Charles Howard KC
Call 1975 | Silk 1999
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS, 2025
Charles’ main expertise is in dealing with high net-worth financial disputes, both following divorce and under Schedule I of the Children Act, disputes often involve trust, insolvency and contractual issues, areas of law that Charles practised in as a junior. As a family law specialist his work covers almost all areas of family law, including, for instance, Inheritance Act/Probate disputes, constructive trust issues, and professional negligence in relation to family law as well as complex private law disputes including cases involving surrogacy and conception by known sperm donors.
Of particular interest are the following cases:
- Soulsbury v Soulsbury [2018] 1 FLR 90
- Crossley v Crossley [2008] 1 FLR 1467
- Luckwell v Limata [2014] 2 FLR 168
- Morgan v Hill [2007] 1 FLR 148
- Juffali v Juffali [2017] 1 FLR 729
- Imerman v Tchenguiz [2010] 2 FLR 2014
- Whaley v Whaley [2012] 1 FLR 735
- Hvorostovsky v Hvorostovsky [2009] 2 FLR 157
- Mark v Mark [2005] 2 FLR 1193
- A v B [2005] 2 FLR 730
- Mubarik v Mubarak (Charles was involved in all the many reported decisions in relation to this case)
A & B v C [lesbian co-parents: role of father] [2012] 2 FLR 607
S v B (Abduction: Human Rights) [2005] 2 FLR 878
Webster v Norfolk County Council [2009] 1FLR 1378
Reputation & Awards
‘Charles is an exceptionally gifted barrister. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and is very much on top of the detail.’
Legal 500, 2024
2025
“He’s the barrister you need and someone who really fights your client’s corner.” Chambers and Partners, 2025
“He’s one of the titans in the industry, who’s forensically brilliant at trial.” Chambers and Partners, 2025
“He’s phenomenal in that respect and also really good at strategy.” Chambers and Partners, 2025
“If you need a really good cross-examination done in a case, he’s the man for it.” Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Charles’ advocacy is world-class.” Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Charles is a brilliant strategist – he sees all the pitfalls before they happen and never shies away from calling them.” Legal 500, 2025
“Charles is a first-rate advocate, exceptionally well-prepared and with an eye for the long game.” Legal 500, 2025
2024
‘He is fantastically strategic and has a brilliant mind.’ – Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Charles Howard is very astute about the strategy of a case. His advocacy is also very good and highly compelling.” – Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘Charles is an exceptionally gifted barrister. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and is very much on top of the detail.’ – Legal 500, 2024
‘Charles is the best cross-examiner. He is tenacious and has a brilliant forensic mind. He can absorb papers at a phenomenal rate and never loses his cool.’ – Legal 500, 2024
2023
“He is, in my view, the best barrister in this area of the law. He’s simply outstanding and consistently achieves fantastic results.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Charles Howard is a true leader in this field. He’s an extremely safe pair of hands who combines an encyclopedic knowledge of the law with sound judgement.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023
‘Charles has an unparalleled forensic cross-examination ability.’ – Legal 500, 2023
‘Charles is an exceptional advocate, always with an eye to the longer game. He has impeccable judgment and great forensic skill, and clearly explains the complicated concepts.’ – Legal 500, 2023
2022
‘A first-rate silk, and a fighter when he needs to be.’ – Legal 500, 2022
2021
“Always prepared to put up a tough fight but realistic with clients and very honest about their prospects of success. His clients go into a case with their eyes wide open.” – Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Leaves no stone unturned and gives excellent and clear advice. He is an excellent advocate and is very much a safe pair of hands.” – Legal 500, 2021
One letter from a professional client stated as follows –
‘I should like to take this opportunity to thank you and indeed to congratulate you for the successful outcome of this case. I know that… also is greatly appreciative of your work over the past 3.5 years. Your submissions throughout were weighty and always meticulously prepared and cross-examination of… was devastating’.
2018
The most recent 2018 Chambers Guide described his strengths as ‘A completely class act who is one of these people who can distil the most complicated points into very clear and precise explanation. It is amazing watch, you just feel completely looked after by your counsel when you are using him’.
Awards and Scholarships
Charles was Chambers and Partners Family Silk of the Year in 2016 and has been recommended in the Legal 500
Education
- Scholar at St Johns College Cambridge (MA in history)
- St Antony College Oxford (Graduate work in history)
- McMahon studentship awarded by St Johns College Cambridge to fund legal training including pupillage
Professional Memberships
FLBA
Languages
Working knowledge of French
Publications
- Experts in the New Legal World (1999 Expert Witness Institute Conference)
- Encyclopaedia of Financial Provision in Family Matters, Wildblood and Eaton (Sweet and Maxwell)
Privacy Notice
