MEET THE TEAM
Our Barristers are all Family Law specialists, with a wealth of experience in dealing with matrimonial and relationship disputes, and Public and Private Law issues relating to children.
Our Practice Manager, Peter Hall, knows each of his Barristers’ areas of expertise and will be happy to discuss your individual requirements.
BARRISTERS
Dominic Barratt
Head Of Chambers
Year of Call: 1992
Dominic has enjoyed being a Family Barrister for more than twenty years. He was previously Head of a large Family Team at another set of Barristers’ Chambers in East Anglia.
He is highly experienced in all areas of Family Law including disputes over residence and contact concerning children, applications by the Local Authority to take children into care and financial proceedings following the breakdown of a marriage.
Dominic enjoys the client contact from practising in Family Law. No two cases are ever quite the same and his work is always varied. He has a friendly and relaxed approach which helps people who are already going through one of the most stressful periods of their lives. He gives his clients realistic and understandable advice. Their case concerns their life, their children, their money so he does not take unjustifiable chances and, if going to court can be avoided, whilst achieving a fair legal solution for his clients, then he considers that a success.
If the case needs to go to court however, he pursues his client’s interests with vigour and with energy whilst always keeping an eye on whether the cost of further litigation at each stage is justified by what is at stake.
Dominic accepts instructions directly from members of the public under the Public Access rules. This allows people who are in need of advice and representation to instruct him as their Barrister without the complication or expense of going through a Solicitor first.
TESTIMONIALS
In two recent editions of the Legal 500, the leading guide to lawyers in the region, Dominic has been described as someone who “quickly grasps the essentials and knows exactly what must be done” and someone who “handles high value, complex family matters”.
A recent client said of him that “Dominic has a highly analytical, professional approach” and provided “professional and robust advocacy” in court. (T.M./Ipswich / June 2013).
"There are no winners in a matrimonial breakup but my experience of Dominic Barratt is that he fights for fairness and I felt like a winner at the end. I approached DB through the Direct Access Scheme so remained intimately involved in the process whilst being advised every step of the way. With the day in court I can't think there could possibly be a better barrister to have represented me."
(EC / Cambridge / 2014).
"I much appreciated the friendly and efficient way in which you dealt with my case. I can say, without hesitation, you have exceeded my expectations in the first class service that you offered. The service and experience were exceptional."
(SL/Ipswich/2016).
‘I'd like to thank Dominic Barratt who has been an absolute amazing friendly and understanding Barrister at court. I felt as though he had my back the whole time I can’t recommend his services enough and for anyone going through a hard complex legal case, Dominic is the man you need.’
(KH/Chelmsford/2021).
"I must speak incredibly highly of Dominic. I was very happy with him. He has a calming persona and I have complete confidence in him."
(HS/Norwich/2021).
“I am delighted with the outcome of my case. Dominic was brilliant. I had full confidence in him.”
(KS/Colchester/March 2021).
"I can say without hesitation that you exceeded my expectations in the first class service you offered. The service and experience was exceptional." Steve L/2016.
"Mr Barratt knows his onions". Circuit Judge/2020.
"Mr Barratt is a very experienced advocate of the greatest integrity". District Judge/2021.
"Dominic was a thoughtful, caring yet diligent professional during a monstrous time for me. I'll always be grateful for his guidance, time and simple humanity." Anna L/2022.
“I recently used Dominic for the final hearing of our live with order and child arrangements case. His calm nature and approachability was very reassuring at this difficult time.
I chose Dominic for my counsel for his clear level of experience and this shone through immediately.
Dominic was very thorough in his preparations highlighting all key points needed to ensure our case was put across effectively. Dominic delivered these points in an extremely confident and proficient manner whist maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
Our case went the way we were hoping and we can now begin to move forward with our lives. I will be forever grateful to Dominic for this day."
MK/Bury St Edmunds/July 2023
Fiona Bailey
Year of Call: 2019
Fiona has only recently been called to the Bar having practiced as a Solicitor in Stowmarket for over 30 years.
Fiona was Senior Partner of a firm of solicitors in Stowmarket, where she specialised in complex family cases, representing parents and children in court cases brought by the Local Authority and also in private law disputes between family members involving children. Fiona also acts for grandparents, special guardians and prospective adopters of children.
Fiona has been a member of the Law Society Children Panel for over 15 years and as a solicitor regularly appeared in Court as an advocate.
In 2016 Fiona was President of the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society (SNELS) and in her presidential year she raised the profile of the organisation making it more accessible to the younger members of the legal profession.
Testimonials:
"Mrs Bailey is often instructed in the most complex cases but I have never found her to be out of her depth or ill prepared."
"Mrs Bailey's organisational skills, her legal knowledge, her sensitivity and ability to empathise in what are always emotional and challenging proceedings are always of an exceptionally high standard."
Danniella Betsworth
Danniella joined Chambers as a tenant in October 2024 following the successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Christopher Foster and Katie Ross.
Danniella is building a busy practice across all areas of family law. She has appeared in public children, private children, financial remedies and Family Law Act applications as well as enforcement proceedings. She is experienced in representing local authorities, parents and children, often representing vulnerable clients during multi-day final hearings and fact-finding hearings, including those concerning serious allegations of domestic abuse and coercive control. Danniella was involved in the case of Re TQC (Domestic Abuse: Findings) [2024] EWFC 279.
With her meticulous and constructive approach, Danniella is skilled at running complex cases efficiently and sensitively. Danniella is very approachable, understanding and is able to put clients at ease straight away.
Prior to joining Cardinal, Danniella worked at the High Court as the Clerk to Mrs Justice Arbuthnot in the Family Division. She assisted in the most high profile and emotional cases including end-of-life, loss of a child, incest and the tragic case of Archie Battersbee.
Danniella also worked as a Legal Assistant to a Partner at a London firm where she assisted with a busy caseload with a wide range of children cases spanning public, private and international law.
Kelly Church
Call to the Bar 2025
Kelly has recently been called to the Bar having practised as a Solicitor since qualifying in 2004 and has been accredited for many years with the Law Society Children Panel. In order to be accepted onto the panel solicitors have to evidence that they have a strong knowledge of the law and advocacy abilities.
Kelly has in the last 21 years developed a busy and thriving practice as a family solicitor with experience of dealing with divorce and matrimonial finance, injunctions and children matters in private law and public law.
Kelly has regularly represented children and parents over the years in complex matters including dealing with parental alienation, international elements, fact finding hearings and suspected human trafficking amongst other matters.
Kelly has been a strong solicitor advocate representing her clients from the start to the end of the case appearing before Magistrates to High Court Judges.
Kelly is known for her advocacy skills but also has well developed negotiating skills from time spent advising clients, chairing protocol meetings with CAFCASS to broker agreements as well discussions at court to achieve the best outcome for her clients. Kelly has experience of working with children, vulnerable adults and with intermediaries and has developed a sensitive and considered approach to ensure client's feel supported to achieve their best evidence during the court process.
Having been a solicitor for over 20 years and used to running a busy and dynamic case load Kelly has strong organisational and communication skills.
Christopher Foster
Year of Call: 2016
Christopher formally joined Chambers in March 2018 following the successful completion of his pupillage within Chambers. Christopher is an experienced advocate having worked in-house in law firms in Cambridgeshire and the North West of England.
Christopher is already developing a broad practice across the full range of family law areas including; private children, public children, financial remedies and domestic abuse.
Christopher's specific interests are in public and private child law. In public law proceedings, he has represented parents, children and local authorities in cases involving alcohol and drug misuse, emotional harm, neglect and abuse. He has also represented clients with learning difficulties and mental health issues. Christopher also undertakes the full range of private child law applications. He has experience of cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, alcohol and drug misuse and issues of parental responsibility. Christopher has experience of applications for injunctive orders, financial provisions and TOLATA claims.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys playing and watching tennis and football.
Education and Appointments:
LLB (Hons), De Montfort University
BPTC, Nottingham Law School
Kennedy Scholarship, Lincoln's Inn
Cholmeley Scholarship, Lincoln's Inn
Christine Hayes
Year of Call: 1999
PUBLIC LAW
Christine advises and acts for:
Local Authorities, particularly in cases involving complex legal or factual issues. Parents – especially those with learning difficulties, mental health or substance misuse issues. Children, interveners and grandparents. She appears regularly in the High Court.
She has wide experience of non-accidental injury cases, including concurrent family and criminal law proceedings. She has acted for all parties in adoption proceedings and in the Court of Protection.
PRIVATE LAW
She has acted in many cases involving applications for special guardianship and in cases involving child abduction. She has particular expertise in the field of domestic violence. Her practice concentrates on representing children
OTHER
Christine has assisted in training DWP staff and Social Workers to develop their Court room skills and has often undertaken speaking engagements to train solicitors and has participated in events for schools and the public.
TESTIMONIALS
“Christine always gives excellent advice and she always goes that extra mile for clients and solicitors alike.”
“...she has an ability to put clients at their ease and to speak to them in an easy to understand way.”
Amelia Nixon-Moss
Year of Call: 2014
Since joining Chambers Amelia has enjoyed developing her practice in: private children law, public law and injunctive relief.
Amelia has experience in a wide variety of cases including a notable case of allegations of sexual abuse against a minor. She has represented clients from the first hearing all the way through until final determination.
Amelia's approach is 'person-centred.' Her calming and personable nature quickly puts her clients at ease, at a time which can be highly emotive. She adapts quickly to the needs of the individual client and case whilst remaining realistic.
Amelia is Direct Access qualified.
Testimonials:
"Miss Nixon-Moss was really excellent at court representing me on the 18th April 2018. She was at court an hour before the hearing, and this gave me the security and reassurance that there was enough time to go through my case. She was very well prepared. Miss Nixon-Moss listened to all my concerns and worries regarding my case. She believed that we had a fair chance to win it and this gave me great confidence. She was very polite and helped me through the difficult process of the hearing. She calmed me down when I got upset. She was very encouraging and helpful in every other way, and I felt like a family member was representing me. She is a real credit to her profession. I couldn't recommend her enough."
(Client)
Amelia was incredibly professional and diligent right from instruction through to the end of my court hearing. During what was a very emotional and frightening time, Amelia showed compassion and care in finding the time to call me late on a Friday night (ahead of my instruction) to put my mind at ease over a long weekend. She responded to the urgency of the situation with pace and with my wellbeing centred around her work. Amelia took the lead in the Court proceedings, and I felt safe and reassured in her very capable hands. She managed unforeseen and challenging circumstances, and I walked away from court with my desired outcome. I also want to sincerely thank Richard for his most professional care and handling of my case. Both Amelia and Richard managed my case brilliantly and I am using their services again soon."
(Direct Access client)
"Amelia Nixon-Moss was nothing shy of exceptional throughout, and in court her hard work and knowledge of my case was obvious, resulting in a barrister I was proud to have representing me. I cannot thank you enough and would recommend your services to anyone."
(Direct Access client)
"Miss Nixon-Moss represented our client at a final children hearing. She was professional and supportive. Our client had limited funds, and she was willing to negotiate fees that were acceptable to him. I feel she went above and beyond and, was willing to answer questions beyond those contained in the Brief, which was most helpful. Our client was happy that he got the best result he could in the circumstances. So I would not hesitate to recommend her again to clients in the future"
(Mrs Wilson, Julie McDonald Family Law)
Qualifications:
BPTC, City Law School, Very Competent
LLM, University of Buckingham
LLB (Hons), University of Buckingham
Katie Ross
Year of Call: 2017
Prior to being called to the Bar in 2017, Katie practised as a Solicitor and Advocate in Essex & Kent for many years. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2010, initially working in private practice and then for two of the largest local authorities in the South East of England.
Katie has a thriving law practice, her specialism being private and public children work, but she is also regularly instructed in injunctive proceedings.
Katie has particular expertise in protracted or complex contact and residence cases involving mental health concerns, parental alienation, domestic abuse and drug and alcohol abuse, where expert evidence is obtained.
Instructed by Local Authorities, parents and children’s guardians within care proceedings, Katie has developed expertise in dealing with matters involving cognitive, psychiatric and psychological difficulties, sexual abuse and non-accidental injuries. Katie also has specialist knowledge of adoption proceedings.
Katie’s approachable, yet robust style enables her to give sensitive and supportive advice to clients as well as the confidence to represent them in a firm manner.
Katie is also direct access accredited.
In her spare time Katie enjoys going to the theatre and concerts. She also enjoys baking and makes a great cheesecake!
Hazel Stevens
Year of Call: 2001
Hazel was called to the Bar in 2001 following a career in shipping and overseas trade, during which she travelled widely negotiating contracts and facilities management services, holding a directorship in a multinational shipping line.
Hazel accepts instructions in both family and criminal matters.
CRIME
Hazel specialises in animal cruelty cases, prosecuting regularly for the RSPCA throughout the UK
Hazel has successfully prosecuted fraud cases for the RSPCA and has been instructed in the recent high profile "puppy farm frauds" which have resulted in convictions across the country. She has also prosecuted a number of other high profile cases involving trapping of wild birds, large farm animals cases both for the RSPCA and Trading Standards, cockerel and dog fighting and cruelty to battery hens.
Having been instructed in numerous cases involving the examination and cross examination of expert witnesses, Hazel has acquired significant knowledge of animal and bird welfare, veterinary intervention and terminology that assists in presenting a coherent case.
FAMILY
Hazel is also instructed in public law matters representing parents, children and the local authority.
INTERESTS
Travel, all things Austrian, wine and a good book.
Hannah Sutton
Hannah Sutton qualified as a Solicitor Advocate in 2013 and was called to the bar in July 2023.
Hannah is an experienced advocate who has dealt with a variety of matters in various courts and tribunals, up to and including the Court of Appeal, where she has successfully appeared as the advocate before the full court.
Hannah conducts fact-findings and final hearings. She also has experience of making and opposing applications. Hannah has acted for parents, other family members and guardians in intricate hearings.
Some recent example of her cases include;
• Acting as the advocate for the mother in care proceedings, resulting in the mother being able to keep her baby with her in prison.
• Acting for the father in a complex and lengthy non-accidental injury case.
• Acting for the grandmother in care and private proceedings, securing the return of both her grandsons to her care.
• Acting for an intervenor in a multifaceted rape and sexual abuse case.
Hannah is a tenacious and hardworking advocate, who is passionate about achieving the best outcome for her client in any given situation.
Previous Experience
Hannah previously worked as a criminal defence advocate and has a wealth of experience of conducting trial advocacy, when she has represented clients facing serious criminal matters, which required her to challenge the credibility of witnesses and advance her client's position by using all available evidence.
Hannah has conducted many cases with a sexual or domestic violence element. These required her to examine third party material, including police records, social services' notes and educational reports.
Her criminal cases often involved her representing and cross-examining youths and offenders with mental health issues.
Owing to her experience, she was involved in making representations and submissions to the Home Office regarding Youth Justice in the United Kingdom.
Her patience, determination and legal aptitude in dealing with these cases meant that since she moved to an exclusively family law practice she has been instructed in particularly complex cases, where the participants are from challenging backgrounds, are highly vulnerable and/or suffer with mental health difficulties.
Personal
Hannah ran the London Marathon to raise money and awareness for the Children's Society, a charity that fights against child poverty and neglect to assist the most vulnerable children and young people.
John Waters
Year of Call: 1974
PRIVATE & PUBLIC LAW
John specialises in all cases relating to Private and Public law issues involving children – including contact and residence disputes, special guardianship orders and adoption proceedings.
DIVORCE & SEPARATION
John works tirelessly in seeking to achieve full, fair and just financial settlements for separating and divorcing parties. He is also frequently instructed in many other areas of Family Law
EARLY CAREER
John was called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1974 and for more than twenty five years was based at Chambers in London’s Middle Temple.
During his early career John had a broad general practice, including criminal, civil, landlord & tenant, and personal injury. He was instructed to appear in all the major London Courts and Tribunals, including the Royal Courts of Justice, and the Central Criminal Court (' Old Bailey') as well as General & District Courts- Martial in Germany, Scotland and England.
However John quickly developed a specific interest in Family Law, an area in which he has now specialised for many years. Since 2001 John has been in full time practice in East Anglia.
Alongside his work within East Anglia, he is regularly instructed in the Principal Registry of the Family Division, and in Courts throughout England & Wales.
TRAINING & OUTSIDE INTERESTS
John was for many years a teacher of Advocacy Training at the Council of Legal Education in London. He also served as a Member of the Board of Examiners at the Inns of Court School of Law. John is a member of the Family Law Bar Association. At leisure John enjoys time spent with his expanding family, pursuing his, and their, many interests.
Stella Young
Year of Call: 2021
Stella joined chambers in March 2021. She was previously Head of the Family department at Jefferies solicitors in Southend. As a solicitor advocate she was instructed by CAFCASS on behalf of children. She also represented parents and relatives in care and private law cases.
Stella is a skilled and experienced advocate in complex cases of suspected non accidental injury where medical evidence can sometimes be controversial and requires enquiry and challenge. She has dealt with a number of complex appeals and has appeared in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Stella is also very experienced in dealing with complex wardship, adoption and surrogacy cases.
DOOR TENANT
Joel Wootten
Before coming to the Bar, Joel read History at the University of Leeds. He obtained First Class Honours and was awarded the Sid Chaplin Memorial Prize for best undergraduate dissertation. As a result, Joel’s dissertation was published in the academic journal, North-East Labour History, and he was invited to speak at the Journal’s annual conference at Durham University.
Joel converted to law with a GDL from Northumbria University, achieving a Distinction. For the Bar Course, Joel Remained at Northumbria and again went on to obtain a Distinction. He achieved the highest grade in his cohort for Criminal Advocacy.
Joel was awarded the Diplock Scholarship from the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple for both the GDL and the Bar Course.
Joel is regularly instructed by the RSPCA in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court, securing numerous life-time disqualification orders. Recently, Joel was led by Hazel Stevens in a high-profile “puppy farm Fraud” case.
ADMINISTRATION
Peter Hall
Peter Hall brings a wealth of experience to Cardinal Chambers, having started his career in the Temple, London in 1978.
His first role was Junior Clerk to Harry Woolf who later became Lord Chief Justice. In 1990 Peter was appointed Senior Clerk at 3 Temple Gardens, London.
In 1993 he moved from London to Suffolk and was made Senior Clerk at East Anglian Chambers.
Since that time he has forged a strong working relationship with instructing Solicitors, and now relishes the opportunity of working in a forward thinking specialist Chambers.
Peter is responsible for the Barristers’ practices and also the development of chambers systems and services. He is a member of the Management Committee and a director of Cardinal Chambers.
Leanne Hillery
Leanne joined chambers in June 2021. She previously worked for twelve years with a prestigious solicitors firm in Essex, Fisher Jones and Greenwood. She assisted a partner within the family team.
In her spare time Leanne is a keen road cyclist, paddle boarder and all round outdoor adventurer.
Sally Freeman
Sally was one of the original members of Cardinal Chambers when it was established in 2013. Following a successful career at the Bar Sally retired in September 2015 and was looking forward to a quiet retirement.
In 2018 she was invited back to Cardinal to take on a new challenge as administrator as Cardinal grows from strength to strength.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm
