For Advice. For Advocacy. For Dispute Resolution. For Litigation. For Family.
4PB Family Law Barristers
4PB is one of the largest chambers in England and Wales, practising only in the field of Family Law, comprising 25 ‘silks’ and 67 ‘juniors’, a total of 92. Our barristers practise across all areas of family law. Instructed by the country’s premier family law firms, our practitioners are regularly involved in landmark developments in family law and family justice.
We are supported by a first-class team of clerks, practice manager and administrative staff.
In October 2021 we relocated from our long-held base in the Temple at 4 Paper Buildings, to modern premises in the heart of St Paul’s, which provide the latest video and communication technology to allow our members to conduct consultations, conferences, remote hearings, ADR and mediation. We are leaders in our field recognised each year by numerous legal accolades and awards.
We are now 4PB.
4PB provide expert, practical legal advice in all areas of family law;
Powerful and effective court advocacy;
Out-of-court family dispute resolution services;
Public and direct access barristers in appropriate cases.
Financial Remedy Essay Competition 2024
Following the success of our inaugural competition, we are delighted to announce the launch of our Financial Remedies Essay Competition 2024 for the second year.
With this opportunity, we aim to encourage current law students, as well as those who have completed their studies and are actively seeking pupillage, to explore the realm of Financial Remedies law in the hope that they will be inspired to consider practice in this area of law. This competition underscores 4PB’s commitment to nurturing excellence and innovation in the field.
We invite individuals to write a 1,000-word essay discussing the following: “The law on maintenance should be reformed to provide for a formulaic approach.”
The winner will receive £500, a mini-pupillage, and an invitation to the 4PB Finance Group Annual Seminar and Reception on Wednesday, 27th November 2024, where the winner will be announced. In addition, the winning essay will be considered for publication in the Family Law Journal.
For more information or to make a submission, click here
4PB News
Jan
Barbara Mills KC Makes History as Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales for 2025
Our very own Joint Head of Chambers, Barbara Mills KC, has made history as Chair of The Bar Council of England and Wales for 2025. Her groundbreaking appointment marks several historic firsts. Barbara becomes the first black woman and the first person of colour to hold the role, as well as leading the first all-female officer team in the Bar Council’s 130-year history, working alongside Vice-Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC and Treasurer Lucinda Orr. Barbara also becomes the first Family Law barrister in 35 years to chair the Bar since Sir Robert Johnson.
In her inaugural address, Barbara outlined her personal priorities for the year. She pledged “to raise the profile of family law and to help the Government in its mission to halve violence against women and girls.” She also emphasised the importance of embedding wellbeing as “a skill and a core part of effective practice management” and committed to making “further strides in our pursuit of equality, diversity and inclusion”.
In her closing words, Barbara drew on an African proverb from her Ghanaian upbringing: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” before inviting the Bar to “walk with [her] so we can go far together.”
Charles Hale KC, Joint Head of 4PB, commented:
“I am delighted both for Barbara and for the Bar, that Barbara has now become Chair of the Bar of England and Wales. I know I speak on behalf of all of my Chambers, her family and friends, when I say that we are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and what she will now go on to achieve! There will be young black girls who will see what Barbara has achieved, and they will be inspired to achieve themselves. That in itself is a legacy, even before the year in office is done.”
The ‘remarkable’ 4 Paper Buildings is ‘simply the best stable’ of barristers who are ‘committed and passionate’ to children law, both domestic and international. With ‘a wide spread of barristers who excel in the field’, chambers offers ‘accomplished, expert counsel at every level of call and covering all particular niches’. Many of the set’s ‘stellar’ counsel are ‘absolute leaders in the field’ and there is also ‘a seemingly endless raft of very capable juniors’ coming through. Chambers’ matrimonial finance barristers are also ‘excellent’ and of the ‘highest quality’. The set is very approachable, inviting solicitors to share knowledge and welcoming in their dealings with clients.
Legal 500, 2019