Stephen Lue

Year of Call: 2006

"Stephen is highly dedicated to his profession and his clients. He is calm and collected in court. His advocacy is of a high standard."

Legal 500, 2024 (Family)

"He's extremely professional and an absolute joy to work with even on difficult cases as there's always a way to discuss matters in an open, child-focused, practical way. Respected by judges, he fights his client's corner expertly and expresses himself well. He's a fierce, formidable opponent in the most joyous way."

Chambers UK, 2023

"He pursues the best outcomes for his clients in negotiation in a positive and respectful manner."

Chambers UK, 2022 (Family: Children)

"A compassionate, considerate but robust advocate who treats clients, parties and opponents with respect and patience."

Legal 500, 2022 (Children Law)

"A conscientious, calm and focused advocate who is a sensible, reassuring presence in court."

Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Family: Children)

"He was very aware of how I was feeling, showed empathy and understanding during both my visits to court. He was determined to make sure I received the best possible settlement and what he achieved was far beyond my expectations."

Client

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For solicitors & organisations | For individuals

Stephen Lue is a specialist family law barrister. His practice covers a wide range of applications including public and private children law, financial remedies in divorce cases, international child abduction work and domestic violence. He also acts in Court of Protection cases.

Stephen was shortlisted in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2021 for Barrister of the Year.

FAMILY LAW: CHILDREN'S LAW

Overview

Stephen's experience in private law children work covers contact and residence applications including contested final hearings where there are serious allegations of sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and violence. His strength is always keeping the focus on the welfare of the child, regardless of the issues that adults in the case seek to litigate.

In relation to his public law children practice, Stephen has experience representing parents, Guardians, grandparents and parties making special guardianship applications, and is regularly instructed in cases which involve issues of neglect, drug misuse, mental health, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse. Stephen has a particular interest in working with neurodiverse clients.

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FAMILY LAW: FINANCIAL DISPUTES AND SOLUTIONS

In financial remedies work, Stephen represents wives, husbands and civil partners in all financial remedy applications; dealing with parties who have modest assets, as well as those who hold more complex assets in multiple jurisdictions. Stephen has advised clients with complex shares and property portfolios. Stephen advises in conference in respect of what the court may rule as being pre-marital assets/post separation assets, or assets that should fall outside of the matrimonial pot based on contribution.

Stephen advises on the consequences of inheritance and the likely impact on the divorce settlement ordered by the court. Stephen advises regularly in respect of without prejudice offers that should be made to the other side in the lead-up to financial dispute resolution or the final hearing, in an effort to save time, stress and cost for clients. Stephen advises in circumstances where a s.37 freeing order application is appropriate to protect the matrimonial pot, prior to a final order by the court.

Stephen is experienced in providing clear guidance on whether a court would consider the conduct alleged in the relationship as relevant to the distribution of assets. Stephen advises on how the court may treat the parties pensions in the context of the other factors at play in the marriage. Stephen also handles financial applications for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. He regularly advises and represents clients with claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act.

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Court of Protection

Stephen is a member of the Court of Protection Team at Garden Court Chambers. He is ideally placed to work on all applications concerning vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection, drawing on his expertise in children and family law for families. Stephen has acted on behalf of families are who are not content with the provisions in respect of care and contact proposed by the Local Authority. Stephen has acted for deputies who are not in agreement in respect of the provisions that are in place for “P”. Both areas of law are based on the 'best interests' jurisdiction and involve the application of parallel principles, in which Stephen is fully experienced.

Stephen has dealt with contentious and sensitive issues, including applications concerning forced marriage, medical treatment, deprivation of liberty, care, contact with family members where there are allegations of sexual or physical abuse and/or neglect, access to the community unescorted, and injunctions to remove persons from their home or prevent family members returning them to the family home.

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CROSS-BORDER FAMILY CASES

Overview

In his international family law practice, Stephen also deals with child abduction cases involving the removal of children to and from the jurisdiction to both Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention countries.

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What Others Say

"A conscientious, calm and focused advocate who is a sensible, reassuring presence in court." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Family: Children)

"Has a calm, yet authoritative manner which means that he is able to remain professional even in the face of difficult or aggressive clients. He is a knowledgeable and confident advocate." - Legal 500, 2021 (Children Law)

"Stephen's kindness, sensitivity, compassion and understanding enabled me to feel safe and supported. He ensured he covered everything that was necessary. His strength, clarity, knowledge and personable manner have been unwavering and his ongoing support has been an invaluable source of strength. I would unequivocally recommend Stephen." - Anonymous Client

"I really want to thank Mr Stephen Lue. I cannot give this charming young man enough credit. He never gave up. He fought my case with utmost professionalism." - Anonymous Client

"He was very aware of how I was feeling, showed empathy and understanding during both my visits to court. He was determined to make sure I received the best possible settlement and what he achieved was far beyond my expectations." - Anonymous Client

"Never lose this barrister, hang on to him, you all make a great team." - Anonymous Client

"Thank you Stephen for all of the work you have just completed on my case. It was my first experience working through the public access scheme and you were helpful and sensitive in the navigation of the difference in approach." - Anonymous Client

"This talented and remarkable man was a pleasure to work with. Stephen is highly skilled and sensitive, but tenacious. I was confident my children and I were in safe hands. Once you have worked with Stephen you will want no one else." - Anonymous Client

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Background

Stephen is a mentor with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards' LGBTQ Youth Programme. This involves attending sessions that are geared towards helping young people improve or learn a new skill, offering practical assistance with the programme and also introducing them to a diverse group of LGBTQ role models. Stephen is a Volunteer for Diversity Role models, which is a charity focused on celebrating the stories of LGBTQ+ professionals in schools.

Stephen was awarded the Harmsworth Scholarship by Middle Temple (2005).

Before coming to the Bar, Stephen worked as a compliance officer at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch International.

His work with Lylian Baylis Technology School saw him awarded the London South Bank mentoring award by Sir Trevor McDonald.

Prior to pupillage Stephen's interest in domestic violence issues led him to act as a volunteer McKenzie friend for the National Centre of Domestic Violence in order to help obtain ex-parte occupation orders and non-molestation orders for victims.

He also spent two years volunteering for Food Chain, a charity focusing on providing nutritional specific meals to those living with HIV.

In addition to this he volunteered for the United Kingdom Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group as a case researcher.

Stephen is a trustee for the LGBT + Aquatics charity called Out To Swim.

He is also a trustee of the Burma Skincare Initiative.

In his spare time he enjoys swim coaching, performing arts and photography.

Education

  • LLB Hons (Kings College London)
  • BVC (Inns of Court School of Law)

Professional Membership

  • Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
  • Bar Lesbian and Gay Group (BLAGG) (Secretary)

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