John Chapman is a highly regarded barrister specialising in Family Law.  He is consistently ranked as a leader in his field by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

John’s main area of expertise is Family Finance.  He has practised in this area of law for the best part of two decades.  He regularly deals with complex cases, including those involving high net worth and high profile individuals.  John’s cases routinely include the consideration of businesses, family trusts and assets outside of the jurisdiction. Whether the case involves significant wealth and complexity, or is more straightforward, he is the first choice for many top solicitors.  He is part of the specialist team at Pump Court Chambers offering private FDRs.

John is always to be relied upon for his calm, compassionate and sensible approach. The attention to detail he affords to all aspects of his cases is of particular note.

John receives instructions in cohabitee disputes under TLATA 1996 and those involving financial provision for children under schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

John maintains a private law children practice, often acting for a party that he has helped with their financial remedy proceedings.

Central to John’s approach is his understanding of the need to work as part of a team with his instructing solicitors.  In doing so, he achieves consistently excellent results for his clients.

In Chambers & Partners 2024, clients note that he “is very intelligent. He understands complex issues and is also sympathetic and great with clients.” He is also described as having “a wonderful manner and also a strategic perspective.”

In The Legal 500 2024 UK Bar Guide, John is described as “a tenacious and tactically astute advocate and negotiator. In court, he stands his ground and constructs eloquent and persuasive arguments without fail. Clients also warm to him instantly.”

In Chambers and Partners 2023, observers state: “He is a fantastic advocate who is charming and persuasive and does well with judges. He always fights tirelessly for clients and truly works as a team with those who instruct him.” and “He is an exceptionally talented advocate who is very good with clients and is really well prepared.”

In The Legal 500 2023 Bar Guide, one commentator said “He is very user-friendly. On his feet he is calm and switched-on, and has an admirable amalgam of boundless charm and politeness and devastating cross-examination and submissions.”

In Chambers and Partners 2022 says: “He is fabulous in court. He can go between being extremely charming, which always appeals to judges, to being devastating at destroying the other side’s case when he needs to”. “He is very accessible and easy to work with. Clients really like him and regard him as a safe pair of hands.”

In Chambers and Partners 2021 John is described as follows: “His practice includes high-value finance matters with complicating aspects such as substantial local and foreign assets and allegations of non-disclosure. He is well regarded by sources for his meticulous preparation and persuasive style in court”.

Strengths: “He is very thorough, gets to grips with complex issues quickly and provides clear advice.” “He is an unflappable advocate and skilful negotiator who will fight the client’s corner the whole way.”

The Legal 500 2021 says: “John is a smart, quick thinking advocate which combined with his thorough case preparation, truly stands him out. Great bedside manner with clients and solicitors. Very hands on and present during the case. He has a conciliatory approach to his cases but the necessary firmness when required. He is able to read his Judge and opponents very well which enables him to give informed and clear advice”.

In Chambers and Partners 2020 he is described as follows:  “John’s recent cases have involved individuals in the public eye, including the CEO of a FTSE listed company, an Oscar winner, a Grammy and Brit Award winning musician, as well as prominent figures in the fashion industry.  John is routinely instructed in matters by top ranked law firms and is the counsel of choice for many”.  Strengths: “He’s very personable, and very good with clients”.

Legal 500 2020 says, “He really fights his client’s corner”.

Comments from previous recent editions of Chambers and Partners include:  2019 “John is certainly someone who is wiser than his years.  He has built up a very successful financial remedy practice”.  “Very calm, competent and approachable”. 2018 “Authoritative and knowledgeable.  A no-nonsense advocate”.  2017 “He is very user-friendly, has a great manner with clients and is an excellent advocate”.