James has a common law background and has practised Family, Civil and Criminal law. James' current practice is predominantly Family law, representing local authorities. Through James' family practice he has experience of disclosure applications in the Criminal, Civil and Family jurisdictions. He also has experience of injunctive relief and disclosure orders in the High Court under inherent jurisdiction.
Family Law
James's main area of practice is Children Act cases particularly care proceedings. He is regularly instructed by Local Authorities in care proceedings, which range in complexity and include issues such as neglect, sexual abuse and domestic violence. He also acts for parents and children. James has appeared in the High Court, County Court and Family Proceedings Courts, in both private and public Children Act matters.
James recently appealed the decision of the Family Proceedings Court to separate two boys aged 8 and 12 from their family. He was granted a stay on the Interim Care Orders pending an appeal, however, the local authority changed their care plan on the day of the appeal making the appeal unnecessary. The local authority finally sought leave to withdraw the proceedings and the boys are in the care of their parents.
In private children law, James is instructed in a range of proceedings including proceedings under the inherent jurisdiction. James has recently acted in proceedings where a mother left the matrimonial home with her child and it was feared that she may attempt to go to Afghanistan. James obtained a location order on behalf of the father from the High Court and the mother and child were subsequently found. The case was then complicated by serious allegations of forced marriage and rape being made against the father.
Police Law
James has spent six months on secondment to a London local authority and advised on a range of areas including Education prosecution policy and protection of vulnerable adults. James was the junior in a judicial review action made by the local authority. During his time on secondment James developed his understanding of working within a public authority and working with partner agencies such as the police. James is sensitive to the considerations of public authorities when exercising powers to protect the community.
Top
 |
