Deirdre Fottrell KC

Spear’s Review

A leading silk at 4PB, Deirdre Fottrell KC is widely regarded as a top family barrister, with highly sought-after expertise in matters relating to children law, including child arrangement cases, international relocation, schools provision, surrogacy and adoption.

Fottrell’s clientele include a multitude of high-profile figures; she acted in the well-publicised case between Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya, representing their children.

At the same time, Fottrell urges clients to consider litigation as ‘a last resort.’ The qualified arbitrator explains: ‘I like to be pragmatic with clients and to be frank with them about possible outcomes, but also to strike that balance between doing the best for your client’s case, and helping them to be realistic about what can be achieved.’  

Notable cases

• Tickle & Anor v The BBC & Ors [2025] EWCA Civ 42
  
• Re N (Adoption – Surrogacy) [2024] EWFC 41
  
• Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum v Princess Haya [2022] EWFC 16
  
• B (A child), Re [2016] UKSC 4