Administrative law court of protection, mental health, vulnerable adults & community care family & child care inquests & inquiries , 30 Park Place
Nia joined 30 Park Place in 2015 following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Claire Williams (Family) and Angharad Davies (Chancery and Commercial and Court of Protection).
Nia is a diligent advocate with a busy Family, Court of Protection and Public Law practice.
Nia has developed a strong reputation in the Court of Protection arena and has been recognised as a rated practitioner in both Legal 500 and Chambers UK (see Recommendations). She regularly acts for Local Authorities, Health Boards, RPRs, the Official Solicitor and family members in Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Inherent Jurisdiction applications. Her experience includes cases involving capacity disputes and decisions about issues such as residence, care, medical treatment, contact, marriage, sexual relations.
Nia’s Family practice is focused on public law proceedings. Nia regularly appears on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, children and interveners in cases involving allegations of neglect, emotional harm and non-accidental injury. Nia also has experience in dealing with cases with an international element and proceedings involving the deprivation of liberty of children. Nia has an interest in cases involving medical treatment issues and recently represented a local health board in High Court proceedings concerning the withdrawal of medical treatment.
Nia is developing her Administrative and Public Law practice and was recently instructed as Junior Counsel for the Claimant in the High Court and Court of Appeal hearings in the judicial review case of R (on the Application of Driver) v Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC (‘RCT’) which resulted in confirmation of the equal standing of Welsh language legislation and guidance in respect of how the Court should approach questions of statutory interpretation involving Welsh language legislation.
Nia is commended by clients for her calm demeanour, sensible advice, thorough preparation, meticulous drafting and robust representation at hearings.
Nia is actively involved in providing seminars and training in respect of her areas of expertise.
Nia is a fluent Welsh speaker and is happy to conduct cases through the medium of Welsh.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Nia gained three years’ experience within the financial services sector. Nia also previously worked as a paralegal responsible for challenging Continuing NHS Healthcare decisions on behalf of her own caseload of clients. This provided her with a comprehensive understanding of Local Authority and Health Board duties towards its service users which has assisted in Nia’s practice.
Since becoming a tenant, Nia has continued to pursue additional opportunities to enhance her knowledge and experience. In 2016 Nia was seconded to NHS Legal and Risk Services where she advised and attended court on a range of matters including Court of Protection and Inquests. In 2017 Nia was awarded a prestigious Inns of Court Pegasus Trust Outgoing Scholarship and travelled to India to work in the legal sector for two months.
Wales and Chester Circuit • Regional Bar
Nia Gowman – 30 Park Place Chambers ‘She is the leading barrister in Wales for Court of Protection work. Her knowledge and understanding of the law is excellent. She is great with clients, both lay and professional. She also gets on well with judges. Her advocacy is top-notch.’
Wales and Chester Circuit • Regional Bar
Nia Gowman – 30 Park Place Chambers ‘She is particularly sympathetic and relates well to clients. She sets out clearly what the obligations of the inquest are and what clients can expect from it and is clear during hearings and ensures that all questions are answered.'