Artis Kakonge

Artis is a family law practitioner with a specialist interest in care and adoption proceedings, having spent the past few years in local government as a senior childcare advocate at Suffolk County Council, LB Barking & Dagenham, LB Islington and LB Brent.

She represented children's services at all levels of court in complex cases involving non-accidental injury, FGM, child trafficking, gang criminality and sexual abuse. She has also managed her own caseload of care proceedings providing her with an in-depth understanding of the PLO and the workings of children's services.

She has provided training to local authorities on care proceedings with crossover immigration issues, foreign kinship assessments and deprivation of liberty. Artis's return to Chambers after her sabbatical in local government was reported by Public Law Today.

Her private work covers: child arrangements (contact and residence); specific issue orders (name change, medical treatment, religion and schooling); adoption and special guardianship applications; domestic violence injunctions; same-sex couples and co-habiting couples; financial matters and disputes; leave to remove from the jurisdiction and international child abduction.

Artis completed the children's panel course in 2014.

Artis's practice covers mental capacity issues, best interests determinations, applications for deprivation of liberty, lasting powers of attorney and deputyship orders.

Artis accepts instructions in Fitness to Practise and Disciplinary proceedings before the Nursing and Midwifery council, General Pharmaceutical Council and the HCPTS.

Artis has done consultancy work and written research reports and papers for national and international organisations on topics such as international criminal law, gender-specific violence, sentencing policy, elimination of discrimination against women, and protection of intellectual property rights with particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa.

"Due to my lengthy divorce & financial dissolution matter, I have spent a lot of time with solicitors/barristers in the family court and a lot of money on their services. In my dealings with solicitors, I always felt that I was not in control of the expenditure and I was billed for every phone call or email which meant I was scared to ask questions on the matter as it would increase my cost. 

After some online research, I discovered the Direct Access approach was more appropriate for me because I got to select the barrister that presented the case at court (instead of a random barrister selected by the solicitor) and most importantly, a cost envelope is agreed at the onset - meaning there was no risk of spiralling costs. 

My decision to select Artis for my Child Access matter was driven by her vast experience in presenting children's cases along with her reasonably priced service. Additionally, I noticed that Artis obtained her MBA whilst practicing law which indicated that she placed emphasis on her continuous personal development.  

Throughout my dealings with Artis, I found her to be very conscientious and accessible. Artis was never patronising. She knew the matter was important to me and took the time to address all my concerns. I asked several questions by telephone and again emailing (without the risk of an increased legal bill) and on each occasion, Artis demonstrated an excellent understanding of my case along with great professionalism which gave me huge confidence in the case. 

I highly recommend Artis and should I have child access issues in the future, I will definitely seek her services."

- Anonymous Testimony, 2020

"Artis is a barrister who I would describe as dedicated, diligent and thorough. She is proactive in her preparation, with an eye for detail; well informed and up to date with the Family Law. Artis has proved herself to be very approachable but make no mistake she fights her corner and clients are comforted by her approach. She provides, reassurance, understanding, explanation and guidance. She gets results."

- Gillie Lizra, Partner, Sweetman, Burke & Sinker solicitors

"Highly respected and go to Counsel for all public/children related matters. Artis has an eye for detail and precision ensuing that a thorough approach is adopted on every case instructed. Nothing will be left to chance. Approachable counsel who will always give measured, realistic and sensitive advice, as well as robust representation."

- Senior Childcare Solicitor, Local Government