Lorna has forged a strong reputation in all areas of children work. Her regular appearances in the High Court and Court of Appeal are testament to the energy, detailed preparation and skill she brings to each case.
Her primary focus is on those cases where expert medical or scientific evidence requires scrutiny or challenge and those where interpretation or application of statutory provision, or case law, is the subject of uncertainty or dispute. She has a keen interest in cases with cross-border and international dimensions.
Lorna has the ability to ensure that each client, in the midst of complex, sensitive and emotionally charged situations, feels able to have their case understood whether they are social work professionals, teenage parents, adults facing allegations of abuse, children themselves or members of a family brought into being with the assistance of fertility treatment or surrogacy.
She has a lengthy history of working with those with reduced capacity and understanding. She has the ability to anticipate all sides of the argument, a benefit drawn from acting for Local Authorities, CAFCASS Guardians, parents, the child direct and as an advocate to the Court.
In Silk her advisory and advocacy work has also extended beyond the Family Court to include Inquests, Judicial Review and Human Rights claims connected with vulnerable and looked after children.
Her areas of expertise include cases involving:
Children or other vulnerable witnesses giving evidence, Inherent Jurisdiction and the extent of its powers, Physical abuse (brain injury, sudden death in infancy, starvation and FII), Death of children and of parents, Sexual abuse (Child Sexual Exploitation, paedophile rings and online protection issues), Scrutiny of local authority decision making processes, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act Issues (parenthood, surrogacy and same sex parenting), Child Abduction and International Movement of Children, Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Orders, International Adoptions, Disputes over jurisdiction of UK courts, Concurrent criminal proceedings (murder, allowing the death of a child, cruelty and terrorism) and associated issues of disclosure, Disputes over medical treatment and withdrawal of treatment, Vulnerable and mentally incapacitated adults, Privacy versus publication.
“Lorna offers outstanding representation and advice. Her advice is detailed, robust and always thorough. If senior counsel is required, Lorna would always be first consideration.” “Lorna provides excellent client care combined with incisive understanding and excellent advocacy skills.” “She is composed and completely in control of the courtroom - judges listen to Lorna.”
Chambers UK 2023
“She’s dedicated, compassionate and very generous with her knowledge as well as with her work.” “She’s hugely experienced and invariably effective.”
Chambers UK 2022
Ranked as a Tier 1 silk in Family
Legal 500 2022
“A first-rate children law silk who is much in demand.”
Chambers UK 2021
“Fearless, talented and hardworking in equal measures.”
Legal 500 2021
“She’s a highly experienced children law silk and is regularly instructed in the biggest children law cases in the Midlands.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Fearless, talented and hardworking in equal measures.”
Legal 500 2020
Notable Cases
Re CTD (A Child: Rehearing) [2020] EWCA Civ 1316
Wolverhampton City Council v JA and Ors [2017] EWFC 62
Birmingham City Council v SK [2016] EWHC 310 (Fam)
Re K and H (Children) [2015] EWCA 543
Birmingham City Council v Sarfraz Riaz and Others [2015] EWHC 1857 (Fam)
Birmingham City Council v Sarfraz Riaz and Others [2014] EWHC 4247 (Fam)
Re G (A child) [2014] EWCA Civ 432
Re W (A Child) [2013] EWCA Civ 1227
RE E (A Child) [2012] EWCA Civ 1773 [2013] Fam Law 399
Re X and Y (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 1500 [2013] 1FCR1
Re CA (A Baby) [2012] EWHC 2190 (fam)
Re D (A Child) [2011] EWCA Civ 684, [2011] 4 All ER 434, [2011] 2FLR 1183
Re S (a child) [2010] EWCA Civ 219
In the Matter of S (A child) [2010] EWCA Civ 325
WCC, TE, SH, S [2010] EWHC 192
Re X, Y and Z (children) [2010] EWHC, [2011] 1FLR 1045
LAB v KB (ABDUCTION: BRUSSELS II REVISED) [2009] EWHC 2243 (FAM), [2010] 2 FLR 1664
Re MA(Care Threshold) [2009] EWCA Civ 853; [2010] 1FLR 431
BCC –v- AG and Others [2009] EWHC 3720 (fam); [2010] 2FLR 580
Re T (Children: Placement Order) [2008] EWCA 248; [2008] 1FLR 1721
Re AJ (Adoption order or special guardianship order) [2007] EWCA Civ55; [2007]1FLR 507
Re T and J (abduction recognition of foreign judgment) [2006] EWHC 1472 (fam); [2006] 2FLR 1290
Re G (children) [2006] UKHL 43; [2006] 2FLR 629
Re G (Residence: Same sex Partner) [2005] EWCA Civ 462; [2005] 2FLR 957
A County Council –v- A Mother, A Father and XY and Z [2005] EWHC 31 (fam) [2005] 2FLR 129
Press
“Challenging and Defending Local Authority Child Care Decisions”
March 2013
Lorna is co-author of the book.
