About
Anna specialises in complex public and private children law disputes including cases where there is State intervention in private family matters. Her experience in representing local authorities, children, parents and extended family members enables her to anticipate her opponents’ strategy and advise her clients accordingly. Anna is committed to pursuing her clients’ best interests and is recognised for her approachability by solicitors and clients alike.
Anna is a qualified children’s arbitrator.
In 2024, Anna was appointed as an Assistant Coroner for Surrey County Council.
Experience
Anna is a caring and compassionate advocate who has over 15 years’ experience in family law. Prior to being called to the Bar, she practiced as a solicitor for several years and is therefore very well placed to work collaboratively with those who instruct her to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. Anna also worked as a Registered General Nurse prior to her career in law and has an interest in cases concerning complex medical matters.
Her expertise covers cases where there are significant and complex welfare issues including cases of sexual abuse/historical sexual abuse; the death of one parent caused by the other; accidental injury; parental substance misuse; domestic abuse; adoption cases; mental health issues and applications made under the Inherent Jurisdiction.
Anna has significant experience in cases where findings of fact are required to be made by the court in order to inform any court directed assessments.
Anna is a firm and patient negotiator and an effective and tenacious advocate for clients. In court, Anna has been described as direct, honest, and praised for her thorough cross-examination skills. She is adept at offering her clients reassuring and realistic advice while managing their expectations.
Anna is a confident speaker, often running training courses and webinars for audiences around London and the Home Counties.
She is also qualified to take on Direct Access work and welcomes instructions of this nature.
Practice Areas
Public Law Children
Private Law Children
Dispute Resolution
Local Authority
Education and Professional Memberships
Inns of Court School of Law
Middlesex University BA in Law and Criminology
MCIArb Children Arbitration Course
Middle Temple
Family Law Bar Association
ALC
South Eastern Circuit
Testimonials
“Anna is simply an excellent barrister. She is an all-rounder and a very safe pair of hands. Her advocacy is persuasive, and she has gravitas. Her drafting of documents is meticulous and comprehensive.” Legal 500, 2024 Ranked: Tier 6
“Intelligent and well-organised Anna Walsh is someone who clients really warm to.” Chambers and Partners 2023
“Just thought I would pass on that your Counsel today was excellent – I would use her – it’s a matter for you about future instruction but she handled a difficult situation without any flapping!”
‘As a local authority we have always received positive feedback from our client department. Anna’s robust approach is always appreciated as well as her knowledge of how local authorities operate.’
”I have known Anna Walsh for a number of years and she has developed a mature and pragmatic approach to representation. She prepares her cases assiduously and is able to negotiate with opponents and judges alike with charm and determination. She advises clients directly and respectfully and those who follow her advice are likely to get the best results from the court process.
‘It is truly apparent that Anna is dedicated to her work and supporting her clients, her affable persona combined with confident, competent approach were reassuring during a very stressful time, and helped put me at ease. Anna considered my financial situation throughout, ensuring that the most efficient solution was put in place. She was concise in her representation, missing no details and her manner in court was impeccable. I feel the combination of her accomplished professional skills and genuine, compassionate nature are why such a positive result was achieved.’
