Elizabeth McGrath KC (Liz) was called to the Bar in 1987 and has practiced exclusively in family law for over 20 years, with a focus on children and care disputes. She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2014 and is 3PB’s Head of Chambers.
Liz has extensive expertise in public law, acting for Local Authorities, parents, and children in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. She has been instructed in numerous complex fact-finding hearings involving allegations of sexual abuse and non-accidental injuries and has appeared in several reported cases.
She has also acted in some of the largest and most complex public law children cases undertaken in England and Wales, including involvement in two of the most significant operational care proceedings seen by the Family Court to date. She is highly experienced in cases arising from major safeguarding operations involving large numbers of children, multiple parties and extensive parallel investigations by the police and other agencies.
Her practice regularly places her at the centre of proceedings of exceptional scale, sensitivity and public importance, requiring the management of vast volumes of evidence, intricate disclosure issues and complex strategic case management. Elizabeth is particularly well regarded for her ability to navigate highly pressured and emotionally charged litigation whilst maintaining clear forensic focus in cases attracting substantial judicial, professional and media scrutiny.
She is often instructed in highly sensitive private law children disputes, particularly those involving residence, contact, relocation, LGBT parenting, and surrogacy. Her vast experience across both private and public family law, combined with her down-to-earth and approachable manner, inspires confidence in instructing solicitors and allows her to build a strong rapport with clients.
Liz’s meticulous preparation ensures she quickly identifies the key issues in complex cases. While she provides firm and fair advice with a focus on early resolution where possible, she is also known for her concise, robust, and effective advocacy when a judicial decision is required.
Liz was called to the Bar in 1987 and has practiced exclusively in the field of family law for over 20 years. She frequently appears in complex and sensitive cases involving children, both in public and private law proceedings, often dealing with intricate factual and expert evidence.
Liz has a proven ability to manage high-conflict cases with a calm and professional approach while dedicating significant energy to advocating for her clients.
She is also available for work internationally on all Children-related family law matters.
Reported Cases
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A Local Authority v Mother & Ors [2024] EWHC 3511 (Fam)
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P and E (Care Proceedings: Whether to Hold Fact-Finding Hearing), Re [2024] EWCA Civ 403
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The Mother & Anor v Shropshire Council & Anor [2024] EWHC 344 (Fam)
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A Local Authority -v- MM, NM, MC, CM and W, X , Y and Z (Children acting through their Guardian) [2020] EWFC 65
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Re ABC (Children: Overlaying Child) [2020] EWFC [57]
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B-T (A Child: Threshold Conditions) [2020] EWCA Civ 697
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RE AA (Children) & 25 Ors [2019] EWFC 64
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E (A Child) (Family Proceedings: Evidence), Re [2016] EWCA Civ 473; [2016] 4 W.L.R. 105
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Stockport MBC v AM [2016] EWFC 12
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A CC v AB [2015] EWFC 82
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W (Children) (Adoption: Procedure: Conditions), Re [2015] EWCA Civ 403; [2016] 1 F.L.R. 454; [2015] 3 F.C.R. 99; [2015] Fam. Law 765
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Coventry City Council v B [2012] EWHC 4014 (Fam); [2015] 1 F.L.R. 411; [2014] Fam. Law 954
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E (A Child) (Wardship Order: Child in Voluntary Accommodation), Re [2012] EWCA Civ 1773; [2013] 2 F.L.R. 63; [2013] Fam. Law 399
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K (A Child) (Post Adoption Placement Breakdown), Re [2012] EWHC 4148 (Fam); [2013] 1 F.L.R. 1; [2012] Fam. Law 1450
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Coventry City Council v O [2011] EWCA Civ 729; [2012] Fam. 210; [2012] 3 W.L.R. 208; [2012] P.T.S.R. 835; [2011] 2 F.L.R. 936; [2011] 3 F.C.R. 38; [2012] B.L.G.R. 279; [2011]
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Fam. Law 921; (2011) 108(27) L.S.G. 23; (2011) 161 N.L.J. 952; Times, July 1, 2011; Official Transcript
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J (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Injuries), Re [2009] EWHC 1383 (Fam); [2009] 2 F.L.R. 99; [2009] Fam. Law 479
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Private law
Private Law Children and Domestic Abuse
Liz represents parents and guardians (where appointed) in highly sensitive residence and contact cases, often involving expert psychological or psychiatric evidence to assist the court in determining welfare issues. She is a formidable advocate in cases concerning allegations of sexual abuse, parental alienation, and complex private law disputes, including those involving domestic abuse, coercive control, and neglect.
Her extensive experience extends to cases with an international element, where urgent and comprehensive advice is essential. She is particularly well-known for her expertise in relocation cases (both international and domestic) and disputes over child arrangements, including those involving allegations of alienating behaviours.
Liz has represented clients from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with learning difficulties. Her experience enable her to build strong client relationships and provide clear, strategic guidance to achieve the best possible outcome.
Care and adoption
Public Law Care and Adoption
Liz is a recognised expert in cases involving sexual abuse and the full spectrum of serious child protection concerns. She represents Local Authorities, parents, guardians, and other interested parties in the most complex and sensitive cases, including those involving serious non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, chronic neglect, child fatalities, and fabricated or induced illness (FII).
She has also acted in some of the largest and most complex public law children cases undertaken in England and Wales, including involvement in two of the most significant operational care proceedings seen by the Family Court to date. She is highly experienced in cases arising from major safeguarding operations involving large numbers of children, multiple parties and extensive parallel investigations by the police and other agencies.
Her practice regularly places her at the centre of proceedings of exceptional scale, sensitivity and public importance, requiring the management of vast volumes of evidence, intricate disclosure issues and complex strategic case management. Elizabeth is particularly well regarded for her ability to navigate highly pressured and emotionally charged litigation whilst maintaining clear forensic focus in cases attracting substantial judicial, professional and media scrutiny.
Her extensive experience in public law proceedings under children and adoption legislation includes cases with complex medical evidence, cross-jurisdictional placements, and matters where confidentiality, disclosure, and media restraint orders are critical. Liz is also well-versed in cases requiring the use of the High Court’s inherent jurisdiction, particularly where urgent intervention or protective measures are needed.
Liz’s expertise in handling highly sensitive cases, combined with her strategic approach and depth of experience, makes her a formidable advocate in this field.
FDR Hearing Service
Liz is available to sit as a private FDR judge. For more information please click here.
