Christopher Archer

Call 1996 | Barrister

“He is approachable and friendly, putting clients at ease, as well as being extremely good at grasping complex issues quickly and providing solid and thorough advice in children’s cases.”
Legal 500, 2025

“When you instruct him you can have confidence that your client’s needs will be met.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025

About

Christopher specialises in family law and has developed a breadth and depth of experience in all aspects of the law relating to children. Christopher has particular expertise in complex public law cases and regularly represents local authorities, parents and children in care and supervision proceedings, adoption, placement and special guardianship proceedings and other applications under Part IV of the Children Act 1989.

Christopher was appointed a Recorder in 2018.

Experience

Having started out in general common law practice, Christopher has since 1999 practised exclusively in family law and has since that time developed a breadth and depth of experience in all aspects of the law relating to children. Christopher has particular expertise in complex public law cases and regularly represents local authorities, parents and children in care and supervision proceedings, adoption, placement and special guardianship proceedings and other applications under Part IV of the Children Act 1989.

Christopher has recently been instructed in cases involving serious allegations of sexual abuse against a number of parties, fabricated and induced illness, parental homicide, and fatal non-accidental head injury. He has particular expertise in matters involving complex or conflicting medical evidence and regularly receives instructions in cases of suspected non-accidental injuries. He is frequently involved in care proceedings which are running in parallel with a criminal investigation or trial.

Christopher has a wealth of experience of vulnerable clients, whether as a result of poor mental health, cognitive deficit, or other disability. He has appeared on behalf of parties who are represented by the Official Solicitor. Christopher also acts in private law children applications, including those with an international element and proceedings in which the inherent jurisdiction is invoked to obtain emergency remedies with respect to children.

Testimonials

“He is approachable and friendly, putting clients at ease, as well as being extremely good at grasping complex issues quickly and providing solid and thorough advice in children’s cases.” Legal 500, 2025

“A very organised and highly knowledgeable barrister, who is prompt in the provision of his advice.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“When you instruct him you can have confidence that your client’s needs will be met.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“Chris is an excellent advocate, who can be relied upon to handle the most complex of cases.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“Completely unflappable and very pragmatic in his approach, he regularly argues points with just the right amount of force.” Chambers & Partners 2023