Barristers

Emma Gatland

Emma Gatland

Position

Called to the Bar in 2013. Before studying law in 2011, Emma enjoyed a successful career in academia as a Fellow and Lecturer in Modern Languages, first at the University of Oxford and then at the University of Cambridge. She published many books and journal articles in her field of research.

Emma joined Harcourt Chambers in 2013. She specialises in children work (public and private family law). She is recognised by those who instruct her as having experience and ability considerably beyond her year of Call.

PUBLIC LAW CHILDREN

Emma has a wealth of experience representing local authorities, parents, children, and interveners in public law proceedings. Her cases have covered the most serious of issues, including neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health, fabricated or induced illness, sexual and physical abuse, and non-accidental injury.

Emma is often led by King’s Counsel in public law fact-finding hearings involving allegations of the most serious nature.

PRIVATE LAW CHILDREN

Emma has a strong private law practice. She is regularly instructed in matters involving parental alienation, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health issues, sexual and other domestic abuse, and internal relocation.

DIRECT ACCESS

Emma is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.

Education

BPTC, Nottingham Law School

GDL, Nottingham Law School, Distinction

PhD Medieval Spanish, University of Cambridge

MPhil European Literature & Culture (Distinction), University of Cambridge

BA (Hons) Modern Languages (Spanish & Italian), University of Durham, First Class

Languages

Spanish (fluent); Italian (degree level); French (intermediate).

Mentions

South Eastern Circuit • Regional Bar

Family: children and domestic abuse

Leading junior3
Emma Gatland –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emma is a first-choice barrister for complex children matters. She is a barrister at the top of her game. She is fiercely intelligent, an exceptional advocate and always two steps ahead of everybody else. She has a thorough and tactical approach to the case from the outset.’