4PB—Deirdre Fottrell KC

4PB has announced that Deirdre Fottrell KC has joined chambers with immediate effect. Specialising in children law, Deirdre is highly regarded at the family bar. She also sits as a deputy High Court judge.

Deirdre practices primarily in private law children work representing high net worth individuals. She is regularly instructed in cases with an international element including abduction, relocation and adoption. She is a leading practitioner in surrogacy, assisted reproduction and in cases where issues of legal parentage arise.

She is a highly experienced appellate counsel and is regularly instructed in the Court of Appeal, and she has appeared in the Supreme Court and the Privy Council. She is also instructed in complex public law cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Deirdre has been described by a client as ‘a considered advocate, whose submissions are both elegant and completely crushing’.

Deirdre said: ‘I am very pleased to join 4PB, which has a well-earned reputation as the leading set in the field of children law. The set is known for the depth and strength of its talented practitioners across international and domestic children law. I look forward to working with junior and senior colleagues and to the next chapter in my career.’

In a joint statement, Heads of Chambers Charles Hale KC and Barbara Mills KC said: ‘We are delighted that Deirdre has chosen to join us and continue her stellar practice at 4PB. Many of her clients are existing clients of 4PB, and well known to our clerking team. Her joining takes the number of leading family silks to an extraordinary 25. We are immensely proud of the strength, depth and quality of service that we can provide.’