Barristers

Gemma commenced her pupillage under the supervision of James Goodwin in September 2019 and has been accepting instructions for both in person and remote hearings since 9 March 2020.

Gemma has experience representing Local Authorities and parents in public law and private law children proceedings. Recent cases have involved neglect, abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, parental alienation, international relocation and international child abduction to a non-Hague Convention Country.

Gemma has an interest and a good understanding of Surrogacy law after completing her master's dissertation on the topic last year.

In the year prior to beginning pupillage, Gemma contributed on a monthly basis to the Chambers Family Law Newsletter. She also assisted Taryn Lee QC and Jacqueline Thomas QC in preparing a detailed chronology involving allegations of sexual abuse for a ten week fact find.

Whilst completing her legal studies, Gemma worked for the charity Debate Mate where she ran an after school debating club for schools in areas of high child poverty. Gemma was a volunteer for a number of years at the Liverpool Law Clinic and Citizens Advice Bureau. This work included conducting legal research, providing free legal advice and assisting vulnerable clients with filling in benefit application forms.

Gemma has recently been part of the team that provided a series of lunchtime zoom seminars targeted at Local Authority Lawyers and Social Workers. These can be found on the Spire Barristers YouTube page.

Inner Temple
Advocate (Formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit)
Family Law Bar Association

University of Liverpool, LLB (Hons) First Class 2018
BPP Manchester, LLM Legal Practice (Barristers) Distinction 2019

Gemma enjoys travelling, cooking and spending time with friends and family.