo
    [2019] 2 FLR 261 (CA)
    
  • Kelly v Pyres
    [2019] 1 FLR 62 (CA)
    
  • MS v PS
    [2017] 1 FLR 1163 (CJEU)
    
  • Baronetcy of Pringle of Stichill, Re
    [2016] 1 WLR 2870, [2016] UKPC 16
    
  • Ramadani v Ramadani
    [2016] 2 FLR 1233
    
  • Ray v Sekhri
    [2014] 2 FLR 1168 (CA)
    
  • T v T (Hemain Injunction)
    [2014] 1 FLR 96 (HC)
    
  • EA v AP
    [2013] EWHC 2344 (Fam)
    
  • Z v Z (No 2)
    [2012] 1 FLR 1100 (HC)
    
  • JKN v JCN (Divorce: Forum)
    [2011] 1 FLR 826 (HC)
    
  • Agbaje v Agbaje
    [2010] 1 FLR 1813 (SC)
    

• Publications and Lecturing

  • Tim is a regular contributor to Family Law, International Family Law and other publications. He is in great demand as a lecturer on a wide range of family law topics. He has spoken at all the major family law conferences as well as at numerous seminars and other lecture venues.