Tom Powles

“Tom Powles has a strong reputation as one of the best private family experts in the region.”

– Legal 500 2027

Tom is a senior family lawyer and heads up Barcan and Kirby’s Family department. He is a Resolution-accredited specialist and specialises in child law and divorce and separation, particularly helping clients separate their finances following the end of a relationship or marriage.

Tom’s areas of specialism include:

Tom is a former family mediator and now utilises those skills when seeking to establish a non-contentious approach towards family matters, where appropriate.

Experience and recognition

Tom is highly regarded by professionals and clients alike, and is described as being switched-on and able to take a holistic approach to matrimonial cases.

In a recent review, a client specifically praised his litigation skills and strategic thinking in securing their financial future.

Professional recognition

Tom has practised family law since qualifying in 2003 and is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme.

He is consistently recognised by legal directories, including as a ‘Key Lawyer ‘ in Legal 500 UK 2024. He is Band 3 ranked in Chambers and Partners UK 2027 and commended in Chambers and Partners UK 2025 and 2026 for his work in handling sensitive matters, particularly concerning shared care orders and changes of residence. One professional referrer states:

“Tom has an eye for the important issues in his cases and works hard to achieve their resolution.”

A testimonial in Chambers and Partners UK 2027 praised his ability to “keep a level head when matters become acrimonious“.

Qualifications

  • Law Practice Course from the University of the West of England
  • Law (LL.B.) from the University of the West of England

Tom Powles is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.

Expertise

  • "He's very good at taking a holistic, pragmatic approach and good at seeing the bigger picture."
    Chambers and Partners UK 2027
  • "Charmaine Moger is always well prepared and on top of her cases. Tom Powles has a strong reputation as one of the best private family experts in the region."
    Legal 500 2027
  • "Tom Powles is adept at handling sensitive matters, particularly in relation to shared care orders, changes of residence and contentious matrimonial finance cases."
    Legal 500 2026
  • "Tom Powles is very experienced in family law, and his professionalism, litigation skills and strategic thinking were paramount in securing my financial future. I appreciated his empathy with my case, guidance, clear communications and prompt responses to my concerns during the horrendous ordeal."
    Legal 500 2026
  • "I approached Barcan and Kirby for assistance and advice during my acrimonious separation and ultimate divorce. My solicitor is Tom Powles, and we built a good relationship based on trust and collaboration that positively impacted the outcome of the divorce settlement."
    Legal 500 2026