PracticeKelly is a specialist in the law relating to children and has practised in this area for the last nine years. In the last six years her practice has consisted of 90 % Public Law cases.
Kelly has considerable experience acting for Local Authorities, parents and Guardians. Recently Kelly has acted increasingly for Children's Guardians in cases involving sexual and physical abuse allegations. Kelly has also acted for competent children. Kelly has particular expertise in: - Non-accidental injury cases;
- Complex Injury cases involving assessment of skeletal surveys, blood analysis and underlying medical disorders;
- Sexual abuse including child pornography, children as abuser and victim and sexual abuse over a considerable period only recently discovered;
- Cases where there are concurrent criminal proceedings;
- Adoption and Special Guardianship;
- Private Law cases involving Fact Findings in relation to sexual and physical abuse.
SkillsKelly has undertaken numerous Fact Findings in relation to sexual and physical abuse. When acting for Local Authorities Kelly has drafted substantial Fact Finding Schedules involving considerable amounts of Expert evidence.
Kelly has a reputation as a 'trouble shooter' being instructed in cases late in proceedings where the case needs to be steered in the right direction. Also been instructed late in proceedings in serious cases where a large amount of complex material needs to be understood.
Kelly has been instructed frequently due to her forensic skills. Further her reputation is for her negotiation skills where a case has become greatly polarised.
Solicitors have commented that Kelly has the ability to cross examine with great force yet treating a witness with respect and with an awareness of the complexities of care work. Solicitors also comment on Kelly's ability to reassure both lay and professional clients about their case and clients have commented that her grasp of the issues in a case is impressive. Solicitors and clients comment that Kelly maintains her focus however difficult the proceedings have become, her awareness that the needs of the children are paramount and her sense of humour when it can be appropriately used to diffuse the stress of proceedings. Notable CasesFact Finding Hearing - skull fractures [2010]: Instructed on behalf of 1st Respondent in case involving skull fractures to young infant where four expert opinions differed on nature and extent of injuries to skull. A Local Authority v M & M (by their Guardian) & Ors [2009] EWHC 3172 (Fam) Hedley J: Kelly was instructed on behalf of 1st Respondent in application (jointly with Guardian) to discharge father from proceedings. Application was allowed. Fact Finding Hearing in respect of multiple injuries to young infant [2009]: Instructed by the Guardian. Through cross examination by Kelly a perpetrator to the injuries was established. Judgement referred to cross examination of Ms Webb in assisting court with establishing the perpetrator of the injuries. Press Injunction/Wardship [2009]: Instructed on behalf of young mother in case involving injuries to her children in regard to whether press injunction should be made and at later hearings, whether injunction should continue. Injunction remained in place. Re L (a child) [2007] EWHC 3404: Was instructed post the Appeal before Ryder J, when the case was heard in the High Court. Kelly was instructed by the Applicant for the Final Hearing in the High Court to ensure hearing was conducted effectively and efficiently. SocietitesFamily Law Bar Association, Childright, Merlin Medical Relief - who provide medical assistance in conflict zones and are one of the few organizations in the Congo assisting children, Amnesty, World Wildlife Fund, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Woodland Trust - saving our inherent woodland from development and global warming. BackgroundKelly hails from Bristol but now lives in London with her partner who is a travel writer and their young son. Kelly appreciates the importance of multi-tasking!
(Last Updated: April 2010)
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