Emma Gatland

Call: 2013


Before studying law in 2011, Emma enjoyed a successful career in academia as a Fellow and Lecturer in Modern Languages, first at the University of Oxford and then at the University of Cambridge. She published many books and journal articles in her field of research.

Emma was called to the Bar and joined Harcourt Chambers in 2013. She specialises in children work (public and private family law). She is recognised by those who instruct her as having experience and ability considerably beyond her year of Call.

To instruct Emma or for more information…

Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk

Practice Areas

Emma has a wealth of experience representing local authorities, parents, children, and interveners in public law proceedings. Her cases have covered the most serious of issues, including neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health, fabricated or induced illness, sexual and physical abuse, and non-accidental injury.

Emma has been led by both John Vater QC and Frances Judd QC in public law fact find hearings involving allegations of sexual abuse.

Notable Public Law Children cases


A Local Authority v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 90

Emma, instructed by Reeds Solicitors, appeared on behalf of A (a child) the Third Respondent acting through their Children’s Guardian in an application by father for disclosure of various pieces of information in relation to public law proceedings.


Re E and H (Care Proceedings – Alleged FII – Costs) [2023] EWFC 69

Care proceedings, issued following concerns that mother had fabricated or induced illness in the children. No such findings made. Application for costs by parents.


Re T (No.2) (Care Proceedings : Fact-Finding : Genital Injuries : Supplemental judgment for publication) [2021] EWFC 101
Re AB (Children) (Care & Placement Orders) [2021] EWFC B34 (23 April 2021)

Applications for care and placement orders. The care plan was for the children to be placed together by way of adoption.


OCC v D, E and F (supervision order after non-accidental injuries) [2020] EWFC B64 (09 November 2020)

Non-accidental injury case. Emma represented the children at both the fact-finding hearing and the final hearing.


Re J (A Child: Residential assessment) [2021] EWFC B18 (09 April 2021)

An appeal by a local authority against the case management decision of District Judge.


OCC v C [2020] EWFC B47

Care proceedings involving parents and children with learning disabilities.

Emma has a strong private law practice. She is regularly instructed in matters involving parental alienation, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health issues, sexual and other domestic abuse, and internal relocation.

Emma has been led by John Vater QC in a private law children case involving allegations of sexual abuse.

Emma is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.

 

What the directories say

'Emma has an intelligent and pragmatic approach to legal and family problems.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

"Her legal knowledge is outstanding and her attention to detail is commendable. A strong advocate on her feet, and she fights for her client's corner."
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2022

'I am extremely grateful to all parties for their assistance in this matter. My particular thanks to Dr. Gatland who represented mother with great care and skill. Mother was faced with unanimous professional support for removal and Dr. Gatland skilfully highlighted the many factors in the case which needed to be taken into account. I am also grateful to her for providing a chronology which has been of enormous assistance to the court.'
A Circuit Judge

Related News

Cecilia Barrett and Emma Gatland have been appointed Deputy District Judges on the South Eastern Circuit.

Harcourt Chambers is thrilled to announce that Cecilia Barrett (call 1998) and Emma Gatland (call 2013) have been appointed Deputy District Judges assigned to the South Eastern Circuit.

Chambers wishes…

Alex Perry and Emma Gatland in A Local Authority v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 90

Alex Perry appeared on behalf of the Applicant Local Authority and Emma Gatland, instructed by Reeds Solicitors, appeared on behalf of A (a child) the Third Respondent acting through their…

Alex Forbes and Emma Gatland in Re E and H (Care Proceedings – Alleged FII – Costs) [2023] EWFC 69

Alex Forbes, instructed by Johnson & Gaunt, represented the Respondent mother and Emma Gatland, instructed by Reeds solicitors,  represented the Respondent children in Re E and H (Care Proceedings – Alleged…

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