Profile
Victoria is a very experienced junior in the field of children law. She has particular expertise in public law proceedings and is the go-to barrister for many respected Children’s Panel solicitors and Children’s Guardians. She has been involved in recent years in cases with the following features:
Serious non-accidental injuries to infants and children, including involving the death of a child
Sexual abuse, including inter-sibling abuse
Representation of parents who have significant mental health, personality, addiction and functioning issues
Separate direct representation of teenagers
Representation of r. 16.4 Children’s Guardians in private law proceedings
Victoria is well regarded by the judiciary and the silks who lead her or who are her opponents. Clients find her being approachable and empathetic, but she is not afraid to give robust advice. Her well-honed instincts translate into results for her clients, who always feel totally supported by her.
Feedback
Judicial feedback has included comments on her ‘powerful’ and ‘highly persuasive submissions, and the ‘care and skill’ with which she has represented clients.
Client feedback includes ‘5 star – a platinum performer’ ; ‘beyond brilliant’ ‘fantastic – wiped the floor with them’; ‘an amazing barrister who goes above and beyond’ ‘an absolute smasher of a barrister’
Mediation
Victoria has developed a particular interest in the role of non-court dispute resolution . She has an MSc. (Dist.) in Mediation & Dispute Resolution and was awarded a Churchill Trust Scholarship to study the use of mediation in child protection proceedings in North America. She enhances her practice with undertaking mediation work for charitable organisations.
Teaching
Victoria has taught the Advocacy & Communications course at the University of Law since 2021. The feedback from her students routinely describes her as ‘excellent’.
Victoria heads Chambers’ Complaints Committee and is also responsible for Wellbeing, ensuring that all colleagues are properly supported.