Rhys Evans

Practice Overview

Rhys joined Chambers in September 2010 and following the successful completion of his pupillage he became a tenant in September 2011.  Rhys is a fluent Welsh-speaker.  In 2020 he was appointed a Deputy District Judge and Fee-paid Employment Judge.

Notable and Reported cases

• Re C (Children) [2016] EWCA Civ 374

  Rhys was led in the Court of Appeal acting for a local authority in the widely publicised/reported appeal of a mother against the decision to permit her to name her twin babies 'Cyanide' and 'Preacher'.

• EB (A Child: Care Order and Placement Order) [2016] EWHC 887 (Fam)

  Acted for the child in a widely-publicised case concerning allegations that a Romanian mother had attempted to sell/hand over her newly-born child to a family in the UK having travelled from Spain.

• Edkins v. Hopkins et. al. [2016] EWHC 2542 (Ch)

  Acted for beneficiaries in a contentious probate claim exceeding £2,000,000.00.  The claim concerned allegations of undue influence, incapacity and knowledge and approval as well as detailed costs arguments.

• Edkins v. Hopkins and Ors. [2017] WTLR 39.

  The case, heard before His Honour Judge Jarman QC sitting as a High Court Judge, concerned a £2 million estate and allegations of undue influence, capacity and knowledge and approval.

• Pembrokeshire and James [2021] EWFC 71

  Represented the local authority in proceedings arising out of the murder of Lola James.

• Public and Private Law Children

  Rhys has an established a strong Public Law children practice and has been instructed in some of the most serious cases on circuit and further afield with Chambers and Partners (2023 edition) referencing him as, “a very robust advocate and experienced in dealing with the most complex public law children cases.”  He has appeared at all levels up to the Court of Appeal.  He was described in the Legal 500 (2023 edition) as, “a formidable advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and an extremely thorough and robust approach. He always goes above and beyond for clients. An outstanding barrister.”  Whilst he is predominantly instructed on behalf of local authorities and children, he is also regularly instructed to act on behalf of parents.  He has experience (both on his own and being led) of cases involving:

  • Child death.
  • Multiple/catastrophic injuries.
  • Serious sexual abuse including inter-familial sexual abuse.
  • FGM/honour-based violence.
  • Shaken babies.
  • Chronic and gross neglect (which has including neglect resulting in death).
  • Children and adults with significant mental and physical disabilities (some arising from harm).
  • Deprivation of liberty and secure accommodation.
  • Exercise of the Inherent Jurisdiction.

  Rhys also advises local authorities at a pre-proceedings stage, on novel matters of law, public interest immunity and disclosure issues as well as in respect of policy and procedure.

• Court of Protection

  Rhys is instructed on behalf of local authorities and protected persons in the Court of Protection in respect of section 16 Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 applications and section 21A MCA 2005 challenges (welfare).  He is also regularly instructed in claims concerning property and financial affairs.

• Human Rights Act Claims

  Rhys is also instructed (by the Official Solicitor and others) to advise and settle particulars on behalf of children and other parties pursuing Human Rights Act 1998 claims against local authorities arising from Children Act 1989 proceedings (failure to issue claims etc.).

• Public Access

  Rhys accepts instructions within his practice areas from members of the public in appropriate circumstances. 

• Education
  • LL.B(Hons) (2.i), Cardiff University Law School
  • Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent), Cardiff University Law School
• Appointments/Achievements/Memberships
  • Trial Judge Intern, United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, The Hague (2008).
  • Young Barristers’ Committee Wales and Chester Circuit Representative (2014 and 2015).
  • Member of the Bar Council’s Law Reform Committee (2014).
  • Part of the Working Group on Paid McKenzie Friends (2014 and 2015).
  • Member of the Family Law Bar Association.
  • Deputy District Judge (2020).
  • Fee-paid Employment Judge (2020).
• Recommendations

  Rhys Evans is an expert in public children law matters and is frequently instructed by local authorities and guardians. His work has included highly complex cases involving injuries and illnesses. "Rhys is always the first choice for the most serious and complex family cases and is known for his robust advocacy and meticulous preparation." (Chambers & Partners 2025 - Family: Children)

  ‘Rhys is an exceptional advocate – persuasive, tenacious and absolutely devastating in cross-examination. He is known for his meticulous preparation and incredible work ethic.  He inspires total confidence in clients and is always first choice for the most complex and serious cases.’ (Legal 500, 2025 - Family: children and domestic abuse)

  
  "Rhys is a first-class advocate who has expertise in dealing with even the most complex cases. His attention to detail is meticulous. He has a robust approach and communicates effectively." "Rhys is brilliant. He is helpful to work with, is good with future planning and really knows the law in an in-depth way." "Rhys' legal expertise is first-rate." (Chambers & Partners 2024, Family: Children)

  "He is a fiercely intelligent, articulate and persuasive advocate.  His depth of knowledge and meticulous preparation are second to none.  He is incredibly hard-working and always the first choice for his dedicated, straight-talking approach to cases.  A pleasure to work with." (Legal 500, 2024 - Family: Children & Domestic Violence)

  "Rhys' preparation and drafting is meticulous and his client care is excellent. He always gives clear advice about taking the matter forward. He is a very robust advocate and experienced in dealing with the most complex public law children cases." (Chambers UK, 2023 - Family: Children)

  "Rhys is a formidable advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and an extremely thorough and robust approach. He always goes above and beyond for clients. An outstanding barrister." (Legal 500, 2023)

  "Very strong drafting and advice and excellent communication." (Chambers UK, 2022)

  "Rhys is known for his meticulous preparation and depth of knowledge and will always go the extra mile on a case. He works as team with instructing solicitors, gives clear, firm advice and is a robust and unflappable advocate." (Legal 500, 2022 - Family & Children Law)

  "Thorough, committed and knowledgeable" (Legal 500, 2020 & 2021)

• Privacy Notice

  Privacy Notice