Introduction

Deborah is head of the Family Team at 33 Bedford Row.

Deborah offers expertise in all areas of family law specialising in complex and serious cases involving non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, fabricated or induced illness, domestic violence, chronic neglect, fact findings, care proceedings, including those with an international element and those with vulnerable parties.

Deborah is regularly instructed by parents, local authorities and by children's guardians.

Deborah provides expertise in adoption, special guardianship orders and Private Law Children including international relocation.

Deborah is known for her skills as an advocate, her ability to add insight, empathy, strategy and tenacity to any case whether acting for lay or professional clients.

Deborah is committed to training and skill sharing. She regularly provides keynote lectures for the 33 Bedford Row Autumn Lecture series and has participated in training social workers and other professionals.

Deborah has completed specialist vulnerable witness training where witnesses have a variety of specialist requirements. She has extensive experience of working with trained intermediaries and in cross examining vulnerable witnesses.

Deborah is experienced on the impact of cultural and religious issues in cases involving children and has spoken on parental choice in the context of orthodox Jewish families where there has been family breakdown.

Deborah acted for a child in conjunction with head of the immigration and international team in chambers, Dr Chelvan and Haydee Dijkstal, in a Human Rights Claim to the ECHR in a matter related to surrogacy and Birth Registration.

Reported cases:

T (A Child), Re [2020] EWFC 4 (FAM)

D and E (Parent with Autism) [2020] EWFC

Qualifications

BSc, Joint Honours Psychology and Sociology, University of Leeds

Common Professional Examination in Law

Bar Professional Examinations - Inns of Court School of Law

Memberships

Family Law Bar Association

Direct Access

Deborah is accredited to accept work under Direct access, also known as Public access, and does so mainly in the area of Private Law Children and also for extended family members in care and adoption cases.  In order to instruct Deborah on a Direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at clerks@33bedfordrow.co.uk.