Barristers

Gemma joined chambers as a tenant in September 2020 following successful completion of her pupillage.

Gemma prides herself on her client care and her ability to build a strong working relationship with both professional and lay clients.

Before coming to the Bar, Gemma was committed to promoting access to justice through her work with Citizens Advice and the Liverpool Law Clinic. This commitment has continued with Gemma taking on deserving cases on a pro bono basis and being nominated for Young Pro Bono Barrister of the year 2020.

Gemma frequently represents Local Authorities, parents and children in all stages of care proceedings from urgent contested removals, fact finds to final hearings. Gemma has experience dealing with serious allegations including neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, substance misuse, non-accidental injuries and FII.
Gemma often advises local authorities in the pre-proceedings processes and regularly accepts instructions to draft threshold documents, schedules of findings and can provide advice in writing or by conference.
Gemma has experience and is particularly interested in cases with an international element.

Gemma is regularly instructed in private law matters and has experience representing clients in cases where there are allegations of domestic violence and/or parental alienation. Gemma also has experience of cases with an international element, including international abduction to non-Hague countries.

Gemma is valued for her realistic and empathetic approach and is able to advise clients and negotiate creative agreements where appropriate.

During first six, Gemma spent time with the Court of Protection team and is now available to take instructions in Court of Protection matters.

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
North Eastern Circuit
CoPPA

University of Liverpool, LLB (Hons) First Class 2018
BPP Manchester LLM Legal Practice (Barristers) Distinction 2019
LLM Dissertation completed on UK Surrogacy Law (graded distinction 2019)

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