Kristina specialises in Children Act cases, appearing at all levels of the family court including the Court of Appeal. She undertakes first instance hearings and appeals and regularly appears in the High Court.
Kristina has a particular interest in Public Law cases and represents Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and children acting either through their Guardian or who have separate representation by their own solicitor. She has significant experience in care cases including baby death, non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, chronic neglect and in representing parents and children with serious psychological difficulties, including a history of self harming and acting for parents with compromised functioning, including where the Official Solicitor is involved.
Kristina’s experience also covers the full range of Private Law applications, with a particular interest in intractable disputes, involving the appointment of Rule 16.4 Guardians. She deals with complex child arrangements applications including cases involving serious domestic abuse, complicated psychological evidence and removal of children from the jurisdiction.
Kristina has an established reputation for tactical preparation, forensic analysis of complex medical evidence and excellent client care. She is known for her sensitive, down-to-earth yet robust attitude.
Other aspects of Kristina’s practice include presenting lectures and training seminars to solicitors, local authorities and other child protection professionals.
Kristina has been appointed a Member of the Development Board of the Institute of Advanced Study at Durham University.
She has recently been appointed as an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Winchester.
Recommendations
“Kristina Brown is an established practitioner in both public and private children law who focuses on serious cases of child abuse involving complex medical and factual evidence. She acts for parents and children as well as local authorities. Her instructions concern a broad array of issues, including non-accidental injuries and placement orders.”
Chambers UK 2024
“Kristina can clarify large volumes of complex information and produce focused, client-friendly advice. She has a disarming and engaging cross-examination style which deals with the real issues in the case resulting in the efficient management of court resources.”
Legal 500 2024
“She is a fierce advocate for clients and a skilled lawyer who has handled the most complex of cases.”,
“Kristina is a formidable advocate with very strong client care abilities.”, “Truly a fearsome advocate, who will always fight the client’s corner.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Kristina is unflappable and a good safe pair of hands with any application.”, “Determined and astute advocate’ Kristina Brown has particular interest in public law cases and represents local authorities, parents, extended family members and children throughout the family court.”
Legal 500 2023
“She is much sought after, and rightly so. She has a fantastic practice and has amazing drive.”
Chambers UK 2022
“Kristina is intelligent and insightful, with exceptional client-care skills and a tremendous determination to succeed.”
Legal 500 2022
“Hugely in demand and rightly so - she is without question one of the strongest family law barristers practising in the Midlands. She is smart, hard-working and understandably popular with solicitors and clients alike.”
Chambers UK 2021
“A forceful, focused advocate, whether in cross-examination or in lengthy submissions.”
Legal 500 2021
“A very popular and immensely capable children law barrister with an extraordinary work-rate, she has an amazing ability to get to the heart of a case and inspire confidence in all who work with her.” “She struck me as exceedingly well prepared and able to hone in on the relevant issues in the case.”
Chambers UK 2020
“An exceptional children law barrister with extraordinary drive and commitment to her clients.”
Legal 500 2020
“She impresses with her phenomenal work rate, eye for detail and awareness of the key issues in a case. A wonderful cross-examiner.”
Chambers UK 2019
“She combines keen insight with an extraordinary work ethic.”
Legal 500 2019
Notable Cases
Birmingham City Council v M & Ors [2023] EWHC 3312 (Fam) (12 December 2023)
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2023/3312.html
Birmingham City Council v Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 125 (10 August 2022)
Re ABC (Children: Overlaying Child) [2020] EWFC 57
Re CTD (A Child: Rehearing) [2020] EWCA Civ 1316
A Local Authority v AB and Others [2019] EWFC 75
RE (1) K (2) T (3) U (Placement of children with kinship carers abroad) sub nom Birmingham City Council v (1) W (2) Q (3) K, T and U (by their children’s guardian) (2019) EWFC 59
Leicestershire County Council v AB (by her Litigation Friend, The Official Solicitor), CD, EF, GH (Children Through Their Children’s Guardian), IJ v KL [2018] EWFC 58
Re X (a child) No. 2 [2016] EWFC 55 (11 November 2016)
Re X (a child) [2016] EWFC 54 (8 November 2016)
T (A Child: fact finding) [2014] EWFC B115 (12 September)
Re W (A Child) (Proportionality of Interim Care Order) [2014] EWCA Civ 772, [2014] 3 F.C.R. 339, [2014] Fam. Law 1235
Re M (A Child) (Care and Placement Orders: Guardian’s Evidence) [2014] EWCA Civ 226, [2015] 1 F.C.R. 359, [2014] Fam. Law 776
Re D (2011) August 2011
Re K (2011) October 2011
RE B (A Child) (Medical Treatment) [2008] EWHC 1996 (Fam) [2009] 1 F.L.R. 1264 | [2009] LS Law Medical 214, [2009] Fam. Law 397
Re: B (A Minor) [2009] 1 FLR 1264; [2009] LS Law Medical 214
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Midland Circuit
Association of Lawyers for Children
Resolution
Gray’s Inn
Awards
Leonard Sainer Legal Education Foundation Award Scholar
Qualifications
LL.B (Hons.) (Dunelm) Trevelyan College, Durham University
Bar Vocational Course Inns of Court School of Law: Very Competent
Court Appointed Qualified Legal Representative
Qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA England)
