Profile
A highly experienced lawyer and advocate, Ralph spent 20 years as a solicitor before transferring to the Bar. Since being Called to the Bar, Ralph has developed a strong family practice, dealing with Children Act matters and financial disputes. His calm and measured approach makes him an ideal family law advocate.
Since joining Clerksroom, Ralph has received excellent feedback from those instructing him for the first time. He is approachable and enthusiastic, qualities which, combined with his drive and tactical nous, make him the "go-to" advocate for many.
Areas of law
- Family Law - Children Act
- Family Law - Financial Disputes
- Costs
Family Law
Ralph's growing reputation in family law has seen an increasing number of firms instruct him on a variety of matters, including:
- Children Act matters
- Fact Finding, DRA's , Final Hearings
- Financial Dispute
- FDA's , Final Hearings
Costs
Very experienced in dealing with Detailed Assessment.
Often instructed to attend CCMC's for his cost expertise.
Areas of Law
Ralph McMullan is happy to accept instructions as counsel who is:
Very experienced in the areas of:
- Costs
- Public Access Accredited
- Family Law
Experienced in the following additional areas:
- Consumer Contracts
Happy to help in the following additional areas:
- Business & Commercial Law
Note:
Outside of these key areas of law, Ralph McMullan is always willing to consider any enquiry requiring the experience or knowledge needed to help you or your client. Please call Ralph direct or the support team on 01823 247 247 if you would like to discuss any aspect of this profile.
Fees and Feedback
FEES:
Details regarding our approach to fees can be found at the following link: http://www.clerksroom.com/content-html?cid=514
SERVICES:
Please see “profile” tab for a description of the legal services provided by this barrister.
We aim to complete and return all paperwork within 14 days (2 weeks) of receipt if no specific deadline is provided. We can work to much faster timescales if requested or we can agree a specific target date for each individual circumstance. We will always advise at the outset if counsel is unable to meet any deadline.
Each barrister has a standard hourly rate for their work. The individual hourly rate can be agreed when instructions are acknowledged if preferred. We welcome early discussion as to the suitability of a specific barrister for a specific case. The right barrister will have the relevant expertise to deal with the case but will not be too junior, or too senior depending on the complexities.
We aim to allocate all cases to the correct level of experience & seniority which we believe will prove most to be the most cost-effective solution for our clients.
If, due to urgency, we allocate paperwork to a more senior member of Clerksroom, we will charge the appropriate hourly rate for the work, not for the barrister. We welcome early discussion to ensure the correct fee is applied to the case at the outset.
REDRESS:
All our barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and hold a current practising certificate, details can be found at the following link Barristers’ Register
Complaints information
If you are not satisfied with the service provided, you can make a complaint to Chambers. Information on the chambers’ complaints procedure is available at the following link: http://www.clerksroom.com/content-html?cid=416
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from my chambers, you can make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. You must contact the Legal Ombudsman either within 6 months following the conclusion of our handling your complaint, within 6 years from the date of the act/omission, or 3 years from the date that you should reasonably have known there were grounds for complaint (if the act/omission took place before the 6 October 2010 or was more than six years ago).
The Legal Ombudsman’s details are as follows:
Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6806
Wolverhampton
WV1 9WJ
Tel: 0300 555 0333
Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
Web: www.legalombudsman.org.uk
Privacy Notice
1. This is a privacy notice that describes how, why and for how long I will process or keep your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’).
2. The GDPR governs how an individual’s personal data is used, and your rights in relation to that data.
3. I, Ralph McMullan, have been instructed by you or your litigation friend (usually a parent), through your solicitor or agent, or via the Bar Pro Bono Unit.
4. It is necessary for me to process your personal data in order for me to provide you with legal services, for example:
· Advise on the prospects of litigation;
· Advise on the value of your claim;
· Representation at a court hearing;
· Representation at trial;
· Advise, review or comment on legal issues or evidence.
5. Processing means anything done to data such as: recording, organising, adapting, altering, copying, consulting, transmitting, combining, erasing or storing it.
6. The processing for the purposes listed above will take place in accordance with either Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, depending on how you instructed me.
7. If you have instructed me on a direct access basis, or engaged a solicitor (or legal agent), to assist you in bringing or defending a claim then the processing is necessary to perform a contract to which you are a party (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR). To give effect to that contract (i.e. to bring a claim) it is necessary for me to process your personal data for litigation purposes.
8. If I am assisting you on a pro bono basis, it will be necessary for me to seek your consent to be able to represent you (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR). In this scenario, you will be sent a consent form.
Recipients of your data
9. I may also be required to share your data with others, depending on the nature of your case. This may include:
(i) Courts and other tribunals to whom documents are presented;
(ii) Your solicitors, or agent representing you, through whom I have been instructed;
(iii) Potential witnesses, experts and other persons involved in the case;
(iv) Solicitors, barristers, or other legal representatives;
(v) Ombudsman and regulatory authorities;
(vi) Education and examining bodies; and
(vii) Current, past or prospective employers.
Special Categories of Data
10. In some cases I will have been given your personal data that is within the ‘special categories’ of data described in GDPR Article 9(1). For example, personal data that reveals your race, ethnicity, sexual preferences, political or religious beliefs, trade union membership or health. There are also restrictions for processing information regarding criminal convictions.
11. This type of personal data will only be processed where it is necessary in order to represent you in your legal claim, or advise on the prospects of a legal claim.
Retention
12. I will retain your personal data for no longer than is necessary, and where it is possible, I will anonymise your data.
13. How long your personal data is kept will depend on a number of factors. The retention period will be reviewed when the service I am providing you with is complete. However in general, I am obliged by the Bar Code of Conduct to retain records of my cases, and by HM Revenue and Customs to retain records for 6 years.
14. Once your case has concluded and fees have been paid, I shall retain only the personal data necessary for the following purposes:
(i) The legal and professional obligation to retain information relating to my cases;
(ii) To check for any potential conflict of interests that may arise in the future when I am instructed on other cases;
(iii) For use in the defence of potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes;
(iv) To refer back to in future cases which raise similar legal, factual, or procedural issues.
15. The processing for the purposes listed in paragraph 14 (ii), (iii), and (iv) above, will take place in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. That is, for the purposes of legitimate interests that are not outweighed by your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms.
16. The processing for the purposes listed in paragraph 14(i) above, will take place in accordance with Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. That is, the processing is necessary for me to comply with a legal obligation.
Your Rights
17. Where processing of your personal data was based on your consent (see paragraphs 6 and 8) you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of the processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
18. Withdrawal of your consent to process such data will most likely mean that I am no longer able to provide you with the legal services you seek.
19. You may request confirmation that your personal data is being processed by me and details about the personal data, the source, the processing, the purposes of the processing, the recipients and the retention period.
20. You may request a copy of your personal data that is being processed by me. You may also request rectification (i.e. correction) where there are inaccuracies in the personal data.
21. You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time, to processing of your personal data in paragraph 14 of this privacy notice. Should you object, the processing will only continue where there are compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your fundamental rights, freedoms and interests.
22. Where the processing or retention of your data is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, it will not be possible to object.
23. You have the right to request that your personal data is erased where any of the following apply:
(i) The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
(ii) You withdraw your consent where the basis of processing was based on consent and where there is no other ground for the processing;
(iii) Where your fundamental rights, freedoms and interests override the legitimate interests of processing in paragraph 14;
(iv) The personal data has been unlawfully processed; or
(v) The personal data have to be erased to comply with a legal obligation.
24. You have the right to request that your personal data is restricted from processing, so that it is simply stored, for the following reasons: as an alternative to deletion; so that it can be corrected; for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; to verify if a legitimate ground exists (paragraph 14).
25. Where it is necessary to correct your personal data, or you have requested the restriction or erasure of your personal data, I shall endeavour to contact the recipients of the personal data, unless this involves disproportionate effort.
Security
26. I take appropriate physical and technical procedures to safeguard your personal data to prevent it from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorised way. The I.T. systems used by Clerksroom are ISO27001 compliant.
Complaints or Queries
27. If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, or how I use your personal data please email me: mcmullan@clerksroom.com, or my clerks: mail@clerksroom telephone 01823 247 247.
28. I shall aim to respond as soon as possible, and within 30 days.
29. You have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe I have not handled your request in an appropriate manner. For information on contacting the ICO please go to: https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/
Testimonials
Ian Lay ClientI 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 is by my side and helps to protect my daughters’ interests. Many many thanks, Ralph, I cannot express my gratitude enough.
Luanne Morton ChattertonsI 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.
Alex and Gemma, Wirral Lay ClientWe 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
Robert Bellhouse Ware & KayI’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 .
Luanne Morton Chattertons Legal Services LtdI 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.
Janusz Tyszkiewicz Cost AdvocatesWe 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.
Head of Costs Top 20 Law Firm"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."
Peter Brearley Peter Brearley & CoI 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.
Steven Outram, Senior Law Costs Draftsman Tower Costs SolutionsI 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.
Lisa Cairns DAS LawI 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.
