Charles Geekie QC, MCIArb

Charles Geekie QC, MCIArb

Family Law Specialist

Charles' practice centres on legal issues concerning children. He acts in both Public and Private Law and international cases. He has great experience in dealing with complex residence cases and those involving relocation.

Charles has a special interest in the presentation and investigation of expert medical evidence, particularly where this evidence is conflicting.

He sits as a Deputy High Court Judge and is a qualified Arbitrator. He appears regularly in the Court of Appeal and has acted in a number of seminal family law cases. In 2010, Charles succeeded in persuading the Supreme Court to bring about a change in the law relating to children giving evidence in family proceedings. In August 2019, Chelsea Football Club published the review led by Charles into historic sexual abuse at the Club.

Charles has extensive experience of the most complex issues arising in Public Law cases. He undertakes fact-finding hearings in cases involving the most serious allegations. He has always acted for Local Authorities, parents, children and Guardians, so is accustomed to assessing each case from every angle.

Charles acts for parents and independently represented children in the most difficult and sensitive Private Law disputes. In relocation cases, he is accustomed to advising upon the preparation of cases where a parent wishes to move to a distant location or one that is in conflict. Charles is very familiar with the factual and legal issues that can arise in a finely balanced case. He has extensive experience of representing children or other vulnerable parties in Private Law proceedings.

In addition, if a case is not suitable for Arbitration or that is not a route that the parties wish to pursue, Charles is able to offer Early Neutral Evaluation of a case. This can be done in whatever way suits the needs of the parties: by written evidence alone or by a hearing with written materials and oral representations.

Charles is also qualified Arbitrator and is able to bring his experience both as an advocate and part time judge to the task of assisting parties to settle cases without resort to the courts. He maintains a strong focus on avoiding conflict and conducting proceedings in a way that satisfies the parties.

Awards

Charles was recognised as Family Law QC of the Year at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards In November 2019.

In March 2020, he was featured by The Times as Lawyer of the Week.

He appears as selected counsel in the Spears Family Law Index 2020.

Accreditations

LLB (Hons), Bristol University

MCIArb

Association of Lawyers for Children

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Family Law Bar Association

Rankings