Bury Grammar School
Keele University BA Law and Psychology
College of Law Chester
Qualified as Solicitor in 1982. Transferred to the Bar in 2001.
Leonie is an extremely experienced family practitioner. She commenced her career as a solicitor with a wide ranging practice but quickly progressed to specialise in all areas of family law. In 2001, after 17 years in practice as a solicitor, she transferred to the Bar where she continues to practice exclusively in family law.
Leonie’s practice encompasses all areas of family law including public law, private law, financial remedy and injunctive proceedings as well as TOLATA claims. She appears regularly in the High Court as well as the lower courts and has appeared in the Court of Appeal on a number of occasions.
In public law proceedings Leonie represents Local Authorities on a very regular basis but also has a strong parent and children practice. She regularly appears in difficult n.a.i cases where there is a conflict of medical evidence and cases involving allegations of sexual abuse. In addition she has represented the Local Authority in a number of cases where there is a jurisdictional element, including cases where parents have fled the country taking the children with them. Similarly in private law proceedings she often represents parents where there is an issue about removal of a child from the jurisdiction as well as more standard disputes as to where the child should live or who he/she should see.
In financial proceedings Leonie is often instructed in complex high net worth cases and she specialises in TOLATA claims, an area of law in which she has a particular interest. She welcomes initial conferences at an early stage both in financial remedy and TOLATA cases as she considers them to be essential in identifying the issues and providing the best chance of settling the case.
Leonie is regarded as a calm and measured opponent but as someone who will remain firm in her instructions and fight steadfastly for her client. She has extremely good people skills and believes that those greatly assist her in achieving the best outcome for her clients.
On a personal note Leonie is married with 3 adult sons. When she has any free time she enjoys travelling, fine dining and country walks.
Re: (1) B (2) H (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 1359
Re: R (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 597
Re: LCC v T [2014] EWCA Civ 3321 {Fam}
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