Summary
Marie was called to the Bar in 2015 having received a Queen Mother Scholarship from the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. She studied English Literature at Cardiff University before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Bar Professional Training Course at the University of the West of England, where she achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade, including ‘Outstanding’ grades in Family and Civil Litigation.
Marie is regularly instructed in public law children proceedings, acting for local authorities and respondents. Marie has been instructed in cases with involving allegations of domestic violence, substance misuse, emotional abuse and chronic neglect.
Marie is regularly instructed in private law children proceedings, including instructions where there have been allegations of substance misuse, domestic violence and neglect. Marie is accepting instructions in domestic abuse cases and is regularly instructed in respect of non-molestation orders.
Marie regularly represents vulnerable clients, including those with mental health difficulties. Marie is confident in working with the assistance of
interpreters.
“I really appreciate all the effort you put in. It was clear to see how passionate you are about what you do. You helped me find my voice and made sure my
side of things got heard, and for that, I’m really grateful.” Public Law Client, 2024
Legal 500 2024
Family: Children & Domestic Violence Rising Star Ranked: Tier 1
Legal 500 2023 – Child Law (Public and Private) Rising Star Ranked: Tier 1
“Marie empathises with the clients in a very understanding manner but is quick to give hard and tough advice where needed. She is very thorough, organised, and very well prepared. She is very client focused and keen to do all she can for her clients.”
Local Authority Solicitor (2022)
“Marie did a fantastic job for us. It was a difficult case but she handled it in a calm and professional matter. I have received very positive feedback from the social work team and from a barrister instructed to represent one of the other parties.”
Prior to commencing pupillage, Marie worked as a paralegal in three local authorities in the Midlands. Marie worked on cases involving issues such as parental alienation, non-accidental injuries to children, domestic violence, chronic neglect and psychiatric assessment of children. Marie advised on cases in which the local authority was involved in private law proceedings and drafted guidance for social workers.
During her legal studies Marie volunteered as a pro bono advisor for the Bristol Law Court Clinic, assisting litigants in person with domestic violence and private child law cases. Marie’s dedication to this project was recognised by her being shortlisted for the Bristol Law Society’s Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award in 2015.