About
Julia specialises in the law relating to children. She has extensive experience representing all parties, particularly children, in both public and private law proceedings. Instructing Solicitors have described her as “very knowledgeable”, “excellent” and “very approachable”. Julia won the award of Family Law Young Barrister of the Year at the 2019 Family Law Awards.
Julia writes on all areas of family law developments and updates as the weekly News Editor of Family Law Week. She also writes the monthly CPD training questions for private children practitioners.
Experience
Julia has a busy practice representing children both in public law proceedings and as a rule 16.4 guardian in private proceedings for both Cafcass and NYAS. She has represented children in complex multi-week public law proceedings and regularly represents children in private law proceedings involving parental alienation, serious domestic violence and allegations of sexual abuse.
Julia is also very experienced in representing local authorities and parents, having successfully represented both in the Court of Appeal. Recent cases of hers have included DOLS orders, representing a vulnerable mother at risk of honour-based violence, representing a parent wrongly accused of threatening to throw acid at his child, representing young fathers at risk of gang reprisals and representing a parent in witness protection.
Julia also takes on cases Pro Bono depending on her availability and on a case by case basis.
Practice Areas
Public Law Children
Private Law Children
Human Rights
International Family Law
Education
BPP – Bar Professional Training Course
BPP – LLB
London School of Economics and Political Science: MSc
King’s College London – BA (Hons)
Awards
Winner – Family Law Young Barrister of the Year: Family Law Awards (2019)
Finalist – European Court of Human Rights Legal Competition (2014)
Winner – Best written applicant submission at European Court of Human Rights Legal Competition (2014)
Inner Temple Academic Exhibition Scholarship (2013)
Publications
“Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill 2022-2023”, Family Law Week, 05 September 2022
“25 children from England and Wales in secure accommodation in Scotland”, Family Law Week, 05 September 2022
“Women’s Aid publishes report into implementation of Harm Panel recommendations”, Family Law Week, 01 July 2022
“New Practice Guidance on remote observation of in-person hearings”, Family Law Week, 28 June 2022
“Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel publishes National Review into murders of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson”, Family Law Week, 26 May 2022
“Further £160m to be invested into government’s National Adoption Strategy”, 03 March 2022
“One month to go before introduction of no-fault divorce”, Family Law Week, 03 March 2022
“National Audit Office reveals significant arrears in Child Maintenance System”, Family Law Week, 03 March 2022
“Home Office decides not to adopt a data firewall for migrant victims of domestic abuse”, Family Law Week 14 December 2021
“Record amount of child maintenance payments collected”, Family Law Week, 14 December 2021
Family Law in the European Court of Human Rights in 2017, Family Law Week, January 2018
Testimonials
“I instructed Julia on a complex case in the High Court. Julia was very knowledgeable and was able to manage the complex issues which arose throughout the case.
At the same time, Julia was very approachable and showed great empathy to the client.
Julia achieved a great outcome for the client and I would certainly recommend her.”
Public children law solicitor
“I have received very positive feedback from the team manager on a case Julia is currently dealing with. Julia has been described by our client department as “excellent”, “clear and gave good legal advice”. The client department on this matter are very keen to retain Julia on future hearings going forward.
I am very impressed with Julia’s availability to talk through cases where required on the phone and to offer her view. Julia was one of the first barristers I instructed shortly after I qualified as a solicitor and she made me feel very at ease by offering guidance and support throughout the case.
Julia is an approachable and knowledgeable barrister and I intend to continue instructing her on my future cases.”
Public children law solicitor
“The case was sensitive in nature as it involved allegations by the respondent of sexual relations with our client which were not in her statement and which only came to light at court. These allegations were damaging to our case but Julia showed a level of composure and professionalism in handling a difficult situation thereby limiting the damage to our client’s case.
As I was not at court, I was pleased to receive regular updates during the day from Julia. Her follow up attendance was clear and comprehensive.
Although the client failed to instruct us on important issues for her statement and this in turn placed Julia in difficulty, Julia was careful to avoid reprimanding the client and making her feel uncomfortable at court. The client was grateful for this and wanted Julia to represent her at a later hearing.”
Private child solicitor