Karl Rowley QC has been shortlisted for Family Law QC of the Year
We are delighted to announce that Karl Rowley QC has been shortlisted for ‘Family Law QC of the Year’ at the Family Law Awards 2019.
Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Karl is a specialist in the law relating to children. He represents parents, children and local authorities in public law proceedings, having appeared at all levels of court. He is a very experienced appellate lawyer, appearing in the Court of Appeal several times each year.
A full list of his reported cases can be found here.
To instruct Karl or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Application by Father for permission to appeal against care and placement orders, on the basis that he has since been given a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.
The Court of Appeal has outlined guidance on placement timings, after finding that a local authority’s decision to proceed with a farewell visit while a father’s application for permission to appeal was pending was “plainly wrong” and “contrary to the children’s interests”.
Led James Cleary for the lead respondent in the Court of Appeal against findings of fact that the appellant sexually abused a small child. The appeal against the recorder’s findings was dismissed whilst the lower court’s reasons were delivered with economy, they were sufficient as to substance.
Judgment by the President of the Family Division to highlight the unsatisfactory delays in the provision of post-mortem reports in suspected child homicide cases, and to describe possible alternative ways for the Family Court to proceed.
Represented a local authority where two NHS Trusts were refusing to admit a 15-year-old girl who had been twice assessed as urgently requiring admission in a secure mental health unit.
Seminal case as to court’s approach to the question of whether to hold a fact-finding hearing.
Appeared for the children and successfully defended the Judge’s decision on appeal.
Succeeded for appellant father in a case which gave guidance as to the approach of courts hearing cases during the viral pandemic.
Successfully argued that a person could not retain habitual residence in a country which they had left under a deportation order and to which they could not lawfully return.
Karl led 2 counsel for the lead local authority in the largest public law family case that has been litigated.
Appeared for the appellant in the Court of Appeal and was successful in arguing that the first instance decision should be overturned.
Appeared for father accused of holding radical views; local authority withdrew proceedings part way into hearing.
Appeal in high-profile case representing a mother seeking the admission of fresh evidence not sanctioned by the court.
Appeared for the mother in reopened proceedings where an infant had suffered 26 fractures.
Represented child in finely-balanced adoption/SGO case where different orders had been made in respect of siblings in the same placement.
Rehearing of case following Court of Appeal overturning findings against client. Local authority failed to establish case at retrial of smothering and other alleged injury against him.
Represented child fostered abroad and brought to UK. Carer applied to adopt here; Egypt sought child’s return. Child adopted.
Representing a mother accused of support for ISIS: local authority withdrew its application for care orders as no evidence of radicalisation of children.
Appeared for a mother accused of attempting to take her children to Syria; President of Family Division did not make the finding sought by the local authority and the applications were dismissed.
Acted for the appellants in the Court of Appeal. The Court overturned a finding of fact that a person caused a child’s death and went on to give guidance as to the use of a finding of a lie in family cases.
A fact finding hearing in respect of the death of a baby who had been shaken.
In private law proceedings Karl’s practice has included multifaceted residence applications involving sexual abuse or homicide, protracted contact cases, international relocation, and cases concerning children with special needs.
He has been instructed on behalf of nurseries and individual childcare professionals. He has conducted cases for applicants and defendants in judicial review proceedings. His theological background gives him a particular understanding of religious issues as they arise in family proceedings.
“Karl strikes the perfect balance of tenacity and authority whilst remaining approachable at all times to both those instructing him and the client, which instils great confidence in his clients. He has an incredible eye for detail and is a highly skilled, brilliant advocate who commands the court’s attention. He is well respected by colleagues and judiciary for good reason!”
Legal 500 2023
"He's an exceptional barrister."
Chambers UK Bar
"Highly regarded on the children side."
Chambers UK Bar 2019
"A talented silk with a keen eye for the details in a case."
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2019
"A children law specialist who has a wealth of experience advising on private and public cases. His areas of expertise include international adoptions and child death."
"I wouldn’t hesitate instructing him on children matters." "For children, he is just out of this planet. He is so impressive."
Chambers UK Bar 2018
We are delighted to announce that Karl Rowley QC has been shortlisted for ‘Family Law QC of the Year’ at the Family Law Awards 2019.
We are delighted to welcome Karl Rowley QC from St John’s Buildings, Manchester as a door tenant at Harcourt Chambers.
Karl’s practice covers public and private children cases, wardship, public…