Fifteen family law barristers and team members at specialist matrimonial chambers 1 Hare Court are celebrating after being recognised for their excellence.
Thirteen of the team have been ranked as Top Recommended 2026 in Spear’s 500 for high net worth family law work, while three have been shortlisted in the Legal Bar Awards.
Deborah Bangay KC has been recognised for both accolades after achieving a Spears ranking and reaching the Legal Bar Awards finals in the Family Silk of the Year category.
Also shortlisted for awards are Joshua Viney for Family Junior of the Year and Mike Lay for Clerk of the Year.
Steve McCrone, senior clerk at 1 Hare Court, said of the awards accolades: “We’re incredibly proud of how many categories the set and members have been shortlisted in.
“It’s a true reflection of the exceptional talent, dedication and reputation our team has built in family law and we look forward to an exciting evening at the awards ceremony.”
On 13 barristers being recognised I the Family Law Barristers category of the Spear’s 500 Top Recommended 2026, joint head of chambers Nicholas Yates KC – who was included in the directory – said: “We are thrilled to see so many members listed by Spear’s 500, four more than last year, which reflects the renowned expertise, dedication and client service our barristers provide across the full spectrum of high-profile family law matters with a focus on financial remedies.”
The directory selects barristers for inclusion following a rigorous and extensive research, interview and nomination process.
Family barristers must combine legal expertise with an understanding of the financial and personal considerations that often arise in high-value cases, including international issues, business assets, trusts and evolving approaches to dispute resolution.
Along with Deborah Bangay and Nicholas Yates, the barristers ranked are Nichola Gray KC, Richard Todd KC, Tim Bishop KC, Justin Warshaw KC, Simon Webster KC, Rebecca Carew Pole KC, Richard Sear KC, Nicholas Wilkinson KC, Peter Mitchell KC, Rachel Spicer and Jude Allen.
“To have 13 members acknowledged in this way is a tremendous achievement and positions 1 Hare Court at the forefront of the profession”, Yates concluded.
