Phil Bowen is an experienced and highly regarded family law advocate with a practice spanning over 30 years. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and called to the Bar in 2019, after a successful career as a police officer, and has and since built a diverse and specialist practice in family law and Court of Protection matters. With direct experience working within children's services for a Local Authority, Phil is particularly skilled in cases involving significant social services involvement. His knowledge of the inner workings of local authorities makes him a highly effective advocate for clients in such proceedings.
Phil is known for his meticulous, detail-driven approach to cases, and his ability to engage with clients on all levels, offering clear and strategic advice. He regularly handles complex and high-stakes family law matters, representing both individuals and institutions, including local authorities, parents, guardians, and deputies.
Children’s Matters
Phil has extensive experience representing clients in all aspects of children’s law, private law applications (including Child Arrangement Orders) to complex public law proceedings such as care proceedings and adoption. He has acted for parents, local authorities, and guardians incases involving child protection, including those with international elements, parental alienation, child abduction, and removal of children from jurisdiction. He also regularly handles cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual abuse, leveraging his background in law enforcement to bring a thorough, investigative approach to fact-finding hearings. His experience includes complex cases such as contested adoptions involving allegations of ‘honour-based’ violence, in the High Court.
Core Areas Of Practice
Phil frequently represents clients in fact-finding hearings, where he applies his in-depth understanding of serious allegations in domestic abuse cases. He has dealt with numerous cases involving substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Phil’s work includes handling applications for non-molestation and occupation orders, often in high-conflict situations involving harassment, intimidation, and allegations of abuse.
Advocacy
Phil has appeared in all levels of the Family Court, from Magistrates’ Court to High Court, and has also represented clients in the Court of Appeal. He is known for his authoritative and commanding courtroom presence, tailoring his approach to suit the needs of each case and client. Phil excels in both persuasive negotiation and robust representation, adapting his tactics based on the dynamics of each hearing, client, or opposing counsel.
Phil Bowen offers a unique blend of expertise, experience, and practical knowledge, making him an ideal choice for complex family law and Court of Protection cases.
