At 42BR BarristersTina Cook KC is frequently sought after for her expertise in advising on care and adoption proceedings, and often acts for local authorities, parents and other parties in cases. The 'authoritative' Gemma Taylor KC has extensive experience in handling cases involving complex medical issues, while Damian Woodward-Carlton KC advises on cases involving allegations of fabricated or induced illness, radicalisation, and sexual abuse. Among the junior end of chambers, Jonathan Bennett has a solid track record in appearing before the Court of Appeal in complex care cases. Katie Phillips KC was appointed to silk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Phone
020 7831 0222
Email
Profile

Profile

Work Department

Family

Position

Gemma practises family law, primarily public law care and adoption proceedings for local authorities, parents, children and Guardians. She has experience of the most difficult cases that involve complex medical evidence and serious injuries.

Career

Gemma has extensive experience of all areas of private law family work. She has acted for Local Authorities in the Court of Protection.

In addition she advises and acts in judicial review applications in matters concerning Local authority responsibilities, Leaving Care provisions and in cases involving adults under a disability.

Gemma regularly gives seminars that have included topics ranging from the human rights implications of disclosure of information about children, public law assessments, special guardianship, publicity in care cases, assessing parents with a learning disability, challenging decisions about foster placements and the division of responsibility between courts and local authorities.

Memberships

  • Family Law Bar Association
  • Association of Lawyers for Children

Education

Queen Mary College London. LLB 1986

Content supplied by 42BR Barristers

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'All of the clerks are extremely helpful and James Tidnam is top of that list.'
  • 'Tim Dockrill is an incredibly talented clerk.'
  • 'Brilliant. Tim Dockrill is amazing and is always available when assistance is required.'
  • 'The service provided by the clerks room is unmatched. Tim Dockrill and Daragh Henderson will go out of their way to help.'
  • 'Excellent set of very experienced barristers.'
  • 'Outstanding chambers with a host of experienced and reliable counsel.'
  • 'An excellent family law chambers.'
  • 'An all-around strong set for public children matters.'