Family

Nature of practice

Paula qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and has practised predominantly in the area of child care law since then. She was a member of the Law Society's Children Panel, regularly representing children on the instruction of their children's guardian.

Since she transferred to the Bar in 1997 she has continued to develop a practice in this area, and represents local authorities, parents and children in care and other related proceedings.

Having been a member of the children panel, she has significant insight into the nature of the working relationship between the children's guardian and solicitor and brings this understanding to her role when instructed on behalf of children.

Paula has represented local authorities in the North West and elsewhere. She has an understanding of the pressures to which they are subject, including lack of adequate resources, difficulties in maintaining levels of experienced social workers, and the additional case management responsibilities of local authority solicitors imposed by the Public Law Outline.

She also represents parents and understands that their views can often be marginalised. She strives to ensure that they are treated with respect within the court process.

Particular Interests

Paula is particularly interested in cases involving serious injury and sexual abuse where there is complex medical evidence.

Professional Organisations

Paula is a member of the committee of the Manchester FLBA

Child Concern

Publications

Paula contributed to the Civil Court Practice 2006 - she wrote the commentary on the Family Procedure (Adoption) Rules 2005

She also contributed to the 2009 edition of Child Case Management Practice, a leading publication in the area, edited by the Hon Mr Justice Ryder and Iain Goldrein QC