Edward Wells
Call 2021
Edward accepts instructions in all areas of family law. He joined chambers as a tenant in October 2022 after successful completion of his pupillage under the supervision of Jennifer Perrins, Peter Newman, Stephen Jarmain and Andrea Watts.
In February 2022, Edward was appointed by the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, to a judicial drafting committee tasked with producing guidance for the conduct of fact-finding hearings in private law children cases. The committee was led by Lady Justice Macur and was comprised of judges from various levels within the judiciary.
Prior to joining chambers in October 2021, Edward worked as a paralegal in a London solicitor’s firm specialising in matrimonial finance and private children law for high net-worth families. His work often involved assisting with cases with an international element, as well as drafting various court documents. Preceding his career in law, Edward worked in the music industry as a writer and performer, and taught music to children both privately and in schools in Australia, where he lived before moving to the UK.
He has extensive voluntary experience for organisations such as Families in Care (Newcastle) and the Hammersmith & Fulham Legal Advice Service.
Edward accepts instructions in all aspects of financial proceedings including matrimonial finance, enforcement, variation, applications pursuant to TOLATA 1996 and applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.
During pupillage he was exposed to complex financial work involving trust structures, businesses, and high-value assets. He has had experience both in conducting financial proceedings himself as well as being led as junior counsel.
Edward regularly accepts instructions in disputes concerning contact, residence (including cases involving relocation) and the exercise of parental responsibility. He has assisted with cases up to High Court level which have involved jurisdictional disputes and the international enforcement of orders.
His cases often involve complex issues of domestic abuse and he acted as the secretary to a judicial guidance committee tasked with drafting guidance in respect of finding of fact hearings.
During his pupillage, Edward has assisted with a number of cases under the Hague Convention. He accepts instructions in relation to all stages of proceedings involving child abduction.
Public law children cases form part of Edward’s practice and he has experience both as sole counsel, and as junior counsel in cases involving non-accidental injuries in children. He accepts instructions from local authorities, guardians and from parents.
Awards & Scholarships
- Buchanan Prize (Lincoln’s Inn, 2021)
- Full Advocacy Scholarship (BPP Law School, 2019)
- Letter of Commendation for Second Year Results, Durham Law School (2018)
Education
- Durham University, LLB Laws, 1st Class Honours (2016-2019)
- University of Sydney, BA International & Global Studies, Distinction (2013-2015)
- BPP Law School, Bar Professional Training Course, Outstanding (2019-2020)
Professional Memberships
- Family Law Bar Association
- The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn