About
An experienced barrister and qualified children’s arbitrator, Anne is known for her pragmatism and no-nonsense style. Noted for her intellectual rigour, her skill lies in adroitly overcoming obstacles. These talents give her the gravitas necessary in Court to earn the judges’ respect. Anne’s clients find her approachable and sympathetic and view her as a good person to have on their side. Her early training as a teacher has given her the ability to explain complex matters clearly and succinctly. She is a keen fighter who treats everyone equally.
Experience
Anne is regularly instructed in public law proceedings by parents, carers, local authorities and children’s guardians. She is also instructed by guardians, including NYAS and Cafcass Legal to represent children in private law proceedings where the parents are involved in protracted and contentious disputes, including those with an international element.
Over the years, Anne has appeared in a variety of cases including:
- Numerous cases involving medical evidence, covering a wide range of areas including Vitamin D deficiency, non-accidental head injury and factitious or invented illness
- Very extensive experience of representing children in private law cases by their R16(4) guardians, many of which feature parents with challenging personalities, who are often in person
- Cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, including many requiring evaluation of the evidence of children
- Cases involving all aspects of the special educational needs of children where her practical and detailed knowledge arising out of 22 years’ experience as a judge in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Tribunal is of great relevance and benefit.
Not many people know this, but Anne is also a phenomenal quizzer. She started early being a Crackerjack quiz champion four times at the age of 12.
Practice Areas
Public Law Children
Local Authority
Dispute Resolution
Education and Professional Memberships
BA Hons University of Cambridge 1970
PGCE 1971
Bar finals 1980
MCIArb Children Arbitration Course
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Lincolns Inn
Appointments
Part-time judge in the Special Educational Needs Tribunal since 1999
Cases
In the matter of the Children Act 1989 and in the matter of YC, PC AND KM (Minors)
[2013] EWHC 2336 (Fam)
