McAlister Family Law, the North West’s leading family and children law practice, is delighted to announce the appointment of Christine Barker as Partner, marking one of the most significant senior hires in the practice’s history.
Christine joins McAlister Family Law following an exceptional career spanning more than 40 years, most recently as Head of Family Manchester at Ward Hadaway. Widely regarded as one of the most reputable, experienced and accomplished family lawyers in the North West, her appointment further strengthens McAlister Family Law’s position as the region’s number one practice for family and children matters.
Based across Manchester and Cheshire, Christine will play a key role in supporting McAlister Family Law’s continued growth and strategic expansion, as the practice looks ahead to what is expected to be its most successful year to date.
Christine is highly respected for her work with high net worth individuals, routinely advising on complex financial settlements arising from divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships. Her expertise includes matters involving companies, partnerships, shareholders, intricate pension arrangements, trusts and overseas property portfolios. She has acted for a wide range of high-profile clients, including cases valued at up to £30 million.
Her appointment reflects McAlister Family Law’s ability to attract the very top talent in the market and builds on the practice’s continued recognition in the Legal 500, alongside an impressive array of industry accolades and awards secured over recent years.
Commenting on her appointment, Christine Barker, Partner at McAlister Family Law, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining McAlister Family Law at such an exciting time in its journey. The practice has built an outstanding reputation for excellence, innovation and client care, and its position as the leading family law practice in the North West is well deserved. I look forward to working with the team to continue delivering exceptional outcomes for clients across the North West, and to playing a part in the practice’s ambitious growth plans.”
Amanda McAlister, Managing Partner of McAlister Family Law, added: “Christine’s appointment is a hugely significant milestone for McAlister Family Law. She is quite simply one of the most respected family lawyers in the region, and her experience, reputation and technical expertise are second to none. This appointment is a clear reflection of our standing in the market and our ability to attract the very best talent. With exciting plans for 2026, including new locations and a strong recruitment pipeline, Christine’s arrival positions us perfectly for what we anticipate will be our most successful year yet.”
McAlister Family Law continues to expand its footprint across the North West, with further announcements expected throughout 2026 as the practice accelerates its growth strategy while maintaining its unwavering focus on excellence in family and children law.
