Renowned children’s law specialist Simon Bickler KC joins growing family team
Leeds and Newcastle-based Parklane Plowden Chambers has further strengthened its 38-strong family team with the addition of Simon Bickler KC, a highly experienced children’s law silk, as part of its ongoing strategic expansion.
Simon Bickler KC, who was called to the Bar in 1988 and took silk in 2011, joins from St Pauls Chambers in Leeds, where he previously served as Head of Chambers. His practice encompasses all aspects of children’s law, including abduction, private and public law matters. In 2019, he was appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge, sitting in family law cases.
With a strong reputation in handling complex and sensitive cases, Simon’s expertise includes child arrangement disputes, serious and non-accidental injuries and child fatalities, sexual abuse allegations alongside fabricated and induced illness and child relocation proceedings.
He represents a broad range of clients, including local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, extended family members, foster carers, and prospective adopters.
Commenting on his move, Simon Bickler KC said, “I’m pleased to join Parklane Plowden’s family team, which is well known for its progressive outlook and expertise in both private and public law proceedings. The set has experienced significant growth, and I look forward to collaborating with like-minded colleagues who are dedicated to supporting clients and achieving positive outcomes.”
Parklane Plowden’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its 2025 rankings by leading legal directories. Chambers & Partners has awarded the set a Band 1 ranking—the highest possible—in both family and children law, as well as Band 2 for family: matrimonial finance. The legal directory has also ranked the chambers Band 1 across chancery, clinical negligence, employment, and personal injury practice areas, with a Band 2 ranking for inquests and inquiries.
Senior practice director, Stephen Render, commented: “Simon is a highly respected silk with an exceptional track record in children’s law. His additional judicial experience further enhances our already outstanding team, making him a significant asset to our expanding family practice. His experience handling complex, high-stakes cases will be invaluable to our clients.”
Additionally, The Legal 500’s 2025 edition ranks Parklane Plowden Chambers as a Tier 1 barristers’ set across five key practice areas: chancery, probate and tax; clinical negligence; employment; family and children law; and personal injury. The directory also recommends 79 of the set’s barristers across 11 practice areas.
With Simon Bickler KC’s arrival, Parklane Plowden continues to demonstrate its commitment to legal excellence and strategic growth, further solidifying its position as a leading chambers in family law.
Image provided by Parklane Plowden Chambers
