AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy (Civil Partnership, Marriage & Cohabitation)
Mediation (Family, Financial Remedy, Marriage & Cohabitation)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Liverpool (Distinction)
BPTC at BPP, 2003 (Outstanding)
FLBA National Committee Member 2020
FLBA National Committee Member, 2012-2014
Elected Member of The Bar Council, 2012-2014

Scholarships/Affiliations:

Member of President of the Family Division Working Group on Experts 2019-2020
Member of Education & Training Sub-Committee, The Bar Council, 2012-2018
Member of the ADR Sub-Committee, The Bar Council 2012-2018
Member of the Social Mobility Sub-Committee, The Bar Council 2012-2018
Registered Pupil Supervisor, 2015
Shakespeare Memorial Scholarship, 2002
Contributor to the Family Law Journal 2020

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Gray’s Inn
FLBA
Bar Pro Bono Unit – active member

ABOUT NAOMI

Called to the Bar in 2003, Naomi specialises in a whole range of children related disputes with an emphasis on complex public law cases concerning non-accidental injury to children and sexual abuse. Her public law work extends to the most complex types of physical, sexual and neglect cases alongside complicated medical cases involving a number of medical experts. She appears in all tiers of the court and is dedicated to providing a professional and friendly outlook, putting her clients at ease.

Persuasive and hard-working, Naomi represents parents and children in private law matters, including internal relocation and removal from the jurisdiction and intractable contact and residence disputes. She represents clients requesting financial remedy, recognising the advantage to the client of being able to provide advice in relation of both financial and private law.

Naomi has a particular interest in Judicial Review claims. She offers mediation to public bodies and individuals as a means of reaching settlement where possible, as an alternative yet conciliatory approach.

As part of her Court of Protection practice, Naomi further deals with vulnerable adults who lack capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, care, contact and residence issues, appointment of deputies and disputes over registration of powers of attorney, deprivation of liberty, forced marriage and medical treatment decisions.

Legal 500 - 'She is carving out a high quality childcare practice, and is destined to go far'

Chambers & Partners - A family law specialist who receives instructions on a number of complex care proceedings, including allegations of sexual abuse and contested placement orders. 

“Naomi Madderson has on numerous occasions provided my clients with a service that is second to none.  She is always very well prepared for hearings and always provides feedback from the hearing at the first available opportunity.”

Legal 500 - ‘She is user-friendly and down to earth.’

Legal 500 - ‘Top-grade junior.’

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Children Law (private and public)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 1982
• Silk 2001
• Regular lecturer at national and local training days. In the past has chaired NAGALRO National Conference, lectured at the JSB / Judicial College and to the Western Circuit Judiciary at Dartington on numerous occasions.
• Has contributed several articles to Family Law Journal and a co-written chapter on the law related to kinship care. (Assessment in Kinship Care edited by Talbot & Calder 2006).

APPOINTMENTS

• Assistant Recorder,1999
• Recorder,2000
• Queen's Counsel,2001
• Deputy High Court Judge,2004

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• FLBA
• South Eastern Circuit
• Lincoln's Inn

ABOUT PAUL

Paul practises mainly in the field of children law. He has extensive experience in complex and high profile High Court cases involving allegations of serious non accidental injuries and homicide especially those concerning scientific or medical issues.

He has extensive experience in Appellate work in the Court of Appeal ranging through public law cases, private law cases, those with a human rights element, paternity and disclosure. He also has significant experience in the Supreme Court, having appeared on numerous occasions.

His private law practice includes cases with LGBT issues, and those involving disclosure issues, and alleged sexual abuse. He has been involved in a number of cases concerning individuals with learning disabilities or other vulnerabilities and has a particular interest in these areas.

Inevitably, in a practice such as this, Paul’s cases regularly involve the application of the Human Rights Act 1998, in which again, he has a particular interest.

Married to Alexa Storey. Six children. Interests – spending time with my family, sport (particularly playing squash, table tennis and cycling) and watching football (season ticket at Fulham FC) and rugby (season ticket at Harlequins FC). Enjoying long walks and good wine.

“Storey is Stellar” “His advocacy is outstanding, and his cross examination of experts is second to none”

Chambers & Partners 2020

“Has the command of the court, his cross examination of expert witnesses is exceptionally good - he never fails to hit the spot and nail the important point”

Legal 500 2020

“Cyrus is a bundle of energy and ambition. He is superb in cross examination”

Chambers & Partners 2021

“A conjurer in court and simply wonderful to see in action. When he stands up to talk, people listen.”

Legal 500 2021

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Children Law (private and public)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 1992
• Silk 2016
• BA Hons – University of Kent
• Dip Droit Francais – University of Bordeaux
• Rothschild Scholarship – Harrow School
• Hallett Prize for Law – University of Kent

APPOINTMENTS

• Chair of the Family Law Bar Association
• Contributing Editor of Rayden and Jackson on Children Law
• Mentor and Advocacy Trainer for Inner Temple
• Master of the Bench, Inner Temple 2018

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Family Law Bar Association
• Inner Temple
• FLBA member for Bar Council Wellbeing Working Group
• Member of the Magic Circle

ABOUT CYRUS

Cyrus is a specialist family law barrister who is highly experienced in non-accidental injury. He regularly represents Parents, Local Authorities and Children in a range of cases from international and domestic law. He deals also with Direct Access cases.

Cyrus offers expertise in cases involving sexual and emotional abuse, highly complex medical cases relating to FII and allegations of abusive trauma and causing death to children. He has been successful in many ground breaking medical cases.

He has a strong reputation for his effective advocacy and his calm, empathetic and strategic approach to all matters. He has expertise in questioning vulnerable children and adults having helped set up the pioneering FLBA advocacy and vulnerable training programme.

Cyrus has led the Family Bar during Covid 19 and helped set up the Remote Family Court. He advised on the draft Child Protection Bill of Anguilla and has trained the Bermuda Bar in advocacy and presentation of evidence.

Cyrus has led in a number of interesting , ground breaking and important guideline cases including:

• On appellate pro bono costs in Re S (2015) UKSC 20
• Acting for the alleged killer of Baby P
• Successfully challenging the medical evidence in the seminal EDS case of Bucks CC v Andrews and Stilwell (2017) EWFC B19
• On disclosure in MI5 / radicalisation case of Re X Y Z (2016) EWHC 2400
• On private fostering arrangements in A Local Authority v AB CD EG GH (2018) EWHC 1473
• The end of life case of Re AB (2018) EWFC 3 before Munby
• Succeeding for an accused parent in Re AA (2019) EWFC in a 3 month sexual abuse case involving 67 ABE interviews 49 parties and 120 lawyers and a number of local authorities as well as 850 000 pages of documents
• Guideline case on adjournment and fair hearing during Covid 19 in A Local Authority v The Mother and Others (2020) EWHC 1233 (Fam)

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy (Civil Partnership, Marriage & Cohabitation)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Robinson College, Cambridge – 1988
BSc Hons Psychology, Open University

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Middle Temple – Call 1989
FLBA

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew is a highly recommended family law specialist. He appears at all levels of the Family Courts and is known for his methodical and insightful approach to case preparation and client care.

Andrew has extensive experience of applications for Financial Remedy, including urgent applications for Freezing Injunctions. He is regularly instructed for individuals of high net worth, farmers, complex business and pension arrangements, the armed forces and those with substantial assets in diverse foreign jurisdictions. Andrew appears in proceedings involving trusts and trusts of land and financial disputes between married and cohabiting individuals.

Andrew has developed an extensive Public Law practise. He accepts instructions for Local Authorities, parents, other family members and the Children’s Guardian. Andrew has experience of cases involving the most serious allegations of child abuse, including non-accidental injuries, child fatality, head injury, poisoning, sexual abuse, FII and neglect. He has acted for the most vulnerable of clients, including those with mental health difficulties and children themselves accused of perpetrating abuse. Andrew also accepts instructions relating to the discharge of Care Orders, SGOs and adoption.

Andrew regularly appears in Private Law proceedings for parents or on behalf of the Children’s Guardian. These include residence and contact disputes and Fact Finding hearings relating to the most serious of allegations. Andrew also conducts cases involving removal from the jurisdiction whether by application or for return pursuant to the Hague Convention.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law with German, University of Sheffield
Bar Vocational Course, Nottingham Law School (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit – Executive Committee
Middle Temple
FLBA

Positions held

Wellbeing Junior - North Eastern Circuit
Advocacy Trainer - North Eastern Circuit
Wellbeing Representative - Hull & Grimsby DFJ’s Working Group

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Fearon was called to the Bar in 2000. Sarah is a specialist family practitioner who is routinely instructed by Local Authorities across Yorkshire and the Humber as well as in Lincolnshire. She also regularly represents parents, grandparents, intervenors and children in some of the most complex family public and private law cases heard in the Hull and Grimsby Family Courts as well as further afield. Sarah appears at all tiers of the Family Courts.

Sarah represents the interests of Local Authorities, parents, grandparents, intervenors and children at all stages of proceedings. She conducts lengthy and complex cases, often led by Queen’s Counsel as well as acting as Leading Junior. Sarah has a particular interest in matters involving non-accidental injury and sexual abuse.

Sarah is regularly instructed in Private Family proceedings involving residence and contact disputes. She undertakes Domestic Abuse and injunctive relief from the initial ex-parte application through to committal proceedings. Sarah is regularly instructed in matters with an international element, including removal from jurisdiction, conflict of jurisdiction and Article 15 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIA).

Sarah accepts instructions in matters of Financial Remedy and has a keen interest in proceedings heard in the Court of Protection. Sarah regularly provides training seminars and workshops for Local Authorities, solicitors and members of Chambers in relation to Family Law and Court of Protection.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Crime
Military Law
Misconduct Hearings
Children – Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

History, University of Leicester, 2000
PgDL, College of Law, York, 2002
LPC, College of Law, York, 2004
RAF Cranwell – Officer Training, 2006

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, 2006
Inner Temple, Call 2013
North East Circuit
CBA

ABOUT DAVID

In a varied career David has both defended and prosecuted a huge number of different crimes. Qualifying as a Solicitor in 2004 he joined the Royal Air Force Legal Service and gained vast experience representing the legal interests of soldiers and their families all over the world. During this period, he became the first service lawyer to enter the Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, during a protracted gross negligence manslaughter investigation.

David left the RAF in 2013 and transferred to the Bar joining 37 Park Square Chambers. He has developed a busy criminal practice in Hull and Grimsby Crown Court - work encompassing offences such as murder, rape, aggravated burglary, assault of all kinds, death by careless and dangerous driving, drug offences (including supply and vast cultivation), harassment, intimidation, large scale dishonesty, perverting the course of justice and wilful neglect.

David regularly defends in all kinds of sexual cases (including rape, indecent assault, assault by penetration, sexual activity with a child, possession and distribution of child pornography) including allegations going back many decades.

David has significant experience of representing the interests of Police Officers at Misconduct Hearings.

Further he is forging a practice in private children law matters building on his experience of representing the interests of parents during his time as an RAF Lawyer.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 1992
Solicitor’s Final Examinations, College of Law, York, 1993
Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, 1995
Qualified Solicitor-Advocate Higher Rights (Civil)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Inner Temple
FLBA
Previous member of the SRA Family Law & Children Panels

ABOUT GAYNOR

Gaynor is a former Solicitor-Advocate with over 20 years of experience specialising in Family Law; particularly in public and private children proceedings. She qualified as a member of the Children Panel in 2000 and has gone on to represent numerous local authorities, parents, interveners and children. She has extensive experience in care proceedings, Emergency Protection Orders, Secure Accommodation Orders, SGOs, Placement Order and adoption.

Gaynor is regularly instructed in complex and lengthy public law proceedings involving non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. She has considerable experience of representing vulnerable adults and children, including representation of parties through the Official Solicitor. She has appeared within the County Court and High Court and has successfully appealed case management decisions to the Court of Appeal. Gaynor has been led by Queen’s and Junior Counsel and conducts her own lengthy hearings.

Gaynor is frequently instructed by CAFCASS to represent children of all ages in proceedings. She regularly represents teenage children who are Gillick competent.

Gaynor has a successful record of contested residence and contact disputes and has experience of “Pigot” hearings. She has a particular interest in Special Guardianship cases and Rule 9(5) appointments.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Crime

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 2011 (2:1)
LPC, University of Law, 2012 (Distinction)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Inner Temple
North Eastern Circuit
Women Lawyers of Yorkshire
FLBA
CBA
CPS Grade 2 Prosecutor

ABOUT KYLIE

Kylie qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate before transferring to the Bar. With over 10 years’ experience of practising in the Civil, Family and Criminal Courts.

Family Law

Kylie appears in all areas of public and private family law proceedings. She accepts instructions on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, family members and children, appearing in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court.

Kylie has experience of representing parents in care proceedings including, Finding of Fact Hearings where there have been allegations of sexual abuse, domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse. In addition, Kylie is regularly instructed to represent clients in private law disputes involving applications under the Child Arrangements Programme, including change of residence, contact orders, specific issue and prohibited steps.

Kylie has experience representing vulnerable individuals, adults and children, including parties represented by the Official Solicitor.

Kylie has experience conducting her own lengthy hearings and has been led by Queen’s Counsel and Junior Counsel on numerous occasions. Most recently Kylie was led by Miss Naomi Madderson in a 5 week case which involved extremely complex medical evidence and allegations of non-accidental injuries.

Kylie regularly accepts instructions on very short notice and represents clients from the first hearing through to final hearing.

Criminal Law

Kylie accepts instructions for the Prosecution and the Defence, appearing in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. Kylie has experience of a broad range of matters, including cases involving, sexual offences, dishonesty, violence, domestic violence and possession and supply of drugs. Kylie acts from first appearance through to trial and, if required, appeal.

Kylie is known for her down to earth approach and ability to communicate well with both those that she represents and those that instruct her.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children - Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, Lancaster University, 2011 (2:1)
BPTC, The University of Law, 2012 (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Middle Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT FRANCESCA

Francesca practises in all areas of family law, including applications for injunctive relief under the Family Law Act 1996 and private and public proceedings involving children.

Francesca has developed an extensive practice within public law proceedings. She regularly represents local authorities in cases involving sexual abuse, domestic abuse, substance misuse, chronic neglect and non-accidental injury. She has acted as junior counsel in lengthy and complex matters on numerous occasions appearing on behalf of both the Local Authority and the child. Francesca also accepts instructions on behalf of parents, grandparents, children and the Children’s Guardian.

Francesca also accepts instructions in relation to emergency hearings, contested interim removal hearings, finding of fact hearings and contested final hearings.

Francesca regularly appears in private law proceedings, acting for parents and grandparents in matters of contact and residence disputes and applications under the Child Arrangements Programme. She appears in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court.

She is known for her approachable demeanour and regularly represents vulnerable individuals.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children - Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 2004 (First Class)
LPC, University of Law, York, 2012 (Distinction)
BPTC, Northumbria University, 2015 (Outstanding)

Prizes:

Certificate of Honour, Northumbria University, 2015
JJ Powell Prize, Northumbria University, 2015

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Middle Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT JOANNA

Joanna is instructed in cases across a broad spectrum of family law, with a particular focus on private and public law cases involving children. Joanna appears in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court, High Court and Court of Protection.

Joanna acts in matters involving intractable contact and residence disputes and is instructed regularly in matters of specific issues and prohibited steps, including disputes relating to internal relocation, medical intervention and education. She is often instructed for fact-find hearings concerning allegations of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, alcohol and drug misuse. Joanna has a particular interest in parental alienation and has experience of representing vulnerable adults and children.

Joanna acts for all parties in public law proceedings relating to children, including local authorities, parents, grandparents, intervenors and children through their Children’s Guardians. She has experience in matters of forced marriage, non-accidental injury, neglect, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health.

Joanna also accepts instructions in relation to emergency hearings, contested interim removal hearings, finding of fact hearings, contested final hearings and adoption including leave to oppose.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Financial remedy

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, Leeds Metropolitan University, 2014 (First Class)
BPTC, BPP Law School, 2015 (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Inner Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT NEELAM

Neelam completed her pupillage under the supervision of Sarah Fearon and has developed a reputation as an effective advocate. Neelam is a family law practitioner who accepts instructions in all areas of public and private family law and financial remedy.

In public law proceedings, Neelam has represented the Local Authority, parents and the Guardian. She has also been instructed as Junior Counsel on several lengthy and complex cases involving issues of serious sexual abuse.

Neelam has a particular interest in private family law. She represents parents and family members in disputes relating to living and contact arrangements, specific issues and prohibited steps. Neelam has experience of representing parties in contested Finding of Fact hearings where there are allegations of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol misuse and parental alienation. She also represents clients in applications for injunctive relief.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Criminal Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

St Andrews University

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Call 1973
East Riding Education Appeal Panel
Chair of the Appeal of the University of York
North East Circuit

ABOUT JOHN

John Dunning initially practised from chambers in the Inner Temple, London EC4. He has worked virtually all the Crown Courts in London and the South East circuit.

After moving north, he quickly re-established himself as an experienced criminal advocate, initially in Leeds, and more latterly in Hull.

He specialises in serious criminal work; homicide, serious violence, sexual offences, fraud and other dishonesty, drugs offences and trading standards and regulatory matters.

John has also a developed interest in education law and is a member of both the Hull and East Riding Independent Appeal panels.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal
• Regulatory/Misconduct Hearings

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• LLB(Hons) 2:1 -1993
• Qualified as a Solicitor -1995
• Higher Rights (Criminal Division)1999
• Called to the Bar 2001(37 Park Square Chambers Leeds)

APPOINTMENTS

• Head of Legal – Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Director of Prosecutions – Attorney General Chambers – Isle of Man 2016

ABOUT RICHARD

Richard has defended and prosecuted an impressive number and variety of offences ranging from murder, sexual offence, theft and fraud. He has also defended high profile cases including the highly publicised case of Karen Matthews involving kidnap and false imprisonment.

Richard was appointed the Director of Prosecutions when he was sworn in January 2016. He was responsible, along with his team of lawyers for all the prosecutions on the island which involved regulatory breaches, criminal matters, health and safety prosecutions along with many fraud and money laundering investigations.

At the conclusion of his Tenure he took up his position at the ICAEW, dealing with complaints against Chartered Accountants relating to tax, insolvency, audit and broader complaints such as allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying

Richard now brings his wealth of experience to Crown Chambers so as to specialise in crime and issues relating to regulatory law/professional misconduct.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family law
• Civil

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BPTC, BPP University Leeds (2015)
• LLB (Hons), University of Leeds

APPOINTMENTS

• Northampton Chambers
• Law Costs Draftsman
• Senior Legal Officer – Humberside Police and South Yorkshire Police

ABOUT OLIVIA

Olivia joins Crown Chambers from Northampton Chambers where she has practiced following being called to the Bar in 2015. Prior to her time with Northampton Chambers, Olivia worked as a Law Costs Draftsman for 3.5 years gaining vital experience and an understanding of both civil and family law. Olivia has also spent time in a number of specialist police law areas.

Olivia joins the team at Crown Chambers to specialise in family law proceedings including children law (private and public), domestic abuse, divorce and ancillary relief. Olivia will also accept instructions for drafting and providing advice on civil law matters.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal law
• Civil law
• Family Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BPTC BPP Law School, Manchester
• LLB (Hons), Newcastle University

APPOINTMENTS

• Pupil Barrister – Estuary Chambers
• County Court Advocate – LPC Law
• Master of Moots – BPC Law School and The Eldon Society

ABOUT BENJAMIN

Benjamin joins Crown Chambers following a Pupillage supervised by David Godfrey at Estuary Chambers in Hull and was Called to the Bar in 2017. Prior to this Benjamin spend 2 years as a County Court Advocate with LPC Law attending hearings across the North relating to housing matters. Benjamin won various competitions and was appointed as Master of Moots at both BPC Law School and The Eldon Society.

Benjamin joins the team at Crown Chambers to specialise in criminal and civil law matters and enjoys a varied range of cases. Benjamin will also accept instructions for family law matters.

Hayley Naylor is Crown Chambers Senior Clerk and brings experience and knowledge to our Chambers following 3 and a half years as a Clerk, and prior to that working in the Hull Combined Court Centre. Hayley has a strong family law background and focuses on the smooth running of the Chambers across all legal areas.

Louise Clipson is Crown Chambers Fees Clerk/Junior Clerk and has 12 years’ experience in civil, family and listings departments at the County Courts. Louise will support with fee handling and supporting the smooth running of the Chambers across all legal areas.

Jo Pinkney is responsible for the marketing strategy and communications for Crown Chambers and brings 20 years’ experience in marketing leadership and practice following prior roles including Global Marketing and Communications Director. Jo specialises in strategy, digital marketing and communications as well as advising Crown Chambers on all aspects of our market presence.