Introduction
Lauren joined St Philips in October 2022. She completed pupillage under the supervision of William Horwood, Juliet Allen, and Huw Jones.
She accepted tenancy in October 2023. Her practice encompasses all areas of public and private law children work, including matters under the Family Law Act 1996. Lauren also accepts instructions in relation to ancillary relief.
Prior to commencing her pupillage, Lauren was a Caseworker at the National Centre for Domestic Violence. She worked with a variety of applicants regarding a breadth of sensitive issues, both factually and procedurally, including that of capacity.
Lauren also worked as a paralegal for a large firm of solicitors in Derby before attending Bar School. When later studying the BPC, she volunteered at the University of Law Legal Advice Clinic.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys theatre, dog walks, and criticising heel leads and over-whipped meringues on Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Bake Off without any dancing or baking experience of her own.
Private Children
Lauren represents parents, grandparents, and children in all stages of private law children proceedings. She has conducted a number of significant fact-finding hearings, including hearings involving complex allegations of sexual abuse as well as hearings calling for sensitive consideration of cultural and religious matters. She also has experience dealing with contentious final hearings concerning issues such as parental alienation and international relocation.
Lauren is currently instructed as second junior counsel (acting pro bono) in an international abduction case which is proceeding in the High Court.
Care
Lauren appears on behalf of local authorities, parents, extended family members, and children in care proceedings and has conducted a number of multi-day final hearings. She has represented vulnerable individuals, including clients deemed not to have capacity and so requiring the assistance of the Official Solicitor.
Lauren has also appeared in the High Court in cases raising difficult issues around deprivation of liberty and terrorism-related activity.
Education
LLB (Hons) – 2:1 (University of Nottingham)
LLM in Bar Practice – Distinction (University of Law)
Bar Practice Course – Outstanding (University of Law)
Appointments and Memberships
Middle Temple
West Midlands Family Law Bar Association
Senior Advocacy Scholarship, University of Law (2020)
Certificate of Honour, Middle Temple (2023)
