Practice Overview
James Tillyard has been in silk since 2002. He has considerable experience in all aspects of Family Law but in particular care and matrimonial money.
Child Care
Wide experience of both fact finding and disposal hearings acting for parents, other alleged perpetrators including children, Guardians and Local Authorities. He has particular experience in cases involving complex medical issues which require detailed cross-examination of medical experts. Having said that, he is never happier than when cross-examining on the facts. He likes a "who done it?"
By way of example he has dealt with:
- Salt poisoning
- Poisoning with drugs
- Factitious and induced illness
- Baby shaking leading to death
- Other fatal injuries
- Sexual abuse by parents, third parties and other children
- Organised paedophile rings
- Chronic neglect leading to very serious physical and emotional harm
- Again, by way of example only, at disposal hearings:
- Issues surrounding barely adequate parenting vs adoption
- Where should the child be brought up - within this jurisdiction or abroad?
- Is there a safe parent?
- Do the carers necessarily have to be open and honest with the LA in order to care for a child under a care order?
- How should the Court approach the balance of risk?
- The position of a foster carer who wants to be a long-term carer under a Special Guardianship Order or adoption
Child Abduction and Removal from the Jurisdiction
He has wide experience in child abduction and in Hague Convention cases. He has also undertaken many cases on removal from the jurisdiction - both for and against removal.
Ancillary Relief
Big money cases that often involve an international element. He is very good with clients and has an ability to take the fear out of what is to come.
Public Law
- Care Standards Tribunal
- Judicial Review
- Breach of Art 6 & 8
Recommendations
'Two of its strongest silks, Jonathan Furness QC and James Tillyard QC, are "both top-rate and comparable to the top London barristers." They are both experienced in all areas of family work, although Furness is particularly associated with childcare work and Tillyard with matrimonial finance'. (Chambers UK 2012)
‘Also attracting a number of important cases is James Tillyard QC who “reassures clients with his experience and robust courtroom manner”’. (Chambers UK 2011)
30 Park Place’s James Tillyard is an “exceptional lawyer, who prepares well and always makes the most of a case”.(Legal 500 2010)
’30 Park Place is the top set for law on the Wales and Chester circuit and has James Tillyard QC a key figure at the Welsh Family Bar. He is known for his fierce cross examination and his experience in high net worth disputes’. (Chambers UK 2010)
‘James Tillyard is the “first choice silk in Wales by a long way. His popularity stems from the fact that he fights hard for his clients and never gives the case away. Praised for his children and finance work, he is the toast of solicitors as he can smell blood at 100 yards”’ (Chambers UK 2009)
‘James Tillyard QC is head of chambers at 30 Park Place and Wales’ best known family barrister for “excellent preparation, a hands on proactive approach and great presentation in court” make Tillyard first choice for Welsh solicitors in big money divorce cases’.(Chambers UK 2008)
‘…James Tillyard QC, noted for skilled and sensitive advocacy’.(Legal 500 2007)
‘The “excellent” James Tillyard QC of 30 Park Place is “one of the best advocates in Cardiff”. He does his preparation thoroughly and knows his subject matter “inside out”’. He was recommended especially for tough cases that require difficult cross-examination’.(Chambers UK 2007)
Appointments
- Deputy High Court Judge (Section 9) (2004)
- Recorder (1998)
- Queen's Counsel (2002)
Memberships
- Family Law Bar Association
Education
- B.Sc. (Chem. Eng.) (Leeds)
Published article
'The role of the medical expert in care proceedings'