Christabel is a specialist family law practitioner with a strong interest in securing justice for each person she represents.
She remains mindful of the intense stress that litigation and the court process can generate for clients and is able to guide them smoothly through their case with timely advice and expertise.
Christabel is experienced in matrimonial finances cases, including property disputes domestically and overseas; contested deeds of trust; intervenor applications and all other aspects of matrimonial finance. Many of her cases involve disputes over the division of the family home in cases involving children. Christabel is committed to settling a case where that is fair; her negotiation skills with opponents have resulted in many hotly contested cases settling at court.
Christabel also specialises in private child contact cases at all stages. She effectively assists parents in finding a consensual plan for co-parenting outside of court where that is possible through her Direct Access work. If court has become unavoidable, Christabel advocates fearlessly for her clients and is deftly able to challenge unacceptable behaviours for her clients in court. Christabel’s children work includes child arrangement orders; fact-finding hearings; coercive and controlling behaviour; parental alienation and relocation by parents.
Before the Bar, Christabel worked on projects internationally including challenging Palestinian home demolitions with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions in Jerusalem and against the death penalty in in New Orleans for the Capital Appeals Project. She was also recently a delegate on the Colombian Caravana, focusing on indigenous rights and the role of truth and reconciliation in the peace process, for which she jointly authored a report presented to the UN.
Christabel sits as a fee-paid Employment Judge and a Mental Health Tribunal Judge.
Christabel’s other interests include ultra-marathons (100km), Ju Jiitsu, creative writing and wheel-throwing pottery.
Interested in instructing Miss McCooey?
Please call 020 7353 6802 or complete the form below:
Family Barrister
Christabel is a skilled barrister, specialising in private children and financial remedy cases.
Recent cases:
Financial remedy: successfully secured a lump sum settlement, rather than sale of the FMH, according to client wishes, and the wishes of the wider family.
Domestic abuse: when acting for the mother, secured findings of physical, verbal and financial abuse at a fact-finding hearing. Other cases involved no findings being made where acting for the father.
Financial remedy: secured favourable outcome for the wife, whose husband brought her to court after 20 years, with findings that her more recent properties and assets were not matrimonial.
Reviews following cases in 2025/2026:
“I am so happy that for the first time I was heard and that is completely because of you. Again, Thank you!”, Client, Enforcement proceedings
“Ms McCooey did an excellent job representing our client at the final hearing in a financial remedy matter, achieving a very favourable outcome.
She came to the hearing exceptionally well-briefed, with a comprehensive understanding of the issues, meaning our client did not need to spend time explaining matters in detail. Her preparation was clear from the outset.
Her professionalism throughout was impeccable. Her cross-examination was calm, methodical, and highly effective. It clearly set out the narrative we sought to advance before the judge and strategically deployed the opponent’s oral evidence to reinforce the key points of our case.
Our client was extremely pleased with both the outcome and the manner in which the case was handled, and personally thanked her for the work done.” Financial remedy, Final Hearing
“I had the opportunity to instruct Christabel in a highly contentious financial remedy matter involving intervenor claims, and I would not hesitate to do so again.
From the outset, Christabel approached the case with a calm, pragmatic mindset that proved invaluable in what was an emotionally charged and legally complex dispute. Rather than inflaming the contentious issues, she remained focused on narrowing the matters in dispute and steering the case toward practical resolution where possible, all while keeping the client’s best interests firmly at the centre of her strategy
Her written work was consistently of a high standard. Her position statements were clear, accurate, and well-structured, enabling the court to quickly grasp the key issues despite the complexity introduced by the parties. Her submissions were measured, legally sound, and delivered with quiet authority, which strengthened my client’s position without unnecessary confrontation.
Equally important was her client-focused approach. She took the time to ensure the client understood the process and the options available, which helped maintain confidence and manage expectations throughout what was a difficult period.” Solicitor, Intervenor proceedings”
Christabel also sits as a fee-paid Employment Judge and a Mental Health Tribunal Judge.
Civil Barrister
Christabel is currently accepting instructions in civil matters.
Christabel combines strong legal analysis with sound judgement and a practical, solutions-driven approach. In contentious financial proceedings where emotions and stakes run high, her ability to remain composed, strategic, and client-focused makes her an excellent choice for solicitors seeking reliable and effective counsel”, Solicitor
Employment Barrister
Christabel accepts instructions in all areas of employment law.
Christabel combines strong legal analysis with sound judgement and a practical, solutions-driven approach. In contentious financial proceedings where emotions and stakes run high, her ability to remain composed, strategic, and client-focused makes her an excellent choice for solicitors seeking reliable and effective counsel” , Solicitor
