Barrister Profile

Main Areas of Practice

Administrative Law or Judicial Review
Family Law
Human Rights

Biography

Called to Northern Ireland Bar in 2008. Undertook pupillage with a Master who specialises in all areas of family (both private and public law), domestic and matrimonial law. Gained in depth experience in these areas and since completion of pupillage in 2008/2009 I have had a specialised, consistent and regular practice in the areas of family, domestic, ancillary relief and matrimonial law. I largely practice in Newtownards Family and Domestic Proceedings Court and Belfast Family Care Centre, but can attend any Court if available.

Qualifications

2004-2007; LLB (Hons) Law Degree, Nottingham Trent University

2008-2009; Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Legal Studies, Queen’s University Belfast

2009; Called to the Bar of Northern Ireland September

Experience

Called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2009. Since then I have specialised in all areas of family law to include the following:

• Complex and protracted private law residence/contact arrangements;
• Cases involving allegations of hostility and parental alienation;
• Specific issues and prohibited steps orders such as issues of schooling, medical care, exclusion of individuals, name change etc.
• Education authority cases;
• Domestic violence cases including complex Re L Hearings;
• Emergency protection orders;
• Care order proceedings and subsequent freeing proceedings;
• Adoption cases;
• Domestic and international relocations;
• Hague Convention Proceedings.

I have acted on behalf of Applicant’s, Defendant’s, Authorities and Guardian ad litem.

I regularly deal with difficult and vulnerable clients such as clients with learning disabilities or borderline functioning, victims of domestic/sexual violence and hostile clients. I have also dealt with a large volume of professional clients and clients who live outside of the jurisdiction.

My regular practice is in Newtownards Family Proceedings Court, Belfast Family Care Centre and the High Court. I accept instructions across all Court tiers.

I also hold experience and have been regularly instructed in the following types of case:

• Harassment Injunctions
• Civil Ejectment Proceedings
• Judicial Review Proceedings
• Matrimonial and Ancillary Relief
• Maintenance Issues
• Non Molestation and Occupation Orders