Summary
Zoe is a specialist Children Act practitioner. She is passionate about her work at the Family Bar and is recognised for her robust and thorough approach. Zoe undertakes all aspects of contested Children Act proceedings; she is focussed on achieving the best outcome for her clients at every stage of the litigation.
Zoe was appointed as a Recorder in 2021 and is deployed to the Midlands Circuit sitting in the Family Court.
Zoe is currently ranked as a Leading Junior in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Zoe was called to the Bar in 2010 and is a Harmsworth Scholar of the Middle Temple; she studied Law at the University of Nottingham and completed her legal training at Nottingham Law School. Zoe is a direct access accredited Barrister. She works on the Pupillage Committee within Chambers and is engaged in the training of pupils and junior barristers.
Zoe acts in complex private law disputes, often in cases which require the appointment of a Guardian to act on behalf the child/ren. Zoe regularly conducts finding of fact hearings and appears in cases involving serious allegations of domestic violence, coercive control, rape, honour based violence and child abuse.
Zoe regularly acts for parents with learning disabilities, personality disorders and significant mental health challenges. She has been commended for her approach to cases concerning vulnerable clients, including matters in which clients require the assistance of an intermediary or the appointment of the Official Solicitor.
Zoe has been recognised for handling cases robustly, and for her efficiency in conducting cases for privately paying clients who are no longer eligible for legal aid.
The mainstay of Zoe’s practice is in public law Children Act proceedings. Zoe has extensive experience of representing Local Authorities, parents and children in all aspects of public law proceedings and is recognised for her firm and efficient approach.
Zoe acts in Non-Accidental Injury cases, including cases involving significant head injuries and conflicting expert evidence. Zoe routinely deals with cases involving significant neglect, sexual abuse, physical harm and emotional harm. Zoe has considerable experience of complex finding of fact hearings, with a focus on cases relating to allegations of intra-familial sexual abuse, including those with related or ongoing criminal investigations.
Zoe has a particular interest in cases involving child witnesses, and is skilled in managing the cross examination of subject and non-subject children. Zoe is experienced in dealing with cases involving parents with personality disorders, learning difficulties and mental health conditions. She also acts for parents requiring the assistance of the Official Solicitor or the assistance of an intermediary. Zoe is recognised for her ability to represent vulnerable parties with a careful and focussed approach.
Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2023 – Family: Children Ranked Band 3
“Zoe has the ability to communicate in a clear and uncomplicated manner, to identify a way through a complex and chaotic case, and her understanding of the client’s needs and her advocacy in court are all faultless.“
“Zoe is a rising star of the local Bar, who still manages to be grounded, approachable and always constructive in her approach.“
“Zoe is an advocate who gets her point across in a non-adversarial and compassionate way whilst staying firm and resolute. Zoe always makes the client feel supported and listened to.“
Legal 500 2023 – Child Law (Public and Private) Ranked: Tier 3
“Zoe is very thorough, and her advice is always very clear. She reads everything carefully and provides excellent position statements to address all issues. She is always approachable and her ability to pick up difficulties and consider options to resolve them is outstanding.”
Local Childcare Solicitor, 2022
“I have instructed Zoe Henry on many matters throughout my career. Zoe is an exceptional Barrister and advocate. Zoe is always extremely well prepared for every case having meticulously gone over the case papers. I recently instructed Zoe for a Finding of Fact Hearing. Zoe’s preparation of the case was incomparable, her cross examination was delivered with skill resulting in adverse findings being made against the opposing party and interim contact being ordered after over a year of the client not seeing the children. Zoe is fantastic to work with and I always receive positive feedback from client.“
Legal 500 2022 – Child Law (Public and Private) Ranked: Tier 3
Chambers & Partners 2024 Family: Children – Band 3
“Zoe is one of the best at preparing cases, spotting issues and proposing solutions. Her knowledge is vast and her advocacy outstanding.”
Legal 500 2024
Family: Children & Domestic Violence Ranked: Tier 2
Re G and H (Leave to Revoke Placement Order)
Zoe successfully represented the Appellant and was successful on both grounds of appeal.