About
Helen is an experienced children law specialist. Her practice covers all matters relating to adoption, care proceedings and disputes about children arising within families. She is regularly instructed by parents, extended family members, children (both directly and through their guardians), local authorities and adoption agencies.
Experience
Helen has expertise in:
– Adoption (international and domestic)
– Factually complex public and private children law matters – such as those involving allegations of Non-Accidental Injury (including head injuries, fractures, burns and bruises), Fabricated and Induced Illness (from exaggerating underlying medical conditions to deliberate poisoning) and serious sexual assaults
– Special Guardianship.
In addition to many years’ experience of independent practice at the Bar, Helen has also undertaken a sabbatical working as an advisory lawyer at the Department for Education. In that role, Helen provided legal advice to policy makers and Ministers regarding a range of matters relating to inter-country adoption (DfE is the Central Authority for the Hague Adoption Convention), domestic adoption (including post adoption contact/information and adoption support), care proceedings and Special Guardianship.
Consequently, Helen has a thorough knowledge of the legal framework in these areas. This understanding, combined with her friendly and approachable manner, her ability to absorb complex factual matters at speed and effective advocacy skills, means that she is able to secure the trust of clients quickly and easily and deliver positive outcomes for them, often in difficult and stressful situations.
As a qualified mediator, Helen understands that where possible, negotiated settlements can often be in a client’s best interests as the client will be able to have some direct control over the outcome. However, in those situations where this is not possible, Helen embraces the adversarial court process and is an impressive and persuasive advocate.
Practice Areas
Public Law Children
Private Law Children
Alternative Families
International Family Law
Education and Professional Memberships
LLB Law (2001)
Bar Vocational Course (2002)
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
CoramBAAF Legal Group
Middle Temple
Qualifications and Awards
ARDg qualified mediator
Winston Churchill Fellow