Bernadette joined Unit Chambers as a Senior Consultant Barrister in April 2023. She is a highly experienced family law barrister with a distinguished career spanning multiple leading chambers. Recognised for her formidable advocacy, strategic legal mind and exceptional client care, Bernadette has built a reputation as a go-to specialist for complex and sensitive family law matters, particularly cases involving child protection, serious non-accidental injury (NAI) and cross-jurisdictional disputes.

Bernadette has extensive experience representing parents, local authorities, and children—both directly and through NYAS—in the most challenging care proceedings. With a passion for justice and a meticulous approach to case preparation, Bernadette is known for her eloquence in court, strong cross-examination skills and ability to handle the most intricate legal arguments with clarity and confidence.

• Public Law Children: Serious care proceedings, NAI, sexual abuse, cultural and international elements

• Private Law Children: High-conflict disputes, international relocation and Hague Convention cases

• Financial Remedies & TOLATA: Complex asset division, foreign jurisdiction issues and cases involving vulnerable clients

• Court of Protection & Deprivation of Liberty: Representing individuals with cognitive impairments or learning disabilities

• Inquests & Local Authority work: Particularly interested in representing local authorities in sensitive matters

• International Family Law: Cross-border jurisdictional disputes and cases involving religious or cultural considerations

Unit Chambers

Since joining chambers, Bernadette has further developed her expertise in high-stakes public law children cases, international family law and Court of Protection work. Passionate about advocacy, she enjoys working on complex fact-finding hearings and lengthy trials, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.

15 Winkley Square

With a strong practice across Lancashire, Bernadette specialised in high-profile High Court child abuse cases and regularly appeared in the Court of Appeal. Her work at this set reinforced her reputation as a leading advocate in family law, particularly in complex children cases.

St Johns Chambers

At St Johns, Bernadette focused exclusively on family law, undertaking significant children law and financial remedy cases. She handled numerous TOLATA cases and developed substantial experience in foreign jurisdiction disputes, including cases under the Hague Convention. Notable cases included:

• A high-profile case involving the Queen’s Proctor, requiring an examination of Pakistan’s divorce register to determine authenticity.

• A complex jurisdictional dispute involving Middle Eastern (Syrian/Egyptian) family law.

• Multiple international financial remedy cases under the Family Law Act 1986.

Derby Square Chambers

Bernadette was the first female pupil at Derby Square Chambers, breaking barriers in what was then a predominantly male environment. Her early career was broad, covering civil, personal injury, contractual and employment law. During this time, she also gained experience in criminal defence, handling serious sex offence cases. Bernadette later became a Pupil Supervisor, mentoring aspiring barristers and shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

Bernadette is a formidable advocate, known for her persuasive, eloquent and highly strategic approach in court. Her strengths include:

• Powerful cross-examination: Sharp and incisive, Bernadette is renowned for dismantling weak arguments with precision.

• Client-centred advocacy: Recognised for her kindness, patience and ability to build rapport, especially with vulnerable clients, including those with cognitive or learning disabilities.

• Calm under pressure: Whether in lengthy, complex hearings or emotionally charged cases, Bernadette remains composed, reasoned and highly effective.

• Expertise in sensitive cases: Skilled in handling cases with cultural, religious, and jurisdictional complexities, particularly those involving Hasidic Jewish, Islamic and other minority communities.