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Profile
Work Department
Position
Frances Heaton KC is Joint Head of Chambers at St John's Buildings.
Frances practises in all aspects of family law concerning children, and sits as a Recorder (Family and Crime). She has a Section 9 ticket, so is permitted to hear certain High Court cases.
Frances is in demand in very complex public law children proceedings in which the central issues include exceptionally serious injuries, non-accidental death / murder (child or parent), serious sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, very serious neglect, torture, learning and mental health difficulties, fabricated or induced illness, reporting restriction orders and the curtailment of parental responsibility.
In these she is instructed by local authorities, parents, children, grandparents and interveners. Her skill and expertise is sought after and she is regularly instructed in high profile cases.
Frances undertakes judicial review, which most recently has included special guardianship allowances.She regularly appears in the Court of Appeal where the issues have included the revocation of placement orders and appeals against findings of fact.
In addition Frances continues to accept instructions in complex private law children cases and she has a particular interest in issues of habitual residence, the international movement of children, relocation and child abduction.
Frances also undertakes surrogacy cases and particularly those that have a foreign element.
Colleagues and tribunals recognise Frances’ clear ability to assimilate and grasp the issues of the most complex cases. She is particularly noted for the sensitivity with which she handles these difficult cases and for her sensible, straight-forward advice and approach.
Frances regularly provides seminars and lectures to family solicitors, social workers and expert witnesses.
Career
Frances read law at Sheffield University, and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1984. She took silk in 2012.
Memberships
- Family Law Bar Association [Committee Member]
- Recorder 2002 [Crime and Family (Public and Private)]
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Had great dealings with Sarah Philpotts and Sophie Dobson. Great communication and professional prompt responses. Clerks are extremely reliable in urgent situations.'
- 'Chambers are joy to work with. They are friendly, responsive and professional. Paul Laverty is both friendly and a consummate professional.'
- 'Sarah Philpotts and Mark Williams are both incredibly approachable and responsive.'
- 'The clerks are very knowledgeable. Gail Wheelan and Matthew Rigby are rated highly.'
- 'The clerks are extremely helpful and professional and are always available when needed. Matthew Rigby and Annette Boxall are extremely helpful.'
- 'The clerks are consistently available for any need and there is consistent correspondence to provide any service which is required. Clare Grundy has ensured she is available for all hearings on the matters she is instructed on.'
- 'Elisa Clements and David Harrald both offer consistently good service.'