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Claire Williams


Call: 2004

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Claire Williams is a very experienced family law practitioner. She is ranked as a Band 1 Junior (Family: Children) with Chambers UK and as a Leading Junior (Family: Children and Domestic Abuse) in Legal 500. She has been ranked in Chambers UK Bar for over 10 years.

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, FII and child death.

In addition, she has a wealth of experience of representing parents, interveners, guardians, foster carers and prospective adopters.

She has experience of dealing with cases involving international elements including Hague Convention and placement of children in non-Hague Convention countries.

She has undertaken cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal and regularly appears in cases where other parties are represented by King’s Counsel.

Claire is a fluent Welsh speaker, and is able to conduct hearings and conferences through the medium of Welsh.

Expertise

Claire acts in complex public law proceedings involving serious allegations of abuse, injury and neglect. She is instructed regularly by local authorities, guardians and parents, including in High Court and Court of Appeal matters. Her calm, practical approach is trusted in sensitive cases involving vulnerable children and multiple parties. She is a methodical, robust and persuasive advocate and she is able to cross-examine lay parties, professionals and experts effectively.

Additional Information

  • Recorder (2022)
  • Tribunal Judge (Mental Health Tribunal) (2022)
  • Bar Vocational Course
  • LLB, Cardiff University
  • Ysgol Gyfyn y Strade, Llanelli
  • Welsh (fluent)
  • 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.
  • Re L-W [2019] EWCA Civ 159 – Junior for the Local Authority in a case concerning the components of a failure to protect finding. The Court of Appeal said the following about Claire: “Finally, I would like to express the Court’s gratitude to Ms Williams who represented the Local Authority. Ms Williams, having understandably anticipated responding to the appeal, found herself, at the Court’s request, addressing the Court first. Ms Williams was of immeasurable assistance to the Court in helping us to understand much of the chronology which was not obvious from the papers. Further, as we went through each of the factors relied upon by the judge, Ms Williams made appropriate concessions whilst continuing to put the Local Authority’s case. This professional and realistic approach allowed the Court to focus on what was, in reality, the only live issue, namely; was GL’s history of violence sufficient to lead to a finding of failure to protect upon the mother’s part?”

For more information
Contact our clerks for assistance with choosing the right barrister for your matter.

clerks@30parkplace.co.uk
+44 (0)2920 398421

"The advice Claire gives is sound and insightful and her cross-examination is excellent."


Chambers UK 2026

"Claire is a safe pair of hands."


Chambers UK 2026

"Claire’s analytical skills and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients set her apart. Her calm, measured approach inspires confidence, making her an invaluable asset in any case."


Chambers UK 2026

"Her knowledge of the law is extensive. Claire is an excellent advocate, thorough and is very balanced in her decision-making."


Chambers UK 2026

‘thorough and meticulous’


Legal 500 2026

‘Claire is thorough and meticulous. You know you are in a safe pair of hands when you have Claire representing you; she is well-respected by peers and judges with excellent advocacy skills.'


Legal 500 2026

"Claire always offers an excellent level of representation and advocacy. She is very well prepared and will work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes we can."


Chambers UK 2025

"Claire is a very experienced advocate and popular with clients."


Chambers UK 2025

"Claire's preparation for cases is always thorough and exceptional, even when she is handed a brief last minute."


Legal 500 2025

"She thinks of every possible outcome and prepares for it and her aptitude to identify relevant and core issues quickly and adeptly in complex cases is exceptional."


Legal 500 2025

"Claire is an exceptionally talented barrister with excellent client care skills and knowledge of all areas of law."


Chambers UK 2024

"She is a robust advocate who is meticulous in her preparation."


Chambers UK 2024

"She is always well prepared, pays attention to detail, has excellent knowledge of the law and procedures, has endless patience and is an outstanding."


Legal 500 2024

"Strong and highly skilled advocate, highly regarded by colleagues, peers and the judiciary."


Legal 500 2024

"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

"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."


Chambers UK 2020

"Particularly adept in complex care proceedings."


Legal 500 2020
Judgment: Pembrokeshire v James

Judgment: Pembrokeshire v James

News | 3 August 2023

Following the recent conclusion of the criminal proceedings arising from the death of Lola James in 2020, Mostyn J has published his judgment in the Family…

Recorder appointments for 5 members of 30 Park Place

News | 26 January 2022

We are absolutely delighted to announce that 5 members of 30 Park Place have been appointed as Recorders. Head of Chambers, Ruth Henke QC, said…

View all related news and resources

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