Maxine has developed a specialist family practice and accepts a broad range of instructions across the family law spectrum, with a particular focus on matters relating to children. She recently received recognition in Chambers & Partners 2022 as a growing expert in children law matters.
Maxine prides herself on her client-centred approach, both with the lay client and the professional client. She always ensures the lay client fully understands the process before a hearing and the outcome following it. She is able to offer a tenacious and dynamic advocacy style, combined with empathy and compassion in order to achieve the best result for her client.
As a hard-working and approachable advocate, Maxine maintains a high-quality service throughout her involvement.
Association of Lawyers for Children
Inner Temple
North Eastern Circuit
Family Law Bar Association
Maxine is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children in the High Court, Family Proceedings Court and County Court. Her areas of expertise include:
Public Law Children (care proceedings including interim, directions, finding of fact and final hearings) Private Law Children (including Child Arrangements Order and relocation applications)In particular, Maxine receives instructions in cases involving serious child protection issues including non-accidental injury and child sexual abuse. These cases often involve advising on the evidential quality of abuse allegations and performing cross-examination based on ABE interviews of children. Maxine has also recently worked on cases involving child death.
Maxine is frequently instructed at the early stage of proceedings in order to advise on case management issues, however she is also capable of quickly getting to grips with a case towards the latter stages of proceedings in preparation for a contested hearing.
Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent), BPP Law School Graduate Diploma in Law (Commendation), BPP Law School Geography BA (First Class Honours), Newcastle University