St John's Buildings

Family - ChildrenADR and Mediation

Jane is an experienced practitioner in public and private law proceedings, used to handling complex cases acting for and advising Local Authorities, parents and Children’s Guardians under the Children Act 1989. She has also advised in placement and adoption cases, and acted for separately represented teenage clients in sensitive and difficult cases.

Jane appears regularly in the High Court as well as before circuit and district judges. She has appeared in a number of Court of Appeal cases. The work she undertakes involves cases of the most serious nature, including allegations of serious physical and sexual abuse and factitious illness.

She frequently receives instruction in cases involving parents and children suffering from learning difficulties and developmental disabilities (e.g. autism and Asperger syndrome), forms of mental illness and serious psychological problems.

Jane is often instructed in cases involving other jurisdictions and immigration issues, including cases involving applications to remove children from the jurisdiction. Her theological background and training brings extra knowledge and understanding to cases involving religious and cultural complexities.

Jane’s work also includes applications made under the Inherent Jurisdiction and Human Rights legislation and medical treatment cases. She has been recommended as an expert in children’s cases over several years.

Called 1987; Middle Temple; former Chair of Child Concern.

FLBA.

Failsworth School; Balliol College, Oxford (1986 BA Jurisprudence; 1992 MA).