Education
- Wilmslow High School
- Nottingham University LLB (Hons)
Appointments
- Recorder 2008 (Public Law Family, Private Law Family and Civil)
Professional Associations
- Northern Circuit
- Family Law Bar
- Association
Profile
Julia's practice involves complex proceedings relating to children and young people including care proceedings, adoption, wardship and judicial review.
Julia specialises in cases involving complex medical evidence relating to the death or serious injury of children including head injury, sexual abuse and abnormal illness behaviour. She appears in the High Court and Court of Protection in serious cases involving medical treatment and complex packages of care and withdrawal of life sustaining treatment.
Cases where one parent has killed another or where a child has been unlawfully killed are a particular area of specialism and Julia has represented parents, children and local authorities in such cases many of which have involved high profile criminal cases and/or serious case reviews.
Julia has wide experience in dealing with public law cases with an international element both within the European Union and the British Overseas Territories. She has an interest in disability and Human Rights Issues in particular those relating to Deaf and learning disabled parents. She frequently advises in relation to capacity issues and issues arising for young people who lack capacity.
Julia has recently been involved in the leading case relating to the electronic tagging of parents in care proceedings.
Julia regularly gives seminars to professionals working within the field of child protection including safeguarding training, court craft and expert witness training
Notable Cases
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Family
Re X and Y (Children) (No2) [2015] EWHC 2358
Case involving the security measures to be put in place following the interim hearing in X (Children) below.
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Family
XBC v X and Others [2015] EWFC B7
Case involving secure accommodation and good practice for the provision of mental health services to vulnerable young people.
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Family
X (Children) and Y (Children) (Emergency Protection Orders) [2015] EWHC 2265
Case involving the provisions to be made for children where it is alleged there is a flight risk to Syria.
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Family
Cumbria County Council v Q (Injuries to an infant with bone disorder) [2015] EWFC
Case involving injuries to a young child with vitamin D deficiency and a metabolic bone disorder.
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Family
Blackpool v A (A Child) [2015] EWFC 9
Case involving the killing of a two year old by the mother's boyfriend.
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Family
Re A (A Child) [2014] EWCOP 920
Case involving orders for NG tube feeding of a young woman against her expressed wishes.
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Family
Lancashire County Council v CM and F (Children Fact Finding) [2014] EWFC 3
Re-opeining of finding of fact hearing where a subsequent child of the family died.
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Family
Derbyshire County Council v A Mother and A Father [2013] EWHC 1864 (Fam)
Case involving the salt poisoning of a young infant.
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Family
Re X (A Child) [2011] EWHC 3401
Case involving the consideration of whether a young person with Aspergers Syndrome should give evidence in care proceedings.
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Family
Re X
A Child: Evidence
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Family
A Local Authority v A, B and E
Case concerning an application made within complex care proceedings for the revocation of a violent father's PR.
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Family
In the Matter of A and B
(One Parent Killed by the Other) EWHC B25
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Family
Re S and W
(Care Proceedings) [2007] EWCA Civ [232] [2007] 2 FLR 275.
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Family
X County Council v B
(Emergency Protection Orders) [2004] EWHC 2015 (Fam) [2005] 1 FLR 341.
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Family
Re L (Contact: Domestic Violence), Re V (Contact: Domestic Violence)
Re M (Contact: Domestic Violence) Re H (Contact: Domestic Violence) [2000] 2 FLR 334.
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Family
Oldham MBC v. E and Others
[1994] 1FLR 194.
What the directories say
"Julia takes an extremely thorough approach and has an incredible eye for detail, leaving no stone unturned. She is very calm and patient and deals with the client in a calm and friendly way, which puts them at ease."
Chambers and Partners, 2020
‘ Dogged in her pursuance of her client’s case. ’
Legal 500, 2020
Highly experienced in matters involving children and vulnerable adults. Her cases cover a range of issues including injuries, sexual abuse and child trafficking. She has a deep understanding of the laws governing British Overseas Territories. "She never fails to impress me with her knowledge and expertise, her calming manner and her proactive, hands-on approach in difficult circumstances." "Julia’s client care skills are second to none. In court she is always courteous, well prepared and able to present her case clearly and effectively."
Chambers and Partners, 2019
‘Very experienced in cases of serious injuries and sexual abuse involving children.’
Legal 500, 2018
‘Her practice includes wardship, care and adoption matters.’
Legal 500, 2017
'Highly experienced in complex children law proceedings'
Legal 500, 2016
Experienced in cases involving neglect and serious injuries to children, as well as medical treatment matters
Legal 500, 2015
Experienced in cases involving fatalities and non-accidental injuries to children.
Legal 500, 2014
of silk quality
Legal 500, 2014
