Anarkali Musgrave MCIArb

Call 2005

Barrister

“Anarkali is an excellent barrister, who is engaging, concise and powerful in her advocacy.”
Legal 500, 2026

“An amazing, tactical counsel and a very robust advocate.”
Chambers & Partners, 2026

About

Anarkali is an astute and highly skilled barrister specialising in private children law. She has particular expertise in complex, high-conflict, and high-value disputes. Her practice focuses on representing parents and children, often in high-net-worth or reputation-sensitive cases, where strategic planning, discretion and emotional intelligence are paramount.

She is widely respected for the rigour of her arguments, her calm and persuasive advocacy; and is frequently praised by judges and solicitors alike for her clarity of thought, rigorous preparation, and tactical approach to emotionally charged and nuanced disputes. She has wide experience working on behalf of high-profile and international clients, including matters involving relocation, alienating behaviours, coercive control, and cross-border enforcement.

Anarkali is a qualified children’s arbitrator and accepts instructions on a Direct Access basis.

Experience

Anarkali is a popular, persuasive advocate who is regularly praised by judges and tribunals at all levels for strong, on-point and sophisticated arguments.

Anarkali is a specialist in private law proceedings involving alienating behaviours. She has extensive experience of some of the most serious, intractable and complex cases where children are separately represented and changes of residence are being sought. Her expertise in and knowledge of this area is almost unparalleled; and the scope of her experience means that she is in a unique position to advise and represent parties on the best approach to their case. Anarkali is particularly valued for a tactical and strategic approach to high conflict and intractable cases.

With a reputation for strategic clarity and calm in the most intractable private law disputes, Anarkali is frequently instructed on behalf of clients requiring not only technical excellence but emotional intelligence and discretion. Her practice includes working with high-profile families, business founders, and international clients where the stakes (reputational, emotional and financial) are exceptionally high.

Anarkali is experienced representing parents and children in the UK and abroad in cross-jurisdictional disputes and where applications are made for permission to remove a child from the jurisdiction is sought. Anarkali represents parents accused of abduction in this and other jurisdictions; as well as those parents who have had children abducted abroad to Hague and non-Hague convention countries. Anarkali is familiar with cases involving jurisdictional complexity, often involving relocation, international schooling disputes, or protective measures across borders.

The quality of her intellectual analysis means that Anarkali is regularly instructed on appeals. One of her particular strengths is identifying the point on which a case will ‘turn’ where there are otherwise strong, competing and confusing arguments. Anarkali has experience of intra-jurisdictional and high-profile client work, where issues require particularly nuanced and sensitive handling.

One of Anarkali’s strengths is her ability to work with clients from all backgrounds and cultures. She is trusted by clients for her ability to guide them through personal and legal complexity with confidence and clarity, providing realistic advice whilst also directing them carefully through the case.

Testimonials

“Anarkali is a strong advocate who has the courtroom in her hand. Clients warm to her as she is very approachable.”
Chambers and Partners, 2026

“Anarkali was kind and understanding, whilst being very straightforward and honest.”
Chambers and Partners, 2026

“An exceptional lawyer almost always about three steps ahead of everyone else in the room.”
Chambers and Partners, 2026

“An amazing, tactical counsel and a very robust advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2026

“Anarkali is well prepared and good with very vulnerable clients.”
Chambers and Partners, 2026

“Anarkali is an excellent barrister, who is engaging, concise and powerful in her advocacy.” Legal 500, 2026 Ranked: Tier 4

“Anarkali is sharp, tenacious, good at detail and very persuasive in court. A junior with a polished advocacy style.” Legal 500, 2025 Ranked: Tier 4

“She is a powerhouse in the courtroom and tenacious when required.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“She is pragmatic, sophisticated and someone loved by clients.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“A real warrior on Children Act matters and one of the most strategic barristers around.” Chambers & Partners, 2025

“Anarkali is forensic and thorough with the evidence and sees points of argument which no one else has seen. She is flawless in court and her client care is always well attuned to the specific needs of the individual.” Legal 500, 2024 Ranked: Tier 4

“Highly experienced, robust in court and good at cross-examination, she thinks fast on her feet. Clients like her as she’s very empathetic with them. She is a barrister who’s generous with her time; you can ring her up, bounce ideas off her and ask for a second opinion.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“Anarkali Musgrave is an excellent advocate, who’s well prepared and wonderful with anxious clients too.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“Anarkali is a sharp and robust advocate. She is always one step ahead of her opponent.” Legal 500 2023

“She is a leading advocate in the realm of parental alienation in children cases, and her knowledge in this area is hard to beat.” Legal 500 2023

Practice Areas

Private Law Children

International Family Law

Public Law Children

Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR)

Anarkali is a qualified arbitrator with extremely extensive experience of private law disputes. She is well placed to determine many private law cases, including with the following aspects:

Fact findings and all child-focussed welfare decisions;
Specific issues eg schooling, relocation, holiday arrangements;
Cases involving intra-jurisdictional elements;
Reputation-sensitive, high-net worth families who need discreet, swift decisions which are conducted in an emotionally sensitive way.

Anarkali recognises the desire of many parents to resolve disputes between them in a way which causes the least damage to their family and the children at the heart of it. She brings to her cases a wealth of knowledge about how to manage and resolve difficult and intractable matters in a way which means that families can get on with their lives and make the most of the time they spend with their children.