All members of Senate House Chambers take on privately and publicly funded work at every level of court. Our barristers provide a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience.
Our Private Law team at Senate House Chambers
The Private Law Team at Senate House Chambers provide high-quality representation in all tiers of the Family Court.
Known for the approachable way they deliver their advice, our barristers always have at the forefront of their minds the highly personal and emotional matters in which they are dealing with. Combining skilled negotiation with expert advocacy our barristers strive for the best outcome for their client with early resolution where ever possible.
Senate House Chambers Private Law Team
Joint Head of Chambers
Joint Head of Chambers
01604 210 979
Specialist areas
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Profile
Samuel undertakes work in Public and Private Children Law and Family Law Act matters and has represented Local Authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians and Grandparents. Samuel’s practice includes cases involving:
• Domestic Violence
• Cases involving alcohol and drug misuse, including cases allocated to the FDAC Court
• Mental health
• Neglect
• Special guardianship
• Adoption
• Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders
• Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders
• Appeals
Background
Prior to joining Senate House Chambers, Samuel served five years in the British Army as an Ammunition Technician, a specialist in explosives, bomb disposal and all types of ammunition. As a No. 2 Advanced Explosive Operator, he was the first line of management for junior soldiers and second in command within a bomb disposal team, on emergency response to counter terrorism. During this time, Samuel was deployed on numerous international operations, including the United States, Belize and multiple tours of Afghanistan.
Education
Nottingham Law School, Barrister’s Training Course
Nottingham Trent University, LLB Law
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
The Honourable Society of Middle Temple
Testimonials
“Mr Arksey shows incredible attention to detail, he is methodical and a perfectionist”.
“Hugely impressive in advocacy and demeanour”.
Specialist areas
Child Arrangement Orders
Domestic Abuse
Non-Accidental Injury
Parental Alienation
Sexual Abuse
Profile
Shazia is a dedicated advocate, and an experienced child law practitioner, who specialises in public and private children law cases.
Prior to being called to the Bar in 2021, she built up over a decade of experience as a Solicitor-Advocate in matters including child arrangements, domestic abuse, non-accidental injury, parental alienation, and sexual abuse cases. Shazia has appeared at all tiers of the Family Court, up to the High Court.
As a Solicitor-Advocate she received frequent commendations for the quality of her work in the Buckinghamshire area. She is known as a fearless and impressive advocate who manages complicated cases with good sense, pragmatism, and care. Her case analysis and cross examination technique is excellent.
Outside of her practice, Shazia volunteers at the Royal Court of Justice to enable and support financially vulnerable lay clients, who would otherwise be unable to access justice.
Shazia has excellent client care skills and is very well placed to deal with the anxieties experienced by lay parties involved in the court process; Shazia is a very safe pair of hands.
Education
LLB (Hons) 1992 University of Northumbria
LPC (commendation) 1994 University of Northumbria
Law School:
High Court Advocate (civil) 2012 BPP London
Memberships
The Law Society
SAHCA
Gray’s Inn
FLBA
Admission to the Roll of Solicitors – 1996
Events/training
Shazia is involved in a number of training events. The first of which ‘An Introduction to FDAC & The Impact on Public Law Children Act Proceedings – Webinar for MBL’.
In addition, she is involved in training around supporting vulnerable witnesses. ‘Supporting Vulnerable Witnesses in Family Law Proceedings – Webinar’.
Cases
NCC v LAKE [EWHC] Moor J 21.12.2017
LCC v AB, CD [EWHC] Keehan J 31.08.2018
A Local Authority v Mrs X , Mr X, Mrs Y [2019] EWHC 1634 (fam) Theiss J
Local Authority X and S and R (HHJ Venables) 09.09.2019
AA and BB (Recorder Archer) 29.10.2021
Specialist areas
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Profile
Paris undertakes work in Public and Private Children Law and in Family Law Act matters, representing Local Authorities, Parents, Grandparents, Children’s Guardians and Intervenors. Paris’ practice includes cases involving:
• Substance misuse, including cases allocated to the FDAC Court
• Mental health
• Domestic violence
• Neglect
• Child arrangements orders, including intractable contact disputes
• Adoption
• Special guardianship
• Non-molestation orders and occupation orders
• Specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders
Education
University: University of Sheffield, Law and Criminology LLB, First Class Honours (2018)
Law School
BPP Birmingham, BPTC with LLM in Legal Practice, Outstanding and Distinction (2021)
Memberships
Middle Temple
Family Law Bar Association
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Joint Head of Chambers
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Representation of Children
Profile
Michelle is a specialist in the law relating to children. Her practice consists of approximately 90% Public Law through which she represents the full ambit of parties; parents including via the Official Solicitor, local authorities, Children’s Guardians and children who can be represented in their own right.
Michelle has particular expertise in the following areas:
• Complex Care Proceedings
• Fabricated and Induced Illness
• Infant deaths and near fatal injuries
• Complex medical cases.
• Sexual abuse including inter-familial and inter-sibling.
• Running Care proceedings where there are concurrent criminal proceedings.
On occasion Michelle conducts complex Private Law Children proceedings involving:
• Allegations of abuse are raised.
• Parental Alienation.
• There is a high profile element.
Michelle has been junior to leading counsel on many occasions and has had the pleasure of being led by Jo Delahunty KC, Leslie Samuels KC, Cyrus Larizadeh KC, Darren Howe KC and John Vater KC. Michelle also acts as a leading junior in complex cases.
Education
University:
De Montfort University (1998)
Law School:
Inns of Court School of Law (1999)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Middle Temple
What our clients are saying
Michelle is popular with Solicitors and Lay Clients as a result of:
• Her forensic skills and exceptionally thorough case preparation and analysis.
• The quality of her preparatory and written work, which has often attracted praise from the judiciary in judgments.
• Michelle’s cross-examination techniques of experts and other witnesses.
• Michelle’s exceptional advocacy skills are coupled with a very personable and kind approach to lay clients, which assist greatly in making the court process less daunting.
Cases
C (A child : Fact Finding : Delay) [2014] EWFC B72 (21 November 2014) ED, Re [2015]
EWFC B84 (29 May 2015)
NORHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL v (1) MZ (2) FD (3) FL (2015)
P (A Child), Re [2018] EWCA Civ 720 (11 April 2018)
Pro bono work
Michelle is very much committed to pro bono representation and is willing to continue to represent clients in circumstances were funding is no longer available and the interests of justice require continued representation.
Joint Head of Chambers
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Representation of Children
Profile
Lianne Murphy is a highly experienced child law practitioner specialising in public law proceedings. She is adept at communicating with lay clients of all ages and cognitive abilities, managing each case with care and compassion. She works hard to ensure a level playing field for all clients, enabling them to fully engage with the legal process. Lianne’s highly developed forensic skills and medico-legal knowledge make her well suited to the rigorous demands of Non-Accidental Injury and Fabricated and Induced Illness cases. She is regularly led by King’s Counsel and often acts as a Leading Junior Counsel in more complex proceedings.
Lianne represents parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors in a wide range of cases:
- Serious non-accidental injury
- Fabricated and/or induced illness, including hospital intervenors
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Concurrent criminal proceedings
- Human Rights Act claims arising from public law proceedings
- Chronic neglect
- Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings)
- Special Guardianship
Education
Inns of Court School of Law (2001)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Lincoln’s Inn
What our clients are saying
Lianne Murphy is described as having ‘A first-class mind whose attention to detail in medical cases is second to none.” She is renowned for her in depth knowledge of Human Rights.
Lianne has consistently been listed as a leading junior in Family and Children Law in the Legal 500.
Cases
Z (A Child), Re [2020] EWFC B13
P (A Child), Re [2018] EWCA Civ 720 ([2018] 1 WLR 4486, [2018] 2 FLR 893, [2018] 3 FCR 9, [2018] EWCA Civ 720, [2018] WLR 4486, [2018] WLR(D) 228;
M (Care Proceedings: Finding of Fact Hearing: Fractures) [2017] EWFC B50 (14 July 2017)
Northamptonshire County Council v AS and Others [2015] EWCH 199
Devjee v Patel [2006] EWCA Civ 1211
Pro bono work
Lianne is very much committed to pro bono representation and is willing to continue to represent clients in circumstances were funding is no longer available and the interests of justice require continued representation.
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Profile
Stuart Yeung is an experienced child law practitioner specialising in public and private law proceedings. Stuart acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children and intervenors on the Midlands Circuit. Acting on behalf of local authorities usually involves numerous parties and complex issues arising out of serious non-accidental injury and/or death and complex medical issues. Stuart employs a proactive, careful and sensitive approach to his preparation, has good case management skills and the ability to identify key issues and communicate effectively with professional and lay clients alike.
Stuart’s experience and current practice includes cases involving:
• Serious non-accidental injury
• Fabricated and/or induced illness, including hospital intervenors
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Sexual abuse
• Concurrent criminal proceedings
• Human Rights Act claims arising from public law proceedings
• Chronic neglect
• Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings)
• Adoption
• Special Guardianship
• Domestic Violence
• Child arrangements (formerly residence and contact) disputes, including intractable contact disputes
Education
University:
Leicester Polytechnic (1988) LL.B (Hons)
Law School:
Inns of Court School of Law (1989)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Midlands Circuit
Stuart is able to take instructions under the Public Access scheme.
Stuart is a registered pupil supervisor
Cases
Re W-A (Children: Foreign Conviction) [2022] EWCA Civ 1118
A County Council v CAFCASS [2019] EWHC 2369 (Fam)
Northamptonshire County Council v AB & CD [2019] EWHC 1807 (Fam)
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
Elizabeth Gooderham is a very experienced advocate who, after an early career at the bar undertaking both criminal and family law now specialises solely in all aspects of child-care law.
Elizabeth specialises in public and complex private law proceedings. Elizabeth is a thorough and detailed advocate with an ability to get to the heart of the matter. She has a sensitive and understanding approach when dealing with vulnerable clients, including those with mental health difficulties, young parents and competent children.
Elizabeth acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors in a wide range of cases, including:
• Serious non-accidental injury
• Sexual abuse
• Concurrent criminal proceedings
• Chronic neglect
• Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings)
• Parents with mental health difficulties
• Adoption
• Special Guardianship
• Domestic Violence
• Child arrangements disputes
• Parental alienation
Education
University:
University of Derby (2000)
Law School:
Inns of Court School of Law (2001)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Midland Circuit
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
Beginning her career in the Criminal Courts, and later expanding and developing her practice to specialise in Public (Care) and Private Law Children matters, Jenna has earned her a deserved reputation amongst solicitors and the judiciary as a formidable advocate. Her wealth of experience extends across all tiers of the judicial system, from the Magistrates and Youth Court, through the Crown and County Court to the High Court and Court of Appeal.
As an advocate for Parents, Intervenors and Children/Guardians, Jenna is adept at handling cases involving:
• Domestic Abuse – representing both victims and perpetrators
• Sexual Abuse
• Severe Neglect
• Vulnerable parents, including those with learning disabilities
• Drug/alcohol addictions and dependency issues
• Intractable contact disputes
Education
Leicester University, LLB Hons (2001)
Nottingham Law School; Bar Vocational Course – Very Competent (2002)
Appointments and Memberships
Lincoln’s inn
Midland Circuit
• Bar Council’s Direct Public Access scheme
• Jenna is a registered pupil supervisor
What our clients are saying
Jenna is a diligent, committed and effective advocate who always strives to achieve the best outcome for those she represents whilst giving well-founded and realistic advice. She is known for her ability to effectively deal with conflict and potential hostility. A particular strength is her ability to skilfully challenge expert and professional witnesses.
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
William Falshaw has been involved in law for over 30 years. Using his background in criminal law he has developed a successful family law practice by using his experience as a launch-pad to meet new challenges.
William has represented applicants in Private Law cases and acted for guardians and parents in contested Public Law hearings at all levels. He is well versed in dealing with allegations of neglect, emotional and sexual abuse. William has a compassionate affinity which allows him to understand drug addiction and the challenges faced by parents in the Family Court, his compassion and understanding in dealing with cases involving domestic abuse, be it for a victim a perpetrator or on behalf of a child, has often been commented favourably by the Judiciary.
William acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors in a range of cases:
• Adoption
• Special guardianship
• Child arrangement disputes
• Criminal proceedings
• Neglect
• Sexual abuse
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Domestic Violence
Education
University:
Queen Mary College (University of London)
Law School:
City University
Inns of Court College of Law
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
What our clients are saying
William Falshaw has been praised for his well-balanced advice to clients and his professional, his considered approach towards his clients and his tenacity in putting his client’s case clearly and succinctly.
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Profile
Samantha Reddington is an experienced child law practitioner specialising in public law proceedings. Prior to her call to the Bar in 2015 Samantha was a solicitor specialising in children’s cases since 1999.
Samantha became a member of the Children Panel in 2002. During her practice as a solicitor Samantha was up until 2010 a partner in private practice (Legal 500 top tier firm Borneos), where she headed the Care Team across all 3 offices and the Family team in Bedford.
From 2010 until her call to the Bar, Samantha practised as a freelance advocate specialising in public law proceedings.
Samantha is adept at challenging evidence including medical expertise from all disciplines.
Samantha acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors in a wide range of cases:
• Serious non-accidental injury
• Fabricated and/or induced illness, including hospital intervenors
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Sexual abuse
• Concurrent criminal proceedings
• Human Rights Act claims arising from public law proceedings
• Chronic neglect
• Hearing impaired families
• Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings)
• Adoption including adoptions with international elements
• Special Guardianship
• Domestic Violence
• Child arrangements disputes, including intractable contact disputes
Education
University:
Thames Valley University (1995)
Law School:
London 1995-1996
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Lincolns Inn.
Cases
Z (A Child), Re [2020] EWFC B13
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
Lucy Fairclough is an experienced advocate specialising in child law. Prior to specialising in family law, Lucy also practised at the criminal bar prosecuting and defending offences including serious sexual offences and domestic violence This background has provided Lucy with invaluable experience, skills and knowledge that is particularly beneficial in cases involving and issues of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, domestic violence and in cases requiring cross examination of a child. In the court room Lucy is a robust and tenacious advocate; with her clients Lucy is able to give firm and clear advice whilst remaining compassionate and sympathetic.
Lucy acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors in a wide range of cases:
• Serious non-accidental injury
• Fabricated and/or induced illness, including hospital intervenors
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Sexual abuse
• Concurrent criminal proceedings
• Human Rights Act claims arising from public law proceedings
• Chronic neglect
• Hearing impaired families
• Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings)
• Adoption including adoptions with international elements
• Special Guardianship
• Domestic Violence
• Child arrangements disputes, including intractable contact disputes
Education
University:
University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (2003)
Law School:
Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University (2005)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Grays Inn
Midland Circuit
Women in Family Law
What our clients are saying
Lucy has a strong reputation for being a professional, accomplished and dedicated advocate who has particular skill in client care. Lucy is particularly adept in cases involving an intermediary and at managing vulnerable and challenging clients.
Cases
ED, RE [2015] EWFC B84 (29 May 2015)
hm@senatehousechambers.com | 01604 210 979
Specialist areas
Care Proceedings
Non-accidental injury
Perplexing presentation/ fabricated & induced illness
Non-accidental injury, Including child death
Complex medical evidence.
Profile
Hannah has been consistently ranked in the Legal 500 as a Tier 1 Leading Junior in Children Act cases for several years.
In February 2023, Hannah was appointed as assistant Coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to support the Senior and Area Coroners across the full range of Coroner’s duties for the county, including presiding over inquests.
Hannah has significant experience and expertise in Public Law Children matters, and some private law children in cases where serious allegations are made. A specialist in complex proceedings, Hannah regularly appears in cases involving the most serious of allegations and has a wealth of experience both in being led by King’s Counsel and in leading other junior members of Chambers. Hannah regularly appears in High Court proceedings.
Hannah acts on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, children and interveners in a wide range of cases including:
• Cases involving child death
• Serious non-accidental injury
• Fabricated and induced illness
• Admission of children to hospital for treatment
• Sexual abuse
Hannah is routinely requested in cases where a detailed and forensic approach is required, her advocacy style is described as formidable and she is an extremely popular choice for lay and professional clients alike, particularly where cases require expert cross-examination. Hannah is regularly instructed in cases involving very complex medical evidence, she has a sound grasp of medical conditions and processes and understands how to forensically explore and challenge medical evidence in a way that penetrates the real issues at the heart of a case, whilst also ensuring that this sometimes impenetrable medical terminology is entirely understandable for the benefit of lay and professional clients alike.
Education
University: Nottingham Trent University (LLB 1st Class)
Law School: Nottingham Law School
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Judicial Appointments
Assistant Coroner 2023
What our clients are saying
Legal 500 2023 – “Hannah is one of the best junior barristers in children’s law work. She is well known for having the expertise and experience to manage the most serious cases including those involving physical, sexual and emotional harm and cases concerning the fatality of a child. She is the go-to barrister who work extremely hard and is a formidable advocate.”
Chambers & Partners 2022 – “A respected barrister with a particular focus on public law proceedings. She is noted for her expert representation of parents but also acts for local authorities and children. She has experience in the Court of appeal.” “She has the ability to take on any issue even at the last minute. She works tirelessly on cases that she is instructed on, bringing a great deal of experience. She is a persuasive Court advocate.” “A magnet for complex family work in her area.”
Reported Cases
Central Bedfordshire Council v F & Ors [2022] EWFC 130
Y (Leave to oppose adoption) [2020] EWCA Civ 1287
Z (A Child), Re [2020] EWFC B13
Northamptonshire County Council v AB & Anor [2019] EWHC 1807 (Fam)
O (A Child): Interim Care Order [2019] EWCA Civ 583
H-L (Children: Summary Dismissal of Care Proceedings) [2019] EWCA Civ 704
P (A Child), Re [2018] EWCA Civ 720
ES (A Child), Re [2017] EWFC B96
ED, Re [2015] EWFC B84
X County Council v AB & CD [2015] EWFC 98
NCC v L & Anor [2014] EWHC 4828 (Fam)
Cooke, R (on the application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2008] EWHC 2703 (Admin)
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
Abigail is an experienced, diligent and respected advocate specialising in public and private law relating to children.
The empathy and sensitivity she shows towards her clients means she is frequently instructed to act in complex cases especially those involving vulnerable clients.
Abigail is the Head of the Private Law Team at Senate House Chambers. Abigail strives to achieve the best outcome for her client and is known for providing realistic and well-founded advice. She has extensive experience in negotiating consent orders on behalf of clients where previous agreement has not been possible and where detail has been key.
Abigail is regularly instructed in cases involving:
• Applications for contact including cases requiring the introduction or reinstatement of contact
• Change of residence including shared residence
• Parental alienation / malign influence
• Sexual abuse
• Drugs and alcohol
• Mental health concerns
• Safeguarding concerns including the involvement of social services
Her care practice regularly sees her representing parents, local authorities, interveners and children’s guardians and her experience extends to cases involving:
• Non accidental injury including “shaken baby syndrome”
• Severe neglect
• Sexual abuse including incest and in cases where a subject child is an alleged abuser
• Alcohol and drug dependency
• Domestic abuse to include allegations of the murder of a parent
• Cognitive limitations or vulnerabilities to include instruction from the Official Solicitor and instructions direct from a child
• Secure accommodation
Education
University:
University of East Anglia (2005)
Law School:
Nottingham (2006)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Middle Temple
What our clients are saying
Abigail is one of a handful of barristers whom I immediately think of when a difficult case with labyrinthine facts and complex issues lands on my desk. If there’s a fight to be had she has the heart, knowledge, expertise and intellectual armoury to meet the challenge and meet it well.
Abigail is listed as a leading junior in Family and Children Law in the legal 500.
Cases
B (a child) [2014] EWCC B55 (fam)
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Profile
Samantha Dunn is an experienced and established family law practitioner that has specialised primarily in care proceedings. Samantha provides clients with frank but sensitive advice enabling them to make informed decisions throughout the duration of the case. Samantha thoroughly cares about the work that she undertakes and will often go ‘above and beyond’ for the benefit of her lay and professional clients. She is a tenacious and persuasive advocate adept in both negotiation and court room advocacy skills.
She has experience representing a number of Local Authorities, Guardians, parents and other interested parties / intervenors in cases involving:
• Serious non-accidental injuries (fractures – including baby-shake cases, bruising, sexual abuse cases);
• Physical and sexual abuse of children and / or adults;
• Fabricated and/or induced illness;
• Female Genital Mutilation;
• Chronic neglect, emotional and psychological abuse;
• Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings);
• Adults or children with learning difficulties and / or disabilities;
• Domestic Violence / Domestic Abuse (including honour-based violence);
• Adoption;
• Special Guardianship;
• Child arrangements disputes, including intractable contact disputes and alienation;
Samantha is qualified to accept instructions on a Direct Access basis.
Education
University:
University of Derby (2007)
Law School:
University of Nottingham (2008)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Middle Temple
What our clients are saying
Samantha is renowned for her no-nonsense straight-talking approach. She has excellent client care skills and will provide clients with firm but sensitive advice to ensure they are equipped and empowered to make the right choices throughout their litigation.
Cases
Re W-A (Children: Foreign Conviction) [2022] EWCA Civ 1118
T (A Child: Fact Finding) [2014] EWFC B115 (12 September 2014)
NCC v L & Anor [2014] EWHC 4828 (Fam) (21 July 2014)
01604 210 979
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Profile
Charlene practices exclusively in children matters, covering all aspects of private and public children’s work in the family field. Charlene began her practice in both crime and family; her mixed practice has equipped her with knowledge of the crossover between the criminal and family jurisdictions. Charlene conducted her last ever criminal case in the Court of Appeal.
Charlene has experience in representing local authorities, parents, interveners, related parties, children’s guardians and competent children at all stages of care proceedings. She appears before all levels of the judiciary, including in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Her work in this field includes:
• Fact finding hearings comprising serious non-accidental injury (‘shaken’ baby allegations, multiple fractures and multiple bruising).
• Fact finding hearings involving sexual abuse allegations.
• Re-litigation/challenge to historic findings.
• Drug and alcohol abuse, including FDAC proceedings.
• Mental illness or learning difficulties, including when the client is represented by the Official Solicitor.
• Representation of young clients.
• Serious domestic violence.
• Chronic neglect.
• Removal from jurisdiction.
• High conflict cases (parental alienation and malign influence).
• Appeal hearings.
Public Access scheme:
Charlene regularly accepts instructions under the Public Access scheme.
Education
University:
University of Sussex (2008)
Law School:
BPP London (2009)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Lincoln’s Inn
What our clients are saying
Charlene takes a dedicated approach to all of her cases and has a reputation for representing clients with passion and conviction. She has a fierce tenacity in the courtroom and has been described as an “impressive advocate” with an “astonishing command of her case”. Her knowledge, preparation and organisation of papers has been referred to as “exceptional”.
Cases
Re Z (A Child: Committal Proceedings) [2020] EWFC B5
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence
Financial Remedy Proceedings
Profile
Andrew has developed a strong reputation in all areas of Family Disputes. He is regularly instructed in complex private and public law cases. He has developed a reputation as a fearless advocate who dispenses with advice in a frank and down to earth manner.
Professional clients can expect Andrew to be a team player, who goes the extra mile and values the importance of working together. Andrew is instructed across all levels of court allocation. He regularly deals with complex physical and sexual abuse allegations, and within the private law sphere has developed a trusted reputation for cases involving complex parental alienation.
Andrew represents Parents, Local Authorities, Children (directly or through their guardian), intervenors, grandparents and divorcees. Andrew without doubt has an ability to get straight to the point, he is a strong negotiator, and a resolute cross examiner.
Andrew is regularly instructed in cases involving complex issues such as; international relocation, parental alienation, significant substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic violence and non-accidental injury.
Andrew has participated as both Appellant and Respondent in many appeal hearings. A number of those appeals have resulted in re-hearings being directed.
Andrew also regularly accepts instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access scheme and sees many referrals as a consequence of his successes.
Education
University:
University of Sussex LL.B (Hons) Law (2009):
University of Edinburgh LL.M Law (2010)
Law School:
BPP Law School (London)
Bar Professional Training Course (2011)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
What our clients are saying
Andrew is well known for getting results and having a strong presence in the court room. Known for good communication skills, robust advice, and a forensic cross examiner.
Cases
Bedford Borough Council v CD & Ors (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 3298 (Fam)
Bedford Borough Council v CD & Ors (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 1996 (Fam)
Re B [2023] Andrew represented a Local Authority in a legally complex case where there was a positively assessed special guardian, and a known prospective adopter, neither of which the child lived with at the time of the final hearing. Andrew successfully obtained care and placement orders on behalf of the Local Authority following legal argument.
Re DS [2022] Andrew represented a father where allegations were made of the most serious form of sexual abuse against both him and his brother in law. After a 10 day fact find where two sets of care proceedings were consolidated, no findings were made against Andrew’s client, who was exonerated, immediately allowed to return to the family home and the care proceedings were dismissed.
Re LM [2022] Andrew, led by Kings Counsel, gave difficult advice to compromise an appeal brought against his client in the Court of Appeal, recognising the decision of the first instance Judge and the actions of his client was not sustainable in law.
Re RM [2022] Andrew represented a father where significant historic findings had been made against him at an earlier fact find hearing and an application for further assessment of him had been refused. Following Andrew’s cross examination at the welfare hearing where care and placement orders were sought, the Judge acceded to Andrew’s application for expert risk assessment and an adjournment of the final hearing for that assessment to be completed.
Re D [2022] Andrew represented maternal family members during a lengthy welfare hearing at the High Court to determine where a child would live following the killing of her mother by the father. The father was held on remand for murder throughout the duration of the trial.
Re C [2022] Andrew sought an order for adoption on behalf of foster carers in a very complex case where the foster carers had cared for a child for almost 3 years at the time of the hearing, but where there was a positively assessed family member and the added complexity of linked care proceedings in relation to a sibling child being heard at the same time.
Re E [2021] Andrew represented a mother, led by Queens Counsel, where the parents were in the pool of possible perpetrators following discovery of two rib fracture during a routine X-Ray. Andrew’s team brought about the withdrawal of the case by the Local Authority and the parents were exonerated.
Re T [2021] Andrew successfully sought the transfer of living arrangements for two sibling children from the mother to the father where there had been earlier findings of parental alienation and a failed therapeutic process.
Re RN [2021] Andrew successfully sought findings on behalf of his client of the falsification of various allegations of domestic abuse including that the mother had falsified an allegation of attempted murder.
Re L [2021] Andrew dealt with a complex conjoined cases where the birth parents sought contact with a previously adopted sibling group in private proceedings at the same time as adoptive family were involved in public law proceedings following the breakdown of the adoptive placement.
Re CE (2020)
Andrew appeared for a mother, accused of parental alienation as assessed by a psychologist. Andrew was instructed late in the proceedings when a fact find, and welfare hearing were listed. His advice, and representation brought about agreement to the proceedings and resulted in the vacating of the fact find hearing and the child remaining in the care of his client.
Re B (2020)
On behalf of the children, Andrew successfully opposed an appeal brought by the parents and the children were removed into foster care and the conclusion of the appellate process.
Re TE (2020)
Andrew represented a father who faced a number of allegations of domestic violence over a decade. Following the fact find hearing the court found those allegations not proven and went on to find the mother was the aggressor in the relationship.
Re J (2020)
Andrew appeared as junior for a father to the sibling of a murdered child in the High Court. The case involved complex issues of non-disclosure, significant police disclosure, and a forensic enquiry into the conduct of foster carers at the welfare stage.
Re P (2019)
Andrew acted for the children where he sought the transfer of living arrangements of two children who were living with the mother to their father’s care. This was a complex parental alienation case where the mother had previously made serious allegations of abuse against the father. The children were successfully transitioned at the conclusion of the case.
Re H (2019)
Andrew appeared for a mother who made allegations of significant domestic violence and coercive control, including gaslighting and influence of the child. The proceedings had jurisdictional issues and the court ultimately found all the allegations made by the mother proven.
Re RJ (2018)
Andrew represented a father in a parental alienation case who faced twelve allegations of physical abuse against his child made by the mother. The court found none of these allegations proven and went on to find that the mother had alienated the children from the father and that the child was at risk of significant harm in the care of the mother.
Re PD (2018)
Andrew appeared on behalf of the mother and successfully sought an order for no direct contact between a child and her father. The court made the order sought by Andrew following his cross examination of a consultant psychiatrist, community psychiatric nurse, and CAFCASS officer who had all recommended that there be direct contact between the father and the child.
Re HW (2017) On behalf of a father, Andrew successfully appealed the decision of the lower court to make care and placement orders following a final hearing. The appeal consisted of two days of legal argument and was opposed by both the Local Authority and the children’s guardian. The appeal was allowed, and the matter listed for rehearing.
Re EW (2016)
Andrew, acting for a local authority, successfully appealed the decision of a District Judge to adjourn care and placement order applications for a further six months to allow time for the mother to engage in further theory. This was following a fully contested 7-day trial. The appeal consisted of two days of legal argument and was opposed by the legal teams on behalf of the mother and father.
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Secure accommodation
Domestic Violence
Profile
Sophie has established a successful and varied practice in public and private law proceedings. She acts in urgent applications through to multi-day hearings on behalf of local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and intervenors. Sophie has developed a strong practice in representing competent children and vulnerable clients due to her compassionate and personable approach, and is recognised for her perseverance and commitment to always achieving the best outcome for her client. Sophie’s forensic approach to evidence, combined with her experience at the Bar and knowledge acquired through her Genetics degree, has lead to instructions in serious cases of sexual and physical abuse, and non-accidental injury.
Education
University:
University of Liverpool, BSc (Hons) Genetics
Law School:
University of Law, GDL
Manchester Metropolitan University, BPTC
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Lincoln’s Inn
What our clients are saying
“Sophie is an amazing advocate who fights her client’s corner diligently and tenaciously. Clients warm to Sophie because they have full confidence in her. She gives a powerful voice to those who may otherwise go unheard.”
Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Wardship
Profile
Paul has a busy and diverse family law practice, with an emphasis on public law Children Act proceedings. He acts for parents, local authorities, guardians and interveners and has appeared at all levels of the Family Court and the Court of Appeal. Paul’s practice includes cases involving non-accidental injuries, FII, neglect, substance misuse, mental health, physical & sexual abuse and domestic abuse.
Education
Law LLB (Hons) University of Sussex (2012)
BPTC Kaplan Law School (2013)
Languages
French – Proficient
British Sign Language – Basic
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Middle Temple
What our clients are saying
Chambers & Partners 2023
Paul Froud is an expert in public children law. He handles a range of cases, from those dealing with sexual abuse to neglect and non-accidental injury matters.
Strengths: “Paul is a fierce and very knowledgeable barrister.”
“Paul has always gone above and beyond on several of my cases and his client service is impeccable.”
“He works incredibly hard on cases and always goes the extra mile to provide excellent client care. He is very popular with professional clients and guardians for his practical and well-prepared approach.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
An expert in public children law who represents local authorities, parents and guardians. He handles a range of cases, from those dealing with sexual abuse to neglect and non-accidental injury matters.
Strengths: “He is hard-working and has the ability to understand and grasp cases and to advocate the key issues with great skill.” “Paul is down-to-earth, practical and sensible. His position statements are always extremely accurate and persuasive. He fights his client’s corner and is not afraid to make waves where it is appropriate to do so.”
“I particularly singled out Mr Froud for his efforts. […]. In cross-examination and in submissions he did all he could to argue her case, fairly and with sincerity.”
HHJ Vincent, Family Court at Oxford (Re X [2018] EWFC B25)
Cases
Re Y (Leave to Oppose Adoption) [2020] EWCA Civ 1287
X and Y (Private Law – Change of Name – Termination of Parental Responsibility) [2021] EWFC B24
The range of private law issues we can assist with includes, but is not limited to:
We can also assist with claims under the Family Law Act 1996, whether there are children involved or not, including:
We welcome instructions from those who qualify for legal aid, as well as those who are privately funded or via the Direct Access Scheme.
Our clerking team are available to guide you through our fee structure and to assist with any further information you may require
For advice or representation that is timely, thorough and effective, contact us:
Tel – 01604 210 979
Fax – 01604 622 283
Email – clerks@senatehousechambers.com