Joanne Barnett commenced her practice in London, undertaking criminal and civil work and moved into family law with the introduction of the Children Act 1989.
She continued to practise in London and later moved to Wales where she remained until recently. She joins chambers with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
She is well respected amongst her peers and has had regular repeat instructions from solicitors with whom she has developed excellent longstanding relationships.
She provides a quality service to both solicitor and client, and believes in being available and contactable to resolve any matters of concern within a short timescale.
Conferences and prehearing planning are regularly a part of her daily schedule. These can be arranged at chambers or at the solicitors offices if preferred.
She digests and analyses facts and has a calm and organised approach to case preparation.
Joanne regularly appears in the County and High Court undertaking Child Care Proceedings, Private Client cases – section 8 applications and financial relief applications.
AREAS OF PRACTICE.
1) Child Care/AdoptionRepresentation of Parents, Grandparents, Local Authority, Official Solicitor and NYAS, and Children’s Guardian on many complex cases.Undertaken perpetrator hearings: injury, bruising, baby shaking (whether underlying metabolic disorder or not), baby/child murder of one or more children, salt poisoning, factitious illness, serious sexual abuse hearings in both County and High Court. Representing either the Local Authority, parents or the child. Undertaken Local Authority care work for Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr, Rhondda Cynon Taff , Bridgend, Neath, Powys County Council and Newport County Council.
2) Cases with an International Element:Regularly appear in cases where an interpreter is required and cultural beliefs and values need to be respected.Applications undertaken for relocation/removal from the Jurisdiction e.g Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, Ireland, Poland.Specialising in pre-hearing advice on any potential planned move/or defence of any move. Representation of multi-cultural clients and placing the case in a cultural context.
3) Ancillary ReliefComplex, farming and business ancillary relief hearings undertaken, some with foreign elements and hidden assets.
4) Private client divorce: all section8 applications advised upon and representation provided at Court if required
5) Private adoption applications
6) Education Tribunal Work
7) Judicial Review Applications when connected with care proceedings.
CASES• Re S [1996] (Split Hearings) 2 FLR 773• London Borough of Reddidge v Newport City Council [2004] 2 FLR 226• Re Z [2006] (Parenting Plan:Publicity) 1 FLR 405
LLB Hons (Wales)
Northern Circuit • Regional Bar
Joanne Barnett – 9 St John Street 'Joanne is a persuasive and well-rounded advocate who takes a practical and frank approach. She is also willing to stay in touch and help round off cases.'