Practice Areas
Dispute Resolution
Direct Access
Awards
‘He’s one of the foremost practitioners in the field of international abduction cases and has a level of expertise that few people can rival.’
Chambers and Partners, 2025
‘Teertha is a superb advocate, who knows the law and the judges well.’
Legal 500, 2025
Experience
Year of Call: 1990
Year of Silk: 2012
Education
Mill Hill School,London
Leeds University
Inns of Court School of Law.
Languages
Conversational Bengali
Appointments
Deputy High Court Judge 2016
Recorder (Civil, Crime and Family) 2009
Member of Football Association’s Judicial Panel (Independent Chair of Regulatory Commissions) (Specialist Chair of Appeal Board)
Profile
Teertha is a specialist senior barrister and trial advocate with over 30 years of experience.
He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012 and a (Family) Deputy High Court Judge in 2016. Teertha also sits as a part time Circuit Judge (a Recorder) in the Criminal and Civil courts.
Teertha is an award winning barrister including the Jordan’s Family Law Barrister of the year and Chambers and Partners Family Junior before taking silk.
As a silk has been nominated many times and won the prestigious Legal 500 Family Law Queen’s Counsel of the year award in 2018 additionally Teertha was the Lexis-Nexis National Family Law QC of the Year in 2021/22.
He often lectures and chairs at prestigious, highly regarded family law events and has been interviewed on Radio Four: Face the Facts and Law in Action. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01l7wq5
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/law_in_action/3965871.stm
In the last year alone, Teertha has lectured in Abu Dhabi, Armenia and Cape Town.
Teertha Represents NGO’s pro bono and conducts many trials and consultations on a Direct Access basis.
Teertha is a father of four and knows how difficult parenthood can be. He is unshockable.
International Children Law
Teertha’s practice is widely spread geographically across England and Northern Ireland (and the Eastern Caribbean) in all levels of court from County court to the CJEU (before Brexit) . He has been involved in over 10 full appeals in the UKSC/House of Lords.
Private Children Law
His areas of expertise include complex domestic and international children cases such as relocation, cross-border parental abductions and acrimonious private law disputes.
Teertha is also the ‘go to’ person for Forced marriage, FGM and stranded spouse cases. He has spoken in the House of Commons and was named by Lord Lester in the House of Lords as one of the four senior pro bono lawyers behind the Forced Marriage Civil Protection Bill which became a statute in 2007.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70126-0001.htm
Hotly contested proceedings for clients who are running unpopular arguments before the courts are his forte. He has developed the ability present any case in its best possible light and has been known to have changed Judges’ minds in the most difficult of cases. He examines cases in detail and leaves no stone unturned.
Public Children Law
Teertha has conducted many public law matters over the years, representing Local Authorities, parents and children in complex matters. He travels extensively throughout the jurisdiction and abroad when he is needed.
Teertha successfully led a team of lawyers in the UK Supreme Court in Re T Children [2012] UKSC 36) for CAFCASS making submissions
“…on behalf of all future children who are subjects of fact-finding hearings in care proceedings, to ensure that their interests are protected and are seen to be protected..”
Non-court dispute resolution
Teertha has trained as a mediator and a collaborative lawyer. His aim is to provide a cost effective, knowledgeable and straight forward service. In recent years, because of his diplomatic and unflappable manner, Teertha’s mediation practice has been on the increase, as parties try to avoid far more costly, lengthy proceedings . Teertha’s model is “shuttle mediation” (where the parties do not meet and sometimes attend with their respective lawyers). Please note Teertha does not provide MIAMS mediation.
Inquests and Public Enquiries
Teertha been the Advocate to the Court -instructed by the Attorney General (Re S a child [2008] EWHC 3013 (Fam). He intervened on behalf of the Attorney General in MA and JA and The Attorney General [2012] EWHC 2219 (Fam).
Professional Memberships
Barristers Benevolent Association
Inner Temple
Family Justice Council (Diversity sub-committee)
FLBA
Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, British Virgin Islands Circuit
Member of The British Association of Sports Lawyers
Fellow of International Academy of Family Lawyers
Bencher of Inner Temple
Directories
“He’s one of the foremost practitioners in the field of international abduction cases and has a level of expertise that few people can rival.”
“His ability to swiftly articulate a legal argument and strategy in a case is impressive.”
“He’s very popular with clients. He inspires confidence.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
‘Teertha is a superb advocate, who knows the law and the judges well.’
Legal 500, 2025
“He has a very effective style when in court.”
“He is an incredible advocate, whose knowledge of international children law is really second to none.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024
Band 1
“An exceptional litigator who is respected by clients and the court. Capable of holding the court in the palm of his hand, he doesn’t sit on the fence and is very clear and direct with the client. He advances his arguments in a way that’s difficult to break down.”
“Clients have confidence in him and he’s a very effective advocate – he knows what arguments to put to a court, he’s robust and he makes clear submissions.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
Band 1
‘Teertha is an excellent advocate for complicated international children cases. His knowledge of the relevant law is outstanding, and he has a mastery of the court room that makes him one of the very best advocates in children law at the Bar.’
Legal 500, 2023
Top Tier
‘Teertha is at the top of the game for international children law cases – he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law in this field. An incredible silk.’
Legal 500, 2022
Top Tier
‘He makes the effort to be available to his clients and explains issues in terms they can understand.” “An empathetic advocate with a fantastic grasp of international children law, he develops strong relationships with his clients.” “Teertha Gupta QC brings sense and clarity to difficult cases. He presents arguments with conviction and authority, and courts adore him.’
Chambers & Partners, 2022
Band 1
Focuses his well-respected practice on public and private international children disputes. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom. Sources see him as one of the foremost abduction silks.
Strengths: “Charismatic and can get to grips with a case remarkably quickly.” “A formidable advocate of the highest calibre.” “One of the best international silks.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
Band 1
‘Very able to cut through the relevant issues and to provide clear and decisive strategic input. Establishes a strong rapport with clients very quickly.’
Legal 500, 2021
Top Tier
Focuses his well-respected practice on public and private international children disputes. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom. Sources see him as one of the foremost abduction silks.
Strengths: “Has just got a brilliant mind when it comes to all things international children-related and is very calm and authoritative. He immediately impresses clients with his knowledge and understanding, and is very good at tailoring his approach to them. They have absolute confidence in him.” “He’s endlessly charming and has a beautiful manner in court.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
Band 1
‘Is never flustered and instils great confidence in clients.’
Legal 500, 2020
Top Tier
Focuses on international children disputes, both public and private, many of which involve forensic investigation. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom. Sources see him as one of the foremost abduction silks.
Strengths: “Utterly charming in everything he does.” “His knowledge is formidable, and he’s brilliant on his feet. He is co-operative and collaborative, and great at building a rapport with his clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2019
Band 1
‘Has an encyclopaedic knowledge of international children law.’
Legal 500, 2019
Top Tier
Focuses on international children disputes, both public and private, many of which involve forensic investigation. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom. Sources see him as one of the foremost abduction silks.
Strengths: “The way he speaks is outstanding. He has the quality touch of someone who has a very, very pleasant court manner. His presentation, his diction and the content are always so good.”
Chambers & Partners 2018
‘He is quick to see the tactical arguments and always develops a great rapport with clients.’
Legal 500, 2017
Top Tier
Focuses on international children disputes, both public and private, many of which involve forensic investigation. He is universally commended for his personable advocacy style and his prowess in the courtroom.
Strengths: “He’s charm personified, is fantastic with clients and is very friendly. He’s also a brilliant strategist and tactician.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Band 1
One of the most eminent silks for cross-border children matters, and has a particular reputation for his work in child abduction. Sources consistently praise his friendly and approachable manner, and admire his technical abilities.
Strengths: “A great tactician when it comes to international children work.” “Clients absolutely love him. He’s very friendly and they all report back they have massive confidence in him and really feel he’s listening to them.”
Chambers & Partners 2016
Band 1
“He has an incredible ability to strategise the case from start to finish, and he sees unique angles and nuances.”
Legal 500, 2016
Top Tier
A widely respected barrister who deals with the most complex and testing multi-jurisdictional matters. Child abduction cases are his strong suit.
Expertise: “A very smooth operator with gallons of charm and a great mind to match.” “We appreciate Teertha’s considerable experience and his ability to understand the nuances of each specific case and advise accordingly. He is both approachable and pragmatic, and clients always warm to him.”
Chambers & Partners 2015 – Band 1
‘He combines knowledge and acumen with personal charm and the ability to think outside the box – a one-off.’
The Legal 500, 2015
Teertha Gupta QC ‘Charming and ferocious at the same time.’
The Legal 500, 2014
Has thrived since taking silk in 2012 and is highly respected for his work on cross-jurisdictional children cases.
Expertise: “A joy to work with, he’s knowledgeable and so very on the ball. He focuses on issues in order to ensure he gets a result for the client.” “He’s always available to talk and is very innovative in his solutions to problems.”
Recent work: Appeared on behalf of CAFCAS in the Supreme Court in Re: T. He successfully persuaded the Law Lords that the Court of Appeal was wrong in its analysis that costs follow the event in care cases.
Chambers & Partners 2014 – Band 1
Recommended as a Leading Silk in the area of Children law
The Legal 500, 2013
Teertha Gupta QC is an “exceptional advocate” whose ascension to silk in 2012 was, in the eyes of market observers, richly deserved. His principal area of focus is international children cases. Recent matters have included S (Wardship: Stranded Spouses), a case concerning a bride brought to the UK to marry a British citizen, who was then drugged and abandoned in Pakistan without a passport after giving birth.
Chambers & Partners 2013
International child abduction specialist Teertha Gupta QC’s recent QC appointment is ‘a formal confirmation of a standard that he has worked to for many years now’.
The Legal 500, 2012
Teertha Gupta is held in extremely high regard for his children work: “He is a solid advocate and the go-to junior for all international children work.” International child abduction and relocation matters are his forte, and solicitors flock to him as he has “not only first-class legal expertise, but also a delightful and charming style.”
Chambers and Partners 2012 – Band 1
Teertha Gupta is the ‘leading child abduction junior at the family Bar’
The Legal 500 2011 – Top Tier
Teertha Gupta is a premier junior for international children work. “He has an approachable and relaxed manner and knows exactly what he is doing,” sources say. They comment admiringly that “charm allied to brains always makes for a potent combination.”
Chambers & Partners 2011 – Band 1
Teertha Gupta represents a recent excellent hire for the set. Noted for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and his interest in abduction and forced marriage, he is “an enthusiastic and thoroughly committed lawyer who gives it his all every time.
Chambers & Partners 2010 – Band 1
Teertha Gupta was voted as ‘Family Junior Barrister of the Year’
Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2008.
Recommended as a Leading Family Junior
The Legal 500, 2010
Teertha Gupta is, like Setright, mightily impressing peers and clients with his expert understanding of international child abduction, forced marriages and matters relating to stranded spouses. Widely regarded as ‘one of the leading juniors,’ he has ‘courage and tenacity when faced with the toughest challenges’.
Chambers & Partners 2009 – Band 1
Recommended as a Leading Family Junior
The Legal 500, 2009
Described as ‘the cat’s whiskers’ by opposing counsel for his combination of ‘sophisticated legal knowledge, good cross examination and effective case presentation’, Gupta spends much of his time on cross border disputes regarding children. In addition he has established himself as one of only a tiny handful of experts in the niche area of international forced marriages.
Chambers & Partners 2008
Gupta’s practice is heavily built on this topic and also child abduction cases. Clients find him ‘professional and expeditious’ singling him out as a ‘barrister who is going places’.
Chambers & Partners 2007
Gupta is a great favourite of the Home Office-Foreign Office’s Forced Marriage Unit and is known for both his accessibility and his ‘unflinching devotion to the cause’.
Chambers & Partners 2006
Teertha Gupta is ‘a rising star in international abduction work’.
The Legal 500, 2008
Teertha Gupta is highly recommended in forced marriage and child abduction matters.
The Legal 500, 2007
Teertha Gupta is widely viewed as the leading junior in forced marriage cases and is also highly recommended for his expertise in child abduction matters.
The Legal 500, 2006