Introduction
Julie Sparrow is a children law expert with nearly 3 decades of experience. She regularly appears in the High Court undertaking difficult fact-finding and complex welfare hearings. Julie has an excellent reputation for preparation, advocacy and client care. She is ranked in Chambers Bar UK; she is an approved pupil supervisor and qualified mediator. Julie has practised in New Zealand where she qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor. Although always keen to find a resolution, Julie is almost certainly related to Muhammad Ali.
Public Law Care and Adoption
Julie has vast experience in complex and difficult public law cases and represents parents, guardians and local authorities. She has particular expertise in cases involving:
- Causation of injury by accident, underlying medical condition or infliction;
- Serious forms of physical abuse, including fractures, bruising and burns;
- Honour based violence;
- Fabricated and induced illness (FII);
- Sexual abuse;
- Forced marriage;
- Child sexual exploitation (CSE);
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM);
- Adoption;
- Chronic neglect and drug and alcohol abuse;
- Disclosure and public interest immunity (PII);
- Human rights issues;
- International children law;
- The inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.
Notable and reported cases:
A County Council v M [2021] EWFC 35
Re D, C & M (Children) [2021] EWFC 12 (habitual residence)
Re AV (Expert Report) [2020] EWCA Civ 346 (traumatic death of siblings)
Re C (A Child) [2016] EWFC B1110 (inflicted injury)
Re Y (A Child) [2016] EWFC 30 (radicalisation and terrorism)
Re Y (Children) [2014] EWCA Civ 1287 (permanent removal from jurisdiction)
Education
LLM International Law (2007)
Bar Finals (1992)
LLB (Hons) Business Law (1991)
Appointments and Memberships
British Agencies for Fostering and Adoption
Family Law Bar Association
Testimonials
“Julie has very strong clients skills, with an ability to focus on key issues and avoid being sidetracked when parties positions become unnecessarily adversarial. ” Chambers & Partners 2023
“Julie is an extremely experienced advocate who has an eye for detail. She is compassionate and calm, and her negotiation skills are key to resolving matters that would otherwise require significant litigation.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“She has good cross-examination and forensic skills and excellent client care, keeping the client updated and reassured.” Chambers UK 2022
“Julie has a sensitive and practical approach to cases and her preparation of key documents is excellent.” Chambers UK 2022
“She’s a well-prepared and thorough advocate. She will advocate strongly for her client whilst remaining thoughtful and sympathetic to the situation they are facing.” Chambers UK
Julie Sparrow has a specific strength in dealing with vulnerable clients. Her empathetic and humanistic approach enables clients to give their instructions without fear of judgement.” Chambers UK
