Introduction
Emma joined chambers following the successful completion of her pupillage in 2013-14. She now specialises in Children Act proceedings.
Having read Law with French at the University of Birmingham and the University of Orléans, Emma went on to study her LLM in European Union Law before being awarded a scholarship by Gray’s Inn and being called to the Bar in 2013.
Emma is always well prepared, is approachable, and will offer sensible and realistic advice.
Public Law Care and Adoption
Emma regularly acts in care and adoption proceedings and is instructed by Local Authorities, parents and Children’s Guardians. She appears at all levels, up to and including the High Court.
During pupillage, Emma was seconded to the Children’s Services Department of a Local Authority.
Emma frequently acts for parents with learning, cognitive or mental health difficulties, and she is familiar with representation through the Official Solicitor. Emma has a calm and sensitive approach.
Emma’s public law experience includes domestic violence, substance misuse, chronic neglect and mental health. In addition, Emma’s recent work has included the following:
- sexual abuse, including allegations of historical sexual abuse of children within the family
- serious physical abuse of children
- representation of clients where there are sensitive cultural or religious issues/concerns around religious practices, including the representation of Roma clients
- disputes as to the appropriate designated local authority
- applications to oppose the making of adoption orders
- jurisdictional issues, including representing parents who are European Union State nationals and Brussels II
- acting for separately represented children
- Re W and applications for children to give evidence
Private Law Children and Domestic Abuse
Emma is regularly instructed in private children proceedings, from first directions appointments, through fact finding to final hearing. She frequently acts for parents, children and for extended family members, including in complex and long-running private disputes and in cases where a Children’s Guardian has been appointed through CAFCASS.
Emma has a calm, thorough and sensitive approach, and will give clear and realistic advice.
Recent experience includes the following:
- protracted and implacable child arrangements disputes
- allegations of sexual abuse of children by parents and extended family members
- parental alienation and allegations of serious emotional harm
- serious domestic abuse (physical, sexual and emotional)
- prohibited steps and specific issues orders, including disputes around schooling, passports and removal from the jurisdiction
- internal relocation
- serious psychiatric illness and mental health, including where parents are represented through the Official Solicitor
- applications by grandparents, including permission hearings and special guardianship orders
