18 St John Street Chambers

Criminal law, family law.

Called 2005.

In public law, Vanessa has considerable experience in cases involving allegations of non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. She is adept in handling and presenting expert medical evidence as well as cross examination of vulnerable witnesses including those with cognitive difficulties and children.

Within private law, Vanessa specialises in complex cases often involving fact finding hearings concerning allegations of parental rape, sexual abuse of children, physical abuse and parental alienation.

Vanessa is well known for her careful case preparation and client management skills.

“This was my first time ever giving evidence and what I would say is that I have never been made to feel so much at ease…..Vanessa was available and contactable throughout the course of the 5 days and was very easy to converse with. She had good knowledge of this case and came across really well in court.”  (Professional Client)

In 2024 Vanessa was appointed as a Deputy District Judge hearing civil and family (private law) cases.

Family law: Children Act section 8 proceedings; care proceedings. Criminal law; prosecuting and defending; motoring offences; local authority regulatory prosecutions. Vanessa accepts instructions relating to Children Act section 8 proceedings and Care proceedings, both in the family proceedings court and at County Court level. Her interest in family law has led her to providing revision seminars for the Ilex Course in Family Practice. Vanessa regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Court for both the prosecution and defence and is increasingly in the Crown Courts. Her experience of the Magistrates’ Courts means that she is often instructed to act in private cases involving motoring offences. In addition to her general criminal practice she also undertakes prosecutions on behalf of local authorities under the Education Act 1996. Prior to her pupillage, Vanessa worked as a legal assistant at a leading Manchester law firm specialising in commercial fraud.

Cantonese (fluent).

Criminal Bar Association

Family Law Bar Association

Child Concern

Northern Circuit

London School of Economics (LLB hons); Bar Vocational Course, ICSL.

Outside of her work, Vanessa takes an active interest in local community affairs and is a board member of a local housing association.