Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2022
'His written work was top drawer and he dealt with a complex and emotive case with empathy and grace. One to watch!'
Solicitor at Oliver Fisher
Ben Woolstencroft joined Harcourt as a tenant in October 2024, having completed pupillage under the supervision of Suzanne Syme, Daniel Sheridan, Rob George and Mehvish Chaudhry.
Ben accepts instructions across the full spectrum of Chambers’ practice areas. He has a thriving practice in both children and financial remedy cases. In private children proceedings, he regularly appears in multi-day fact-finding hearings and final hearings. In financial remedies, he often represents clients at FDAs, FDRs and final hearings. He is also experienced in cases with an international element.
Prior to joining Harcourt, Ben worked at the Court of Appeal of England and Wales as the judicial assistant to Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Moylan. During his time there, he gained experience in a variety of areas of family law including public and private children, matrimonial finance and international child abduction. He worked on significant family cases such as Re AG (A Child) [2022] EWCA Civ 1505 and Re A (Parental Responsibility) [2023] EWCA Civ 689.
Ben originally studied Classics at the University of Cambridge before converting to law. During his legal studies, he gave supervised advice to clients on family issues for the City Legal Advice Clinic and delivered a seminar on the law of relocation to an audience of current and aspiring family law barristers.
To instruct Ben or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
'His position statement was excellent, and he was very pragmatic, approachable and constructive.'
Solicitor at RWK Goodman
'Super impressed with Ben - detailed PS and AN of the hearing which was very useful. He was also really helpful afterwards with the draft order and dealing with the client’s questions. Great communication.
I have already recommended Ben to my colleagues and would happily instruct him on future matters.'
Instructing Solicitor
'Ben has been one of the exceptional individuals I have instructed who has fully grasped and comprehended the case. His preparation was impeccable, and he maintained excellent communication with me throughout the two days of instruction keeping me updated on everything. Ben has presented a meticulous approach to his work which is evident from the very thorough and detailed attendance note he provided me after the hearing was concluded, which enabled me to debrief my client the following day. My client was also highly impressed with his work and greatly appreciated his comprehensive understanding of her case, especially considering he had received the papers only a few days before the hearing. Ben's ability to grasp the intricate detailed nuances of cases quickly and accurately is admirable. Ben is a brilliant addition to Harcourt and I look forward to working with him more in the future.'
Instructing Solicitor
'I wanted to drop you a line, just to say how impressive Ben was as an oppo on a case last week, his written work was top drawer and he dealt with a complex and emotive case with empathy and grace.'
Solicitor
'I just got a call from the client represented by Ben at this hearing, saying that Ben was amazing and he really wishes he will represent him at the final hearing. I really agree with him.'
Instructing Solicitor
'Ben was extremely well-prepared and the client was very pleased with his advocacy on his behalf which really made a difference in this case.
Ben has already been chosen by my client to deal with the next hearing. He provided a very comprehensive AN and an excellent PS. My client and I were very happy with him and would not hesitate to book him again.'
Instructing Solicitor
Justine Ramsden and Ben Woolstencroft talk about the Cafcass domestic abuse practice policy in their latest webinar with For Media Group.
In the webinar they delve into the rationale…
The impact of a court making findings of domestic abuse against a client seeking a child arrangements order can be catastrophic. That impact is exacerbated where those found to have…
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,…