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Alison joined Chambers in October 2019 after successfully completing her Pupillage.
Prior to coming to the Bar Alison has worked at both Darlington and Sunderland local authority gaining experience from the perspective of the local authority in Care proceedings from the stage of initial referral to final hearings.
Alison previously worked for a private law firm based in York assisting two Senior Associate Solicitors in representing children, parents, grandparents and wider family members in Local Authority Care proceedings and private Children Act proceedings.
Representing clients through the Free Representation Unit in London gave Alison an opportunity to develop her skills as an advocate and supporting vulnerable clients.
During Pupillage, it was noted that Alison consistently did very well in court. Alison’s paperwork is of a high standard as is her skills as an advocate.
Public Law Children
Alison has appeared in the County Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal representing clients. Due to previous experience in all aspects of Care Proceedings, Alison is able to represent any party in a very competent manner.
Throughout her second six, Alison has experience in cases involving domestic abuse, substance misuse, sexual abuse, chronic neglect and non-accidental injury. Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council described being ‘very impressed’ with Alison’s conduct of a particularly complex final hearing.
Alison recently assisted Taryn Lee QC in a large case concerning the living arrangements for 25 children involving four local authorities, 24 respondents and five intervenors, with 21 being named as alleged perpetrators. Alison was able to carefully and thoroughly digest large amounts of information and prepare a detailed chronology of over 2000 allegations.
Alison’s approach to her work is both unique and highly effective.
Private Law Children
Alison has and continues to represent parents and children in private law matters including Child Arrangement Orders, Findings of Fact and Non-Molestation Orders.
More recent cases undertaken by Alison have involved serious mental health issues including suicide attempts and schizophrenia.
Through imaginative solutions, Alison has been able to encourage parents to reach agreements in cases that have been ongoing for some months without coming near to concluding with any agreement.
Education Law
Alison represents local authorities in Special Educational Needs and Disability tribunals and has prepared a number of pieces of written advice in this area..
Free Representation Unit (London)
North Eastern Circuit