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Gemma specialises in cases concerning children, acting in both public and private law cases as well as those with an international element.
Gemma prides herself on her client care and her ability to build a strong working relationship with both professional and lay clients through her down to earth and friendly approach. Instructing solicitors have been impressed by Gemma’s hard work and dedication to go above and beyond for her clients, particularly clients that require more care and attention due to their own vulnerabilities.
Gemma is committed to access to justice and regularly takes on deserving cases on a pro bono basis through Advocate.
Public Law Children
Gemma’s practice predominately involves public law proceedings. Gemma frequently represents Local Authorities, parents and children in all stages of care proceedings. Gemma has experience dealing with serious allegations including non-accidental injuries, fabricated and induced illness and sexual abuse.
Private Law Family
Gemma is also regularly instructed in private law matters and has experience representing clients in cases where there are allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation and FII. Gemma also has experience and expertise with cases that involve international elements, including relocation and abduction.
Court of Protection – Health and Welfare
Gemma has a developing Court of Protection practice, interested in representing all parties at any stage of proceedings.
Domestic Abuse
2023- Junior Counsel led by Jeremy Lindsay representing a parent in a three-week finding of fact hearing defending allegations of historic sexual abuse of a child and coercive and controlling behaviours.
2023 – Gemma represented a Local Authority in a ten-day contested hearing seeking findings of non-accidental injury. All findings sought by the Local Authority were made. The case involved extensive medical evidence, expert reports and over 8,000 pages of phone disclosure.
2023: Junior Counsel led by James Goodwin in the High Court representing a parent in a three-week finding of fact hearing defending allegations of sexual abuse from the subject child who gave evidence at the hearing.
2022 – Junior Counsel led by Jeremy Lindsay representing a parent in a three week finding of fact hearing facing allegations that they had encouraged their children to report false allegations of sexual abuse. Findings were made that the sexual abuse did in fact take place.
2021: Gemma represented a Grandmother at a four day final hearing in the Royal Courts of Justice facing allegations of fraudulently bringing her grandchildren into this Country on false documents and possible trafficking. The case concluded with the LA withdrawing their application and the children being placed in the clients care.
2020-present: led by Sarah Blackmore in the Royal Courts of Justice in a matter that involves international abduction to a Non-Hague convention country.
2020: Gemma successfully represented a parent’s application to relocate the child to America which was opposed by the other parent.
- Inner Temple
- Family Law Bar Association
- North Eastern Circuit
- Advocate
- Chambers Representative on the Regional FLBA Committee
- Lawyers for Children