Justine is frequently instructed on behalf of parents, local authorities, children’s guardians, extended family members and interveners. She also regularly represents children who have separated from their children’s guardian. Her diverse public law practice has given her a deep understanding of how the other parties’ may approach a case, putting her in a strong position to fight her client’s case.
Justine appears in cases involving allegations of non-accidental injuries, suspected fabricated or induced illness (FII), mental health issues, domestic abuse, physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction (including cases in the Family Drug and Alcohol Court), longstanding neglect and emotional harm.
She is frequently instructed to represent parents facing the prospect of their children being adopted. She has a proven record of successfully persuading the court at final hearing to place children with their parents or family members, in cases where she has shown that the local authority has not properly considered the package of support that could be put in place to keep the child within its birth family.
Justine is regularly instructed by local authorities and on behalf of young people in Deprivation of Liberty order applications and Secure Accommodation Order applications.
Justine has also acted as junior counsel in a case involving serious injury and death of a child, and in a complex case concerning historic sexual abuse allegations.
Justine provides local authorities with written advice and oral advice in conference, including designation issues, strategy / case management, schedules of findings and consideration as to whether a child should give evidence (Re W hearings).
Justine is compassionate and empathetic. It is very important to her that her clients feel heard and that they fully understand what is happening at court. She ensures her clients are well supported when at court, both during the hearing and outside of court. Justine works with some of the most vulnerable clients, tailoring support to their individual needs and ensuring their interests are protected. She represents parents with learning disabilities and mental health issues, including those who lack litigation capacity and are represented by the Official Solicitor.
Having recently returned to work following maternity leave, Justine is acutely aware of the importance of keeping mothers with their newborn babies wherever possible. She ensures all other realistic options have been thoroughly considered, including creative safeguarding solutions, before a court orders separation.
“Justine has a great combination of intellect, attention to detail and persistence, with a practical and focused approach. Her style of working with professionals is extremely collaborative with a thorough and detailed approach. She is also effortlessly able to relate to lay clients and resolve their legal issues effectively and sensitively. Above all, Justine is approachable, responsive and calm under pressure, always an absolute pleasure to work with.” – solicitor
Notable Public Law Children cases
Re B (A Child) (Post-Adoption Contact) [2019] EWCA Civ 29In November 2018, Justine appeared in the first case to reach the Court of Appeal following the implementation of s51A of the Adoption and Children Act 2002. She undertook the case Pro Bono, representing the interests of the prospective adopters and successfully defended the birth parents appeal against the court’s refusal to make an order for post-adoption contact.