Clare Bate - Linenhall

Barrister Overview

Clare joined Chambers in October 2019 following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Nicholas Sefton and Maria Masselis.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Clare worked as a County Court Advocate for LPC Law and Kearns, undertaking civil work on both the Northern and Chester and Wales Circuits. Whilst undertaking the BPTC, Clare also worked for BPP Legal Advice Clinic and delivered presentations as part of the StreetLaw Project.

Clare has a mixed practice and accepts a broad range of instructions in Crime, Family and Civil.

Family

Clare accepts instructions in both private and public law work and has previously represented parents, local authorities and children in care proceedings. Her care work includes finding of fact hearings, Placement Order applications and final hearings.

Crime

Clare regularly appears in the Magistrates Court and undertakes both prosecution and defence work. Clare has also appeared in the youth court and has experience undertaking hearings in the Crown Court. Clare is a category 1 Prosecutor. Clare’s work in the Crown Court includes experience in appeals against conviction and sentence and committal for sentence.

Other work

Clare has experience in appearing before the parole board and has appeared before the Special Educational Needs (SEN) First-Tier Tribunal. Clare has also appeared before The Honourable Mr Justice Cohen QC in the High Court (Family Division) during pupillage.

Clare has a personable and friendly style, is very well organised and her calm and confident approach generates trust in clients.

Specialist Areas of Practice

Assault & Violent Crime
Care Proceedings
Children Act
Civil Law
Criminal Law
Family Law
Injunctions & Committals
Motoring and Road Traffic Offences
Personal Injury

Lists, Panels and Memberships

Member of The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

Appointments

Category 1 Prosecutor

Notable & Reported Cases

A and B (Children) (deaf parent: assessment and practice) (2021) EWFC 10

(https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2021/10.html)

Reported case in the High Court – Junior Counsel for the children. Daniel Dodd leading counsel.

Recommendations

Clare is ranked Tier 2 in the 2027 Legal 500 Directory.

Clare was also recommended in the Legal 500 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, as a ‘Rising Star’* in Child Law (Public and Private) on the Wales and Chester Circuit:

Clare is ranked Band 2 in the Chambers & Partners Legal Directory 2026.

Clare was recognised as ‘Up and Coming’ in the Chambers & Partners Legal Directory 2024 and 2025

*Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.

“Clare is always very well prepared and is an experienced advocate but maintains the ability to engage well with professionals and lay clients.” (C&P 2026)

“She always acts with professionalism and politeness.” (C&P 2026)

“Clare is an excellent barrister and the clients like her.” (C&P 2024)

“Miss Bate is a very approachable advocate who appears to deal sensitively and pragmatically with her clients.” Legal 500 2023

‘She is very professional and provides documents, such as orders and case summaries, in a very timely fashion. Moreover, her advocacy is clear and persuasive.’ Legal 500 2024