Overview
Prior to coming to the Bar, Joanne practised as a solicitor for fourteen years in the area of family law. Joanne worked extensively in private practice in all areas including: private children matters; public children matters including applications for deprivation of liberty having undertaken a significant amount of advocacy. During this time, Joanne became a member of the Law Society Children Panel.
Joanne spent two years as an advocate for a large local authority within a consortium where she prepared and represented various local authorities at a wide range of interlocutory and final hearings in the family courts.
Public Law
In public law proceedings, Joanne also has experience of complex issues including: deprivation of liberty and s25; non-accidental injury; female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
Joanne excepts instructions from the CMH, IRH to the finding of fact hearing to lengthy final hearings acting on behalf of local authorities, parents, guardians and any intervenors.
Private Law
In private law proceedings Joanne has undertaken all forms of cases including child arrangements order and family law act 1996 issues. She accepts instructions in all types of hearings including application hearings; FHDRA hearings; finding of fact hearings and contested final hearings.
Court of Protection
Joanne accepts instructions on behalf of patients, local authorities and third parties.
Notable Cases
- Acting on behalf of a child in an 11 day finding of fact hearing where there where there were allegations of non-accidental injuries, including broken bones. Numerous witnesses including professionals.
- Acting on behalf of a Hospital Trust where a child had been injured and there was a query over whether this had occurred whilst in the care of the Hospital.
- Acting on behalf of a mother who was vulnerable and required an intermediary in a 12 day case. Successfully argued for a further assessment where there were gaps in the evidence and unfairness of a vulnerable mother. The issues including neglect and sexual abuse of a child.
Associations
Child Concern
Family Law Bar Association
Education
LLB (Hons), University of Central England, Birmingham
LPC, The College of Law, Chester
