Barristers

Gemma specialises in cases concerning children, acting in both public and private law cases as well as those with an international element.

Gemma prides herself on her client care and her ability to build a strong working relationship with both professional and lay clients through her down to earth and friendly approach. Instructing solicitors have been impressed by Gemma’s hard work and dedication to go above and beyond for her clients, particularly clients that require more care and attention due to their own vulnerabilities.

Gemma is committed to access to justice and regularly takes on deserving cases on a pro bono basis through Advocate.

Gemma’s practice predominately involves public law proceedings. Gemma frequently represents Local Authorities, parents and children in all stages of care proceedings. Gemma has experience dealing with serious allegations including non-accidental injuries, fabricated and induced illness and sexual abuse.

Notable cases include:

2022: Led by Jeremy Lindsay representing a parent in a three week finding of fact hearing facing allegations that they had encouraged their children to report false allegations of sexual abuse. Findings were made that the sexual abuse did in fact take place.

2021: represented a Grandparent at a four day final hearing in the Royal Courts of Justice facing allegations of fraudulently bringing their grandchildren into this Country on false documents and possible trafficking. The case concluded with the LA withdrawing their application and the children being placed in the clients care.

Gemma is also regularly instructed in private law matters and has experience representing clients in cases where there are allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation and FII. Gemma also has experience and expertise with cases that involve international elements, including relocation and abduction.

Notable cases include:

2020-present: led by Sarah Blackmore in the Royal Courts of Justice in a matter that involves international abduction to a Non-Hague convention country.

2020: successfully represented a parent’s application to relocate the child to America which was opposed by the other parent.

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
Family Law Bar Association
North Eastern Circuit
Advocate
Chambers Representative on the Regional FLBA Committee
Lawyers for Children

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, live music and spending time with friends and family. Gemma has recently taken up running and will be running the London Marathon this year for charity.