Coram Chambers

Judith Pepper specialises in family law, primarily public law proceedings representing local authorities, parents and guardians, competent children, as well as other family members and intervenors.  She is often instructed in complex care proceedings involving non-accidental injury and medical evidence, sexual abuse allegations, serious domestic violence, and placement outside the jurisdiction. She also undertakes cases cases involving vulnerable adults and forced marriage.

Judith also has extensive experience in all areas of private law family work, particularly those involving serious allegations of harm.

Judith approaches all her cases with an attention to detail and a straightforward manner. She undertakes all of her cases with a strong sense of professionalism.

Judith is a leading junior specialising in the law relating to children. She is frequently instructed in complex cases that require a forensic approach.

Her practice spans public and private law proceedings, and she is particularly sought after in public law cases involving the most serious allegations of harm. She also undertakes cases involving vulnerable adults.

Judith is noted for her ability to get on top of legal and factual issues quickly.

Practice Areas

International Family Law

Local Authority

Private Law Children

Public Law Children

Court of Protection

Judith is in high demand in public law cases and her experience encompasses a wide range of issues including non-accidental injury, factitious illness, sexual abuse and fatalities. She is seasoned in dealing with cases where there are concurrent criminal proceedings and where there are international elements. She is well-versed in local authority decision-making and child protection procedure. She represents all parties and takes care to make proceedings accessible to vulnerable clients.

A particular interest is that of siblings in care proceedings and adoption. Judith has written articles on this topic and has presented training on this issue including co-presenting for the Judicial College alongside Professor Daniel Monk.

Judith is well suited to private law cases which have child protection issues.

Judith is known as a persuasive advocate with an attention to detail and a straightforward manner.

Judith regularly presents lectures and seminars on current issues of child law.

Testimonials

"Judith is a brilliant advocate who prepares her cases meticulously. She is firm, pragmatic and will leave no stone unturned when dealing with a case." Legal 500 2025, Ranked: Tier 4

"A barrister with a very clear head, she sees the entire picture when handling cases." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"Judith doesn't miss a trick and doesn't get intimidated - she fights her corner and won't be put off." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"She always has the ear of the judge." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"She's very thorough and deals really well with complex police evidence." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"She gets to the heart of the issue quickly and is able to ask difficult questions." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"Her cross-examination of witnesses is excellent." Chambers & Partners 2025, Band 3

"Judith is an incredibly talented barrister, especially when it comes to matters which require significant forensic evidence challenging. She really is able to look at both the small minutiae but also the larger picture, allowing the lay client to have a well-rounded, full representation." Legal 500 2024, Ranked: Tier 4

"Her advocacy skills are fantastic. She is so measured and so well prepared." Chambers & Partners 2024, Band 3

"Judith Pepper has a superb grasp of her cases." Chambers & Partners 2024, Band 3

"Judith's knowledge of the law is excellent as is her professionalism. She is extremely hard-working and goes out of her way to assist the client and instructing solicitor." Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Judith is an incredible advocate. She is able to deal with her examination in chief in a very-sensitive way but still was effective in bringing out all the points that needed dealing with." Legal 500, 2023

"Very thorough and meticulous. She is very helpful in complex cases where a fact-finding hearings are required." Legal 500, 2022

Family Law Bar Association Middle Temple Association of Lawyers for Children Court of Protection Practitioners Association

King’s College London, LLB Hons (1998) Inns of Court School of Law (1999) University College London, LLM (Merit) (2002)