Trinity Chambers

Family law; mental health.

EXPERTISE

• Family Law
• Public and Private Law
• Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation(FGM)
• Vulnerable Adults
• Proceedings with a Foreign Element including allegations of human trafficking
• Proceedings involving Fabricated and Induced Illness
• Proceedings involving serious injury, including infant death and complex expert evidence
• Proceedings involving Young Adolescents
• Cases involving Sexual exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Children
• Family proceedings concerning parents who have undergone gender re-assignment

Family
Sue has practised in the field of family law exclusively for approximately 25 years during which time she has built up a high profile practice.

Experienced in carrying a heavy caseload and instructed to act on behalf of most local authorities in the region in respect of care proceedings brought across all tiers of the Family, she also regularly acts for vulnerable adults and adolescents, Guardians and parents in respect of proceedings concerning their welfare and that of their children.

She has a wealth of experience in conducting proceedings involving non-English speaking ethnic minorities of differing cultures, and where the jurisdiction of the court is subject to challenge. She also has vast experience in representing vulnerable adults and children where mental illness/disability features including involvement of the Court of Protection.

Her cases regularly involve allegations of serious non accidental injury, domestic abuse including rape and sexual abuse of children.

She is experienced in preparing legal argument in respect of proceedings in the Court of Appeal, applications for special measures including children giving evidence, and in circumstances where it is argued that sensitive information ought not be disclosed into the proceedings.

Sue sits as a Recorder in the Family Court trying both Public and Private Law Proceedings and in the Crown Court.
APPOINTMENTS

• Recorder: Family Court 2008
• Recorder: Crown Court 2012

MEMBERSHIPS

• North Eastern Circuit
• Family Law Bar Association

EDUCATION

• Tynemouth High School
• BA Law (Hons) Northumbria University
• Solicitors Professional Examinations, and admitted to the Roll of solicitors1980

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sue was born and educated in Tynemouth and is local to the area in every respect. She began her legal career as solicitor working in a general practice in North Shields before spending time as a prosecuting solicitor and  then transferring to the Bar.

She has lived in Northumberland for a number of years and has an interest in rural issues.

Called 1987; Recorder: Family Court 2008 Recorder: Crown Court 2012 Fee Paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal Health Education and Social Care Chamber

FLBA.

BA Law (Hons).