Damian Woodward-Carlton QC

"A class act. He is absolutely unflappable. He has a calm and collected demeanour combined with a sharp, forensic mind. His cross-examination is superlative. Damian is like an iron fist in a velvet glove." Legal 500 2022

"Is an exceptional advocate on his feet who is very robust and persuasive. Damian has a rare ability to translate highly complex evidence into terms that clients are able to fully understand, and respond to." Legal 500 2021

Damian is a family practitioner, appearing in the Family Court (High Court, County Court and Appellate Courts) in London and the South East. He regularly appears in complex cases involving a range of public law matters.

He has been recommended by Chambers UK and the Legal 500 for a number of years and is currently ranked in the field of Family: Children. In the Legal 500 2018 he is described as, ‘An excellent public law children barrister.’

Damian has expertise in cases with medical, expert and scientific evidence; cases involving allegations of factitious and induced illness; the perpetration of non-accidental injuries; cases raising allegations of radicalisation to extremist thought and terrorism, and sexual abuse.

Damian’s clients include those with learning disabilities, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and vulnerable witnesses along with a range of professional witnesses including local authorities and guardians.

Damian has written and lectured on radicalisation cases in the family courts and on the changing face of adoption policy and practice and participated in research into the ethics of social work practice in relation to adoption.

Damian has been a governor of a local primary school since 2006, with special interest in safeguarding matters and advocating and supporting the transition to local state secondary schools.

Damian is married with three children and a dog.