Philippa Parry-Jones

  • Year of Call 2015

Instruct Philippa

Introduction

Introduction

Philippa is the Coordinator of the Junior Family Team.

Philippa accepts instructions in Children matters, both private and public law.  

Philippa regularly represents a range of Local Authorities, parents, children’s guardians and is instructed directly by the subject young person, in public law children proceedings.  Philippa’s practice encompasses cases involving chronic neglect, domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, non-accidental injury and cases with care plans of international placement.  

With a breadth of experience, Philippa has adeptly navigated cases involving international placements, managing immigration and logistical challenges alongside the intricacies of adoption and mirror orders across various jurisdictions. She frequently undertakes instructions in complex care proceedings transferred to the High Court, and matters listed under the inherent jurisdiction. Philippa's portfolio includes multi-local authority cases addressing concerns such as trafficking, sexual abuse, and modern slavery, where she has effectively engaged with governmental bodies, embassies, and the National Referral Mechanism.

Philippa has a track record of achieving favourable outcomes for her clients, including successfully reuniting a parent with her child, following concerns around trafficking, sexual abuse and dishonesty, navigating complex legal and governmental frameworks, including involvement from the Home Office.  The child was returned to their parents care, following months in foster care, with threshold being greatly reduced and ultimately agreed between parties. 

Philippa has advised on and appeared in various appeals, before all Courts, up to and including the Court of Appeal.  

Philippa is experienced within the National DoL Court, now the National DoL list, and regularly assists with applications under the inherent jurisdiction and regularly advises on where such applications intersect with the Court of Protection. 

Philippa accepts instructions in private law matters, including international relocation, abduction and has a keen interest in parental alienation, haven given seminars on the topic.  

Philippa is known for her client focussed approach, ensuring that clients feel heard and their views are being accurately and robustly represented, employing a calm, yet firm demeanour that quickly puts clients at ease.  Philippa routinely represents vulnerable clients, demonstrating a compassionate approach and effective communication, ensuring clients with learning disabilities, or mental health difficulties are able to understand the issues and fully present their case.  Philippa has been commended by intermediaries instructed to assist her clients for her effective and thorough approach, whilst ensuring clients are spoken to in simple language or in creative ways they are able to engage with to ensure they understand even complex legal issues.  

Philippa’s dedication to ensuring her approach to clients is evidence based, is evident through her participation in courses on trauma-informed practice, from the perspective of both parents and children.  Philippa continued professional development includes seminars held by a psychologists, specifically around children living with complex PTSD, the daily challenges that they can face and how PTSD can manifest, including potential triggers.  Philippa therefore has a greater understanding around how best to approach clients who have been through traumatic experiences or been victims of domestic abuse, with focus around getting obtaining the best for their case, without re-traumatising them during difficult proceedings.  

Philippa has been commended for showing confidence and poise beyond her experience and for having a clear grasp of complex areas of law, with excellent client care and advocacy skills.  

A solicitor who regularly instructs Philippa has commented: “I envisage that she will become an exceptional, well rounded and conscientious barrister, who will have a long successful career in the legal profession”.

Philippa is an assisting barrister for Not beyond redemption, who support mothers who are in prison re-establish connections and relationships with their children.  

Prior to commencing practice at the Bar, Philippa worked in a solicitor’s firm as an advocate, regularly representing clients in private family law and at parole board hearings.  She advised in all areas of family law and assisted clients with judicial review proceedings. She volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau throughout her later school years, whilst completing her degree.

Reported Cases:

N (Children) (Interim Care), Re | [2020] EWCA Civ 1003

A & N, Re (Children - Leave to Oppose Adoption) [2020] EWFC B8

AK (A Child) (Fact Finding) [2021] EWFC B73

Qualifications

Qualifications

BPTC (Cardiff University) - Outstanding 2015

LLB (Buckingham University) - 2.1 (2014)

Memberships

Memberships

The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn

The Family Law Bar Association

Association of Lawyers for Children