Andrew Pike
Andrew specialises in Public Family Law, acting on behalf of local authorities, family members, and children in complex care proceedings. He is frequently instructed in cases involving allegations of serious physical and sexual abuse, fabricated and induced illness, and applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction.
Andrew is ranked as a leading junior by the Legal 500: “A very diligent, thorough and skilled advocate. His preparation is second to none. He is able to give pragmatic advice to clients in difficult circumstances.”
Andrew also practises in the area of Coronial Law and Inquests, particularly those concerning the involvement of Children’s Services.
Notable Cases
2024
Led by John Vater KC, represented a father alleged to have inflicted closed head injuries to his baby by shaking them. Following a contested fact-finding hearing no findings were made and the child was returned to the care of the parents.
2024
Led by Victoria Butler-Cole KC, representing a father seeking discharge of a care order in favour of wardship or injunctive relief under the Inherent Jurisdiction where there is a dispute in respect of a looked after child’s diagnosis and medical treatment.
2024
Appearing against King’s Counsel, represented a local authority in a re-opened fact-finding hearing regarding allegations of physical abuse.
2023
Led by Tim Donnelly, appearing against King’s Counsel, represented the father in care proceedings regarding alleged fabricated illness.
2023
Led by Tim Donnelly, appearing against King’s Counsel, represented the subject children in a 5-week fact-finding hearing regarding alleged fabricated illness.
2022
Appearing against King’s Counsel, represented the subject children in care proceedings concerning allegations of historical sexual abuse against their adoptive father.
2022
Led by Barbara Connolly KC, represented a child alleged to have sexually abused his younger sibling.
2022
Led by Penny Howe KC, represented a child in care proceedings involving allegations of sexual abuse, including sexual activity between the subject children, and abnormal illness behaviour.
2021
Inquest touching the death of Thomas Brookes, a 16-year-old child who died whilst placed at home under a Care Order. The Coroner’s conclusion was one of death by misadventure. Instructed on behalf of Together for Children Sunderland.
2019
Inquest touching the death of Cpl Joshua Hoole, who died during an Army fitness test in the Brecon Beacons in July 2016. The Coroner raised concerns that the Army had failed to learn lessons following the 2015 Inquests.
2015
Inquests touching the deaths of Cpl James Dunsby, LCpl Craig Roberts, and LCpl Edward Maher. The deceased were Army reservists who suffered fatal heat injuries during a SAS selection exercise in the Brecon Beacons in July 2013.
Recommendations and client feedback
The Legal 500 2025 – Leading Junior
‘A very diligent, thorough and skilled advocate. His preparation is second to none. He is able to give pragmatic advice to clients in difficult circumstances.’
The Legal 500 2024 – Leading Junior
Memberships
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
North Eastern Circuit
Family Law Bar Association
Qualifications
Bar Professional Training Course, Nottingham Law School
Graduate Diploma in Law, Nottingham Law School
MA (hons), Philosophy, University of St Andrews
Scholarships and Awards
Middle Temple Campbell Foster Prize (top 5% on the BPTC)
Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholarship
Nottingham Law School BPTC Scholarship
Warwick School Academic Scholarship
