Hannah was called to the Bar in July 2015 after having achieved a First Class Law degree and her performance being graded as ‘Outstanding’ on the Bar Professional Training Course. Subsequent to being called to the Bar Hannah undertook the Bachelor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford where her specialist subjects included Commercial Remedies, Principles of Unjust Enrichment, Corporate Insolvency and Principals of Financial Regulation.
Hannah is a family law specialist. Over the years, she has developed a diverse practice in the area of family law and has acquired a wealth of experience. She accepts instructions in all areas of family law with a specific focus on Private Children, Public Law Children and Matrimonial Finance. She also has a great deal of experience in both pursuing and defending applications pursuant to the Family Law Act 1996.
She has appeared up to, and including, High Court level. She is patient and compassionate with her clients but will give robust advice.
Children – Public Law
Hannah is regularly instructed to represent Local Authorities, parents, and children throughout all stages of Public Law proceedings. She has also previously represented the interests of Grandparents.
Hannah has been instructed in cases featuring a number of complicated issues, to include: neglectful parenting; domestic abuse; drug and alcohol misuse; sexual abuse; parental alienation; FII; non-accidental injury; DOLs. She has appeared in the High Court in relation to the issue of childhood immunisations and DOLs.
Hannah has experience of representing client’s with significant learning disabilities and communication difficulties and is adept at delicately and professionally handling such situations.
Children – Private Law
Hannah has developed a vast amount of experience in Private Law proceedings. Within her Private Law practice, Hannah has often successfully argued the recommendations contained within a Section 7 report should not be followed by the court where these are not accepted by her client. She has also successfully challenged the recommendations of an expert psychologist and persuaded the court not to accept the same following lengthy cross examination.
Hannah has been instructed in multi-day fact finding hearings involving a number of serious allegations to include: physical violence, sexual abuse (to include the most serious forms), child sexual abuse, honour-based violence, coercive and controlling behaviour, psychological abuse, financial abuse and parental alienation.
Hannah has appeared up to Circuit Judge level and has been instructed in appeals in this area.
Matrimonial Finance
Hannah possesses a good level of experience in matrimonial finance and is keen to further develop this area of her work. She has acted in cases involving: complicated trust fund issues, intervenors, avoidance of dispositions, significant pension assets, multiple properties and family businesses. She has experience of representing clients at all stages of financial remedy proceedings, to include contested final hearings. Hannah always strives to achieve the most pragmatic and cost-effective outcome for her clients.
Recommendations
Client Testimonials
“Impressed…Hannah got to grips with the issues very quickly and thoroughly and got the best result available in the circumstances.” (professional client)
Hannah is consistent in her attitude, thoroughly prepared and extremely professional in her approach. So thoroughly prepared and achieving excellent results. Amazing.” (professional client)
“I was extremely impressed with how Hannah presented my case and her level of professionalism was second to none. I 100% wouldn’t hesitate to use her again in the future!!” (lay client)
“I just wanted to feedback to you that Hannah did an absolutely amazing job in representing my client. She liaised with my client at all times and was able to return the child back to my client, something that seemed very unlikely before the hearing was due to take place. Hannah sent me her attendance note straight away together a well-drafted clear order, she was simply brilliant.” – (professional client)
“Miss Court was a calming influence in a complex family case. Her ability to swiftly determine key facts and communicate them in a simple way is awe inspiring. She is a very intelligent woman with an innate ability to think on her feet with breath taking speed…She is a woman of exceptionally high intellect and integrity and her conduct was in line with the very best traditions of the bar. I would recommend her to anyone in an instant.” (lay client)
Awards
Middle Temple Pupillage Award (2017)
Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Prize (Middle Temple, 2016)
Middle Temple Certificate of Honour (2016)
The Faculty of Business and Law Prize (University of the West of England, 2015)
Bristol Futures Award (University of the West of England, 2014)
Memberships
Middle Temple
Midlands Circuit
Qualifications
LLB Hons, University of the West of England – First Class
Bar Professional Training Course - Ranked as ‘Outstanding’
Bachelor of Civil Law, University of Oxford
ADRg Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator.
