Family

TYPE OF PRACTICE

Karl's practice covers public and private children cases, wardship, public authority work and TLATA.

SPECIALIST INTEREST

Karl represents Local Authorities, parents and extended families, and children (whether directly or by their Guardians) in the public law arena. He has appeared at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal.

He has a particular interest in cases involving complex medical evidence, including NAHI, alleged bone disease, child death, and purported poisonings.

His experience covers applications such as for contact by former parents after the death of adopters; those involving foreign adoption; and to restrict publicity.

In private law proceedings Karl's practice has included multifaceted residence applications involving sexual abuse or homicide, protracted contact cases, and cases concerning children with special needs.

His public authority work has seen him advise and represent clients in the care standards tribunal. He was successful in the first ever appeal to be heard in the Upper Tribunal, Administrative Appeals Chamber. He has been instructed on behalf of nurseries and individual childcare professionals. He has conducted cases for applicants and defendants in judicial review proceedings.

His theological background gives him a particular understanding of religious issues as they arise in family proceedings.

REPORTED CASES

A Local Authority v A, B and E [2011] Fam Law 1327

Re N-C (Children: Interim Care Order) [2011] All ER (D) 59 (Aug)

Re A & D (Children: Religious Upbringing) [2011] 1 FLR 615 : (2011) PTSR 602

Re F (A Child) (Interim Care Order) [2011] 2 FLR 856; [2011] Fam Law 573

Staffordshire County Council v (1) A (2) B (3) C (A Child by his Guardian) (Respondents) & (1) D (2) F (3) F (Interveners) [2010] 3 FCR 7

Ofsted v GM & WM [2009] UKUT (AAC)

A County Council v W, H, B, & W [2009] EWHC 989 (Fam)

Martin v Ofsted [2008] UKFTT 6 HESC

Re M-H (A Child) [2007] 1 FLR 1715 (CA)

Oldham MBC v GW, PW, KPW (A Child) & W St C Forbes (Intervenor) [2007] 2 FLR 597; [2007] BMLR 146

W v Oldham MBC [2006] 1 FLR 543 (CA)

B v B (Children: Contact) [2003] All ER (D) 52 (Sep)

WHAT THE DIRECTORIES SAY

2011 "An "unflappable advocate" who sources find "a pleasure to deal with". - Chambers UK 2011

2007 "Brings "something extra" to children cases involving non-accidental injury". - Legal 500

MEMBERSHIPS

Family Law Bar Association
Child Concern
BAAF