Called in 2007
Areas of Practice
Direct Public Access Barristers, Family, Child Abduction
We are very pleased that a number of our members have been ranked in the Legal 500 2021: Dr Onyoja Momoh as a Leading Junior for Children Law (Public and Private), Kyle Squire as a Rising Star in the same category and Antonia Halker as a Leading Junior in Property Litigation. All are highly skilled, robust advocates. To book, please contact our clerks.
The easiest way to contact our clerks is by email at clerks@5pumpcourt.com or by telephone. Please call our family clerks on 020 7632 7852 or 020 7632 7851; our civil clerk on 020 7632 7862 and our criminal clerk on 020 7632 7853. After 5.30pm please call 07976 368031.
Many courts are continuing to conduct hearings remotely. Our members have extensive experience of remote hearings, and can advise on preparation and tactics and effectively represent clients at such hearings. We are able to host hearings and conferences by Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Contact us at clerks@5pumpcourt.com for more information
5 Pump Court Chambers stands firmly against racism in any form. We are proud of the diversity of our Chambers, and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We also accept that there is always more we could do, and we are ready to listen and to learn.
Kemi Ojitiku acted in the recent case of K (Children: Placement Orders) representing a father in long and complex proceedings regarding whether care and placement orders, and adoption orders, should be made. The CA ordered that the matter be remitted to a fresh tribunal.
Nancy Williams has written for littlelaw on ongoing issues in Nigeria relating to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Jo Morris, a member of our criminal team, has written for The Times arguing that breaches of the Official Secrets Act do not need further protection.
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Martin practices in family law, with a principal focus on all aspects of public law child proceedings.
He is driven by the pastoral aspect of family and child law and is committed to working with parties to ensure appropriate and sensitive outcomes for those involved. Martin regularly acts for both local authorities and parents, allowing him to see cases from all sides. Current cases include issues of neglect, non-accidental injury, FDAC and domestic abuse.
Martin has broad experience in wider child, contact, divorce and domestic violence cases and takes instructions on public funding, private and direct access bases. Amongst other matters, he has worked on international abduction and wardship proceedings, applications to travel to non-Hague countries, contested paternity, transfer of tenancy and regular finding of fact and contact hearings. Martin is particularly interested in trying to make the court system work for the children and litigants and finding effective outcomes.
Martin previously worked for several years in a wide range of civil litigation and advisory work, appearing in the High Court and County Court in chancery, property and housing, insolvency, consumer credit, personal injury and civil litigation.
Prior to joining coming to the Bar, Martin worked as a paralegal in the HMRC Solicitor’s Office, where he specialised in with MTIC VAT fraud and employment law matters; and practised as a solicitor-advocate and supervising solicitor in a high-volume litigation solicitors firm.
Secure Accommodation and DOLs applications
Recovery and collection order proceedings in the High Court
Successful opposition to Designation to another local authority at the point of a Special Guardianship Order
Emergency applications for new-born children, placement breakdown and removal applications (for both local authorities and parents)
Last minute public access instructions to attend a Wardship application in the High Court for a client who was overseas
Obtaining permission for temporary removal to a non-Hague Convention country in private law proceedings
Contested contact arrangements on day 17 of public law proceedings where Martin had not been trial counsel
Successfully opposed an order for DNA testing as it posed a risk of harm to the children involved
“I have found Martin to be approachable and helpful throughout… I have also had the client comment that they were very happy with the representation being provided by Martin and they have specifically requested that he remains instructed”
“I have personally found Mr McGann to be personable, hardworking and diligent who always represents… with care and skill and most importantly is very approachable. Mr McGann prepares good quality practice direction documents which are filed on time”
“…the client has said how fantastic you were, she said you were understanding and caring and she wanted me to pass on her thanks”
LLB (Hons), Law with Legal Studies in Europe, University of Reading and Universiteit Maastrict
BVC, Manchester Metropolitan University
Public Access Qualification
Lincoln’s Inn
Family Law Bar Association
5 Pump Court
Temple, London
EC4Y 7AP
Document Exchange
LDE 497 Chancery Lane
Hours
8.30 am until 7.00 pm
Urgent out-of-hours
07976 368031