Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 1999
‘Edward is a go-to counsel. He is always helpful and approaches every case with immense professionalism, and he has a pragmatic approach, seeing solutions rather than challenges.’
Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
Edward was called in 1999 and has specialised exclusively in family law proceedings for over 18 years.
His main areas of expertise are in public law care and adoption proceedings as well as private law Children Act proceedings.
Edward regularly acts for local authorities, guardians and parents at all stages of care and adoption proceedings. His experience covers the complete spectrum of issues including serious non-accidental injuries, chronic neglect, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation.
When representing local authorities, he has the benefit of a detailed understanding of internal procedures, decision making protocols and pressures on time and resources. Equally when representing parents he is able to offer realistic advice whilst building a trusting rapport with the client regardless of their background or the allegations made against them.
To instruct Edward or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Edward has a particular interest and expertise in cases involving non-accidental injuries with multiple, sometimes conflicting, expert evidence. His experience covers cases involving multiple fractures, burns, starvation and “shaking” injuries. He also has experience in complex FII cases.
Care proceedings relating to two children, whose mother and fathers were unable to safely parent them.
Final hearing of care proceedings concerning two teenaged children, following findings that parents had assaulted them. Care orders made, with plan of long-term foster care.
Application by father to re-open findings of fact in case involving the death of child, in light of new evidence in which mother admitted causing the injuries to child.
A fact finding hearing in which a young teenager made allegations of physical and sexual abuse by her father and step mother which were found proved.
Fact-finding in care proceedings concerning allegations that parents assaulted children.
Care proceedings. Application by mother for direction that child join parents in residential placement, for the family to be assessed.
Application by M to remove PR from man found not to be biological father of child.
In private law proceedings, Edward is often instructed on more complex disputes and frequently on behalf of r.16.4 Guardians. He has extensive experience of dealing with apparently intractable contact and residence arrangements. An example is Re J & K (Children: Private Law) [2014] EWHC 330 (Fam) – a case widely reported by the press as deadlock between warring parents settled over “a cup of tea” in the cafeteria of the RCJ.
Edward is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.
'Edward is articulate and well-prepared. He is calm, approachable and knows this area of law extremely well.'
Legal 500 UK Bar 2025
'Edward is very approachable and knowledgeable and prepares the cases well. He is flexible in his approach to instructions and is happy to go that extra mile if asked.'
Legal 500 UK Bar 2024
'Edward has the ability to process large and complex bundles of documents and present them to the court in a highly skilled manner whilst making the entire process user friendly and supportive to the clients. He is a very capable advocate who will always support the clients but will always be honest and give sound legal advice with a sense of humour when needed.’
Legal 500 UK Bar 2023
‘Edward is a strong and fearless advocate who is able to take on any case, regardless of its complexity and has the confidence of the court, solicitors and clients.’
Legal 500 UK Bar 2021
"He combines a meticulous eye with an approachable demeanour."
The Legal 500 UK Bar
"His eye for detail is second-to-none."
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2019
Edward Kirkwood represented the Applicant Council, Oliver Wraight, instructed by Griffiths Robertson, represented the Second Respondent Father, and Emma Gatland, instructed by Oxford Law Group, represented the First Respondent Mother…
Edward Kirkwood represented the First Respondent local authority in BM v A Local Authority & Ors [2024] EWFC 196; an application by father to re-open findings of fact in case involving…
Edward Kirkwood and Daniel Sheridan were delighted to assist with a request for training. They recently delivered an informative talk to a team of lawyers and social workers, qualified at…