Alison Williams MCIArb 

Call: 2004

‘Alison is a very exceptional family law barrister; she is reliable in any children matter not only for her legal knowledge, but she also has an excellent manner with the clients, the court and her opponents. She takes a no-nonsense approach but equally is an efficient negotiator.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026

Alison is children law and ADR specialist who has practised in family law for over twenty years.
She is known for her empathetic and pragmatic approach, focusing on the individual needs of her clients, including the practical and emotional issues that can shape her client’s decision-making as well as the legal aspects of a case.  She is a skilled negotiator, dedicated to finding solutions, and demonstrates a firm but sensitive style of advocacy.
Her court practice involves extensive experience in representing parents, local authorities, intervenors, prospective adopters and children’s guardians in a variety of family proceedings across different levels of court.  On many occasions she has acted for children directly where her approachable manner has led to repeat instructions.
Alison is a Resolution trained mediator and can mediate children and finance matters.  Although her court practice now focuses on children, Alison has previously had over ten years’ experience working on financial provision cases, which stands her in good stead to mediate on all issues, together with her sensible and thoughtful approach to problem solving.
Alison is also a qualified arbitrator for children matters under the IFLA Children’s Scheme.

To instruct Alison or for more information…

Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk

Practice Areas

Alison has a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  She can offer ‘all issues’ family mediation and children arbitration.
Mediation sessions with Alison can be undertaken in chambers, at an alternative location (such as solicitors’ offices) or online.  Alison brings a being flexible and adaptable approach taking into account the specific needs of the parties. Arbitrations can similarly be in person or online.
Alison is working towards her accreditation with the Family Mediation Council.

Alison provides highly proficient representation in all applications pursuant to section 8 of the Children Act 1989, special guardianship cases, private adoptions, internal relocation, choice of school, medical treatment and cases requiring injunctions. She acts for all parties involved in such proceedings including children through their rule 16.4 guardians.
Her cases cover the spectrum of children issues that arise in relationship breakdowns. She has particular experience in cases where the dispute has become intractable and in cases where children’s services have become involved. Her practice also includes cases involving allegations of domestic violence, alienating behaviours and the issues arising from substance abuse and mental ill-health. She is always well-prepared and aims to deploy her skills to each client’s case in a bespoke way, whether the case requires forensic cross-examination of an expert witness or giving sensible advice.

Alison provides effective and skilled representation in all types of public law children proceedings. Her practice has encompassed cases involving non-accidental injury (including fractures and shaken baby cases), sexual abuse, interference with medical equipment, fabricated and induced illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health difficulties, neglect and parental alienation. She is often instructed to represent clients with learning difficulties, teenage parents and clients who otherwise are vulnerable or difficult to advise.

Notable Public Law Children cases

A to G (Care - seven siblings) [2025] EWFC 393 (B)

Care proceedings relating to 7 children, issued following concerns including criminal activity, drug use, and domestic abuse.

Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 256 (B)

Care proceedings in relation to four children, issued following concerns regarding parental drug use, neglect, parental mental health and domestic abuse.

Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 34 (B)

Care proceedings, issued following concerns about mother’s parenting. Ordered that child live with father, and for father to be permitted to relocate her to his home country.

 

What the directories say

'Alison is approachable and knowledgeable. She prepares well, has a detailed grasp of the papers and provides helpful advice. She is an excellent advocate - setting out the case clearly and effectively and remaining focused throughout.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

Related News

Alison Williams and James Dove in Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 256 (B)

James Dove acted for the Local Authority and Alison Williams acted for the Guardian, instructed by Oxford Law Group Ltd, in Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 256 (B).…

Cases | 12th Aug 2025

Sara Granshaw and Alison Williams in Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 34 (B)

Sara Granshaw appeared on behalf of the applicant Local Authority and Alison Williams was instructed by Dawson Cornwell for the second respondent Father in Oxfordshire County Council v M & Ors [2025]…

Cases | 28th Mar 2025

Harcourt Chambers attending the Bar Council’s Pupillage Fair 2024 on Saturday

Harcourt Chambers is excited to announce that we will be attending the Bar Council’s Pupillage Fair on Saturday, 19th October 2024. The event takes place at Convene, 133 Houndsditch, London,…

Events | 15th Oct 2024

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