Justin is a children law specialist, covering all aspects of public law proceedings, private disputes including relocation and change of school cases, adoption, special guardianship, medical treatment, and surrogacy.
Ranked in Tier 1 of the Legal 500 for family law for many years, Justin offers a first-class advisory and advocacy service, building on knowledge and experience acquired from practice across the North of England and in London. He provides clear, frank and comprehensive assessments of the prospects for a case, detailed advice as to tactics and evidence, and a tenacious approach in court when called for.
Justin has particular experience and interest in the international movement of children, use of the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, parental alienation, mental health, capacity and Gillick competence, local authority obligations, and deprivation of liberty.
Justin has a renowned expertise in relation to Anglo-Scottish cross-border issues concerning the placement in Scotland of children, particularly looked after children, and vulnerable adults. He has formulated a number of successful solutions to conflicts arising within the interrelationship of English and Scottish law and regulations, published a number of articles, and on occasions acts as an expert witness on the topic in the Family Court. He regularly receives instructions from all over the jurisdiction on these matters, and has access to a wide range of materials and other resources.
He also undertakes cases concerning mental capacity, vulnerable adults, forced marriage applications, and other Court of Protection welfare cases. Justin also receives instructions in relation to judicial review in children matters, particularly relating to duties of local authorities to provide support and protection.
Justin regularly accepts instructions on a Direct Access basis for suitable cases, particularly private law children matters.