Claire Williams

Practice Overview

Claire is an experienced family law practitioner and is a member of the Family@30 and Public@30 teams. In the main, she is instructed by Local Authorities in all types of complex cases, including those involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse. In addition, she has a wealth of experience of representing parents, interveners, guardians, foster carers and prospective adopters.  

She has undertaken cases in her own right in the High Court and the Court of Appeal and has appeared in cases where other parties are represented by Queens Counsel.

Claire also practices in the field of Education Law. She has represented Local Education Authorities, parents and learners at tribunals relating the admissions and Special Educational Needs. She is also able to advise in respect of all matters relating to the duties and functions of schools and LEAs including judicial review. 

Claire is also a fluent Welsh speaker and can conduct cases through the medium of Welsh.

Notable and Reported cases

• Re P-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 223

  Led junior in a case on whether a competent child has the right to give evidence in relation to welfare issues concerning himself

• Recommendations

  • Claire Williams is a respected junior frequently instructed by local authorities in a range of serious physical and sexual abuse cases. She also represents parents, guardians and interveners, and her experience has been further cemented by undertaking cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. She has in-depth knowledge of Hague Convention matters. "Claire is an exceptionally talented barrister with excellent client care skills and knowledge of all areas of law." "She is a robust advocate who is meticulous in her preparation." (Chambers & Partners 2024, Family: Children)

  • ‘She is always well prepared, pays attention to detail, has excellent knowledge of the law and procedures, has endless patience and is an outstanding, strong and highly skilled advocate, highly regarded by colleagues, peers and the judiciary.' (Legal 500, 2024- Family: Children & Domestic Violence)
  • “Claire is a strong advocate who is thoroughly prepared for every case. She treats clients with respect and has an exhaustive supply of patience.” (Chambers UK, 2023 - Family: Children)
  • "Claire’s attention to detail is excellent. Empathetic but confident and firm. She is thorough in her preparation of her cases, and has a sound and excellent knowledge of the law and procedure." (Legal 500, 2023)
  • "She handles difficult cases sensitively and pragmatically. She is exceedingly well versed in procedural issues but tempers this with a focus on the practical effect upon the client." (Chambers UK, 2022)
  • 'Claire is meticulous in her preparation of the case and is an excellent advocate.’ (Legal 500, 2022)
  • "A go-to junior." (Chambers UK, 2021)
  • 'Cases are always well prepared and she is a strong advocate who is well respected by her peers and judges alike.' (Legal 500, 2021)
  • 'Claire Williams is one of the most thorough and considered barristers. One of her strengths is that she has always run through every possible scenario and as a result is prepared for every possible outcome that could arise at a hearing." "She's an advocate of consummate skill.' (Chambers UK, 2020)
  • 'Particularly adept in complex care proceedings.’ (Legal 500, 2020)
  • 'Known for representing parents, guardians and interveners in family law matters.’ (Legal 500, 2018)
  • 'She has great talent and energy - highly regarded. A junior with a very strong repuation'. (Chambers UK, 2018)
  • 'Experienced in cases involving serious physical and sexual abuse'. (Legal 500, 2017)
  • Respected junior frequently instructed by local authorities in a range of serious physical and sexual abuse cases. She also represents parents and guardians, and her extensive experience has been further cemented by undertaking cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Strengths: "She is extremely bright, an excellent advocate and has a good approach with clients." (Chambers UK, 2017)
  • ‘A clear analytical thinker, who is always prepared and responds robustly to unusual issues.’ (Legal 500, 2016)
  • 'Highly rated junior with a comprehensive family practice. She regularly represents local authorities as well as parents and guardians. She is well regarded for her work in care proceedings and Children Act cases and has appeared in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.' "Her brain works so quickly and thinks about every eventuality. She's thinking several moves ahead and anticipates everything." (Chambers UK, 2016)
  • 'Lauded for her work in serious children's proceedings, she undertakes a variety of family law cases, including financial and cohabitee disputes. She is noted for her considerable strength in complex child care cases; she has represented local authorities, guardians and parents in sexual abuse, shaken baby and infanticide matters. "The quality of her cross-examination and her command of extensive papers are impressive. She is always appropriate in her style." (Chambers UK, 2015)
  • "She is supportive, bright and quite a character. She is a performer, and very popular amongst instructing solicitors and clients." (Chambers UK, 2014)
• Appointments

  Recorder (2022)

• Qualification
  • 1993 -2000: Ysgol Gyfyn y Strade, Llanelli
  • 2000-2003: LLB Cardiff University
  • 2003-2004: Bar Vocational Course
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