Cliona is an experienced, specialist barrister valued for her tenacious, persuasive clear oral and written advocacy and court room and client skills.  Her breath of experience is reflected in over 55 reported cases often involving novel or complicated legal arguments.   She is instructed by parents and often on behalf of the subject child.  She regularly appears in the High Court but also has extensive experience in the Family Courts.  She inspires confidence and combines an approachable, straightforward style with excellent attention to detail.  She brings both legal knowledge and pragmatism to a case and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for her client.  Cliona is often against leading counsel and has led junior counsel.  She is unphased when required to present difficult arguments to a court and will courteously and effectively stand her ground.     Her  recent cases include H v A [2024] EWHC 476 (Fam); H v A [2024] EWHC 997 (Fam), B v N (no2)  [2024] EWHC 17 (Fam), MB v KB & ors [2023] EWHC 3177, OZ V ML & ors [2023] EWHC 2412 (Fam), re S [2023] EWHC 2717 (Fam),  D v T [2023] EWHC 1247 (Fam) Clients value her support and commitment to their cases and her ability to give clear focused advice.

She works in all aspects of children law including:

Arrangements for children after divorce or separation, including intractable disputes and those involving allegations of violence or abuse; Specific issues regarding children’s upbringing, including schooling, medical treatment and change of name; Requests to take children abroad, either temporarily or permanently; Enforcement of (and changes to) existing orders regarding children, including those made abroad; Children cases with an international dimension, including child abduction.

Family Law Bar Association Inner Temple

Child Abduction Lawyers Association

BA MA (National University of Ireland, University College Cork)

LLB (National University of Wales, College of Cardiff)

Gardening, travel.