Profile description
Steven undertook a common law pupillage and initially practised in criminal, civil and family law, including matrimonial finance work. He now specialises in family law in relation to children. He is regularly instructed to represent parties in public and private law children cases at all levels of court including the High Court, and has appeared successfully in the Court of Appeal.
Steven accepts public access instructions in appropriate cases.
Steven has extensive experience of complex care proceedings, in which he acts for Local Authorities, parents, children (through their children’s guardian or separately represented) and extended family members. He is instructed in cases involving:
- Representation of vulnerable parents including those with learning or other disabilities, with some requiring the assistance of an intermediary;
- Allegations of serious inflicted injury;
- Allegations of sexual abuse against adults and children;
- Complex international issues including placements of children in foreign jurisdictions;
- Cultural issues;
- Allegations of radicalisation;
- Appeals
He is also instructed in applications to represent parties in applications for forced marriage protection orders and FGM protection orders.
Steven regularly acts for parties in private law children proceedings, especially those where children are separately represented; where there are international issues, including applications to remove from the jurisdiction; and where there are serious safeguarding concerns requiring fact finding hearings.
Steven accepts instructions in cases involving international family law issues including applications under the Hague Convention.
Steven represents applicants and respondents in applications under the Family Law Act 1996 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. He also has experience of representing parties in applications for forced marriage protection orders and FGM protection orders.
