Add to shortlist

Catherine Nicholes

Call 1977 | Barrister

About

Catherine originally practised in crime, general civil and family law. She was delighted to join a chambers which pioneered and specialised in care proceedings long before that area became popular at the Bar. Her practice in care proceedings was originally very much in representing the parents, wider family, or the child both with and without a guardian. She continues to specialise in such work and has particular expertise in representing clients who have personality difficulties, mental health issues or are accused of very serious abuse.

Experience

Catherine originally practised in crime, general civil and family law. She was delighted to join a chambers which pioneered and specialised in care proceedings long before that area became popular at the Bar. Her practice in care proceedings was originally very much in representing the parents, wider family, or the child both with and without a guardian.

She continues to specialise in such work and has particular expertise in representing clients who have personality difficulties, mental health issues or are accused of very serious abuse. However, she has, for some years, been instructed also by local authorities. Her work as a Deputy District Judge means that she has experience and perspective from “each end and both sides of the counter”.

Catherine is a member of Islington Free Legal Advice Centre and continues to assist there as a committee member and when senior or specialist knowledge is needed.

Catherine undertakes “direct access” work.

Practice Areas

Public Law Children

Private Law Children 

Education and Professional Memberships

University of London , Queen Mary College

Inns of Court School of Law

Family Law Bar Association

Association of Lawyers for Children

British Association for Adoption and Fostering 

Amnesty International 

Shelter 

Inner Temple 

Appointments

Catherine sits as a Deputy District Judge in the County Court in civil and family matters and also at the Principal Registry of the Family Division.

Cases

LM (By Her Guardian) v Medway Council, RM and YM [2007] EWCA Civ 9 

RE E (Family Assistance Order) [1999] 2 FLR 512 

RE P (Care Proceedings: Designated Authority) [1998] 1 FLR 80 

Re W (Adoption Details: Disclosure) [1998] 2 FLR 625 

G v G (Interim Custody Appeal) [1983] 4 FLR 327