Kelan McHugh
Call 2007
Chambers & Partners, 2023
Kelan specialises in matrimonial finance, Schedule 1, divorce and enforcement proceedings. He has particular experience and interest in corporate and trust assets and related enforcement issues. These often involve complex international elements and Kelan undertakes work in Gibraltar and Jersey as well as domestically.
When not representing his own clients, Kelan undertakes private FDRs as a neutral evaluator. He also has considerable experience in high conflict and contested private law children cases, also often involving international issues.
Kelan specialises in financial remedy claims. He is often instructed in matters involving complex issues, such as contested company valuations, on-shore and offshore trusts, non-disclosure, third-party claims and enforcement.
His cases often also have an international element, including disputes about jurisdiction/forum and claims after a foreign divorce. He has advised in relation to numerous jurisdictions and in particular has appeared frequently in court in Gibraltar.
Kelan is a registered public access practitioner.
Kelan is available to conduct private FDRs
Reputation & Awards
“Kelan is equally capable in the realms of finance and children. Calm under fire, he has the capacity to juggle multiple strands of argument in complex cases.”
CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2023
“An excellent barrister, who is quick on his feet and has an excellent eye for detail.”…“Kelan’s advocacy is his greatest strength; he is excellent at putting his case strongly whilst keeping the ear of the judge.” – Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Kelan gives clear, pragmatic and perfectly pitched advice. He is incredibly well prepared, and can distil the most complex of cases into an accessible and persuasive note. He combines technical expertise with an exceptional eye for the wider strategy required for the case.” – Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Kelan McHugh is super bright and very hard-working. He provides clear, strategic advice at the outset and makes clients feel at ease about their case. He never loses sight of the bigger picture and obtaining the right result for the family as a whole.”
– Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Kelan is equally capable in the realms of finance and children. Calm under fire, he has the capacity to juggle multiple strands of argument in complex cases. He’s reassuring to clients and instructing solicitors alike – he thinks strategically and is unflappably in control in court.”
– Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Works hard to get the right result, not just for the client but for all parties. He cares about the outcome and impact of any agreement or settlement, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law.” “Kelan has a lovely manner with clients, is focused in his approach and perseveres in order to achieve deals.” “He gets on top of tricky, complex issues and drills down into the detail.”
– Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Gets to grips with cases quickly, and is able to deal with difficult clients in a calm, measured and sensitive way.” “He’s a succinct writer who knows when to make the best points.”
– Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Kelan is very approachable, and goes the extra mile for his clients as he genuinely cares about them. He’s incredibly hard-working and an effective advocate in court. Judges like and respond well to him.”
– Chambers & Partners, 2020
Education
St. Paul’s School London: 1995–2000
Trinity College Dublin: 2000–2004
Georgetown University: 2001–2002 (Socrates placement)
BBP Law School: 2005-2006 (GDL) and 2006–2007 (BVC)
Professional Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Languages
Swedish (conversational)
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