Martha specialises in cases concerning children and vulnerable adults in the Family Court and the Court of Protection, many with an international dimension. Martha regularly represents family members, public authorities and the Official Solicitor in both courts. Since January 2020, she has been an editor of the Court of Protection Law Reports.
A large part of Martha’s practice involves cases with an international element. She is currently instructed in a high profile case concerning two missing children which has attracted national media attention. She is regularly instructed in international abduction, forced marriage and stranded spouse cases in the High Court. Martha also has experience of international public law cases involving such issues as radicalisation, sex trafficking, international adoption and the placement of children abroad. In addition, Martha has extensive experience of complex public children work including cases of non-accidental injury and human rights claims. She has particular skill in cases involving incapacitated or learning disabled parents. Martha also has extensive experience within the private law field including cases involving relocation, surrogacy and assisted reproduction and mental health issues.
Much of Martha’s work is at the interface between family and Court of Protection work including applications under the inherent jurisdiction, medical treatment cases and cross-border issues. Her Court of Protection practice is focussed exclusively on health and welfare disputes concerning vulnerable and incapacitated adults. She has experience of a wide range of cases involving disputes regarding residence, care, contact, deprivation of liberty and serious medical treatment including end of life care. Martha regularly speaks at conferences and seminars and writes widely in the field, editing and contributing to the Court of Protection Law Reports and other publications.
Martha read history at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Prior to coming to the Bar, Martha interned at the Center for Equal Justice in New Orleans and at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative in New Delhi. In 2010 and 2011 she was made a Diplock Scholar of Middle Temple. She won the Rosamund Smith Mooting Competition in 2011 and was a finalist in the City University Mooting Competition in the same year.
London Bar
Martha Gray – Harcourt Chambers 'Martha is a calm yet persuasive advocate. She is exceptional on her feet and has command of the courtroom. She is excellent for care proceedings. Her written work is exemplary, as is her client care.'
South Eastern Circuit • Regional Bar
Martha Gray –Harcourt Chambers 'Martha has a fantastic manner with difficult clients and is tenacious in court on their behalf.'