The stable is ranked Band 1 in the Employment and Family law categories. The stable membership is noted for offering “a good mix of seniority”, and the clerking team for their “efficiency, helpfulness and friendly service”.

Nick Ellis KC, ranked in Commercial Dispute Resolution, Construction and Real Estate, “is particularly sought after for complex construction disputes”, and “he is extremely knowledgeable, reassuring and calm under pressure”.

Westwater Advocates “houses an impressive roster of employment advocates”. Calum H S MacNeill KC, Alice Stobart, David J P Hay, Ken McGuire and Colin Edward are ranked:

“Calum H S MacNeill KC is able to think on his feet and his reaction to changing circumstances is excellent.”

“We trust instructions in the hands of Alice. She takes time to understand the client’s demands and makes these demands her priority.”

“David J P Hay is efficient at getting what he needs. He is clear about what he is after and does not go in for woolly thinking.”

“People come back to me about how able Kenneth McGuire is. I know he is trusted, able and competent.”

“Colin Edward has strong and confident advocacy skills. He is thorough, concise and easy to deal with.”

The publication has two distinct family law categories for children’s cases and matrimonial finance with Westwater Advocates “widely considered to be the go-to stable for the full spectrum of family law matters”. The rankings in the family categories are:

Amy J Donachie is ranked for the first time in the children’s category, “Amy is easy to deal with, very straightforward and prepared”.

Janys M Scott KC “delivers a high-impact, well-presented case during court hearings when it comes to family law with the best outcome for her client”. Janys is also ranked in the Administrative & Public Law and Civil Liberties & Human Rights categories.

Lynda J Brabender KC “is phenomenal on her feet in court and is able to eloquently put forward her arguments”.

Ruth M Innes KC “is a joy to work with. You never feel anything other than supremely safe with her, and the turnaround of her written work is exceptional.”

Kirsty Malcolm KC “has an excellent knowledge of family law, but is also very personable and has a great client manner”.

Robert Hayhow KC “has a very good manner with clients and is very realistic with them, he ensures they fully understand all the risks involved”.

Isabella Ennis (now KC)’s “work includes financial provision cases, such as those with complex asset structures and children matters. She is particularly well versed in handling adoption, Hague Convention and international relocation cases.”

Rachel Shewan “is very approachable and will give a frank answer to questions, and is quick to respond with a calm approach”.

Scott McAlpine “explains strategies clearly, his drafting is excellent, and he gains the client’s trust very quickly and gets them to feel at ease”.

Alison M Wild “is an excellent junior with particular strength in highly contentious children matters. She regularly acts for parents, for children and as curator ad litem in international adoption, relocation and contact arrangement cases.”