Profile description
Family law (financial settlement)
Ralph also accepts instructions on financial settlement proceedings. His practice in this area sees him representing clients throughout proceedings from FDA, FDR and Final Hearings - and any interim application hearings. Ralph has experience of dealing with high-value financial proceedings featuring substantial assets held in property, pensions and businesses. His calm and measured approach is highly suited to this area of law.
Family Law (children)
Ralph's family law practice is primarily rooted in disputes involving Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs).
He accepts instructions from Applicants and Respondents to deal with disputes involving applications for contact and residence, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. Ralph has experience of cases involving allegations of domestic violence and substance abuse and is frequently instructed to advise and represent clients in relation to fact-finding hearings.
Ralph's core family (children) practice involves the following areas:
- Child Arrangement Orders (contact and residence)
- Parental Alienation
- Parental responsibility
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
- Non-molestation and Occupation Orders
- Applications to enforce
Since joining Clerksroom, Ralph has received great feedback from those who are instructing him for the first time. He is approachable and enthusiastic, qualities which when combined with his drive and tactical nous make him the "go-to" barrister for many of his clients.
Client testimonials
I could not be happier to have been introduced to Ralph McMullan.The dedication and professionalism with which Ralph undertook the, quite simply, herculean task of getting up to speed with the intricacies of my complex Parental Alienation case were incredible. There is no doubt in my mind that Ralph excelled himself – with only 1 metric to be measured, the protection of my daughters; where not a single mistake could be made. I could not have wished for a more involved or understanding Counsel – and I have been amazed by his guidance and input over my journey of the last 2 weeks - most notably, doing 4 cross examinations in 1 day. As this case hopefully draws to a close, I sincerely hope that Ralph/Mr McMullan is by my side and helps to protect my daughters’ interests. Many many thanks, Ralph, I cannot express my gratitude enough.
Ian (Lay Client)
We had the pleasure of instructing Ralph in relation to a family court hearing. From the very first meeting, Ralph’s professionalism was of the highest order and he was genuinely compassionate in dealing with the case. The advice given by Ralph was always practical and achievable. He gave us the confidence to pursue the matter and as a result we obtained an outcome that was better than we expected. This was purely as a result of the guidance and support given by Ralph. We really cant thank Ralph enough and would not hesitate to instruct Ralph again but hopefully this will not be needed! Thank you for all your help and assistance
Alex and Gemma, Wirral (Lay Client)
I have instructed Ralph in respect of a number of family matters and have found him to be a confident and capable advocate providing well thought out submissions. The advice given to clients at court is practical and achievable. I have always received great feedback from the clients that Ralph has represented and would not hesitate to instruct him in any further family proceedings.
Luanne Morton (Chattertons Legal Services Ltd)
I’ve known Mr McMullan for over 25 years as a solicitor and now Counsel. He is a precise, focused and tenacious Advocate. I’ve instructed him in a number of Family cases and the results and feedback from clients has been highly positive. His advice and arguments being technically correct but also practical and empathic. I would not hesitate to instruct him again. Highly recommended.
Robert Bellhouse (Ware & Kay)
We have been consistently pleased with the outcomes obtained by Ralph [McMullan] on our clients’ behalf. It would appear that his understated yet confident manner, coupled with his years of experience as a Solicitor, finds favour with the Costs Judges that he appears before.
Janusz Tyszkiewicz Cost Advocates
"A shrewd and thoughtful advocate, Ralph (McMullan) is equally adept at handling 'nuts and bolts' costs assessments or more technical arguments. His calm ability to take a Judge through difficult points and articulate his position persuasively is a real strength. As a former solicitor he has particular insight into what his instructing solicitors and their clients are looking to achieve."
Head of Costs Top 20 Law Firm
I have instructed Ralph McMullan to attend hearings on many occasions. His vast experience as a solicitor before being called to the Bar gives him a clear advantage, and his results for me have exceeded expectations. His is the first name I check for availability.
Peter Brearley (Peter Brearley & Co)
I have been utilising the services of Mr. Ralph McMullan on a wide variety of costs issues over the past 9 months and have always found him to be friendly, helpful and, most importantly, extremely knowledgeable. He achieves consistent results and genuinely cares about his clients, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him to anyone.
Steven Outram, Senior Law Costs Draftsman (Tower Costs Solutions)
I booked Ralph (McMullan) to attend an Application on Friday at Lincoln and am extremely impressed by his ability to negotiate and his professional manner whilst doing so. To summarise ... He gives good advice but is also capable of taking instructions (from his instructed Solicitors ). It was a fantastic result which my Client and I are really pleased with. I will not hesitate to book him again.
Lisa Cairns (DAS Law)
