Practice Overview
Jane’s public law children practice includes cases involving complex physical injuries, including :
- 'Baby shaking';
- Factitious illness;
- Sexual abuse and incest;
- Cases involving the death of children where both causation and likely perpetrator are in issue
Jane has a particular interest in cases involving the unexplained death of a child and is known for the ease with which she disentangles complicated medical issues. She was involved in some of the early cases in which the legitimacy of statistical evidence to be applied to SIDS was challenged.
She has experience in 'honour based; killing/violence and forced marriage and has recently been involved in a lengthy case in which her client was also represented by a Special Advocate because of non disclosure of sensitive material.
She is recognised as having considerable skill in representing learning disabled or otherwise vulnerable parents and parents with mental health difficulties. She has appeared in the only family cases to date in which evidence has been given through intermediaries.
Her private law children work includes relocation, an area in which she has a particular interest.
Jane represented Rhondda Cynon Taf in the Clwych Enquiry convened by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and subsequently undertook advisory work for the Commissioner.
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Notable Cases
In Re: B (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Habitual Residence) [2013] EWCA Civ 1434 [2013] WLR(D) 461
Re E (Withdrawal of Care Proceedings) [2013] EWHC 2400 - necessity for a robust analysis of the evidential basis of an application and guidelines for Emergency Removals and s 20 agreements.
In the Matter of A (A Child) [2012] UKSC 60
C (A Child) [2007] EWCA Civ. 2: Court of appeal ruling on pecuniary damages for loss of opportunity in care cases (local authority decision to abandon care plan and proceed directly to adoption)
R v Vale of Glamorgan C.C. ex parte J [2001] EWCA Civ 593: Education law (Transport to school/Bullying/Racial Harassment)
Scheeres v Scheeres [1999] 1 FLR 241, CA: Matrimonial finance (Property Transfer/Periodical Payments)
Re S (Minors) [1994] 1 FLR 623, CA: Inherent Jurisdiction (Abduction/Enforceability in England of Irish Courtresidence order)
Re Adoption Application (Non-Patrial: Breach of Procedures) [1993] 1 FLR 947, CA: (Adoption of Foreign Child - El Salvador)
Re V (A Minor) [1987] 2 FLR 89, CA: (Dispensing agreement in Adoption. Natural mother withdrawing consent)
Dipper v Dipper [1980] 1 FLR 286, CA: (Rights of parties over upbringing of children following one-parent residence order) -
What the Directories Say
‘Very experienced in public law children cases.’ Legal 500, 2019
Focuses her public children law practice on cases concerning infant death, domestic violence and complex medical circumstances. She is additionally noted for her strength in representing vulnerable individuals or parents with learning disabilities. 'An amiable silk who is very straightforward in her approach.' Chambers and Partners, 2017
'Experienced in factitious illness cases.' Legal 500, 2016
'She has a shrewd eye for seeing the best way to run a case, whether it be through holding things back or putting everything on the table. She helps clients through extremely difficult situations.' Chambers and Partners, 2016
'Excellent in her analysis of complicated and detailed medical evidence.' Legal 500, 2015
'She is understated but very effective, hard-working, and careful in her approach.' Chambers and Partners, 2015
'Understated but extremely hardworking, reliable and a very effective advocate.' Legal 500, 2014
"While handling a broad range of family law matters, Jane Crowley QC is particularly praised for her experience with public law children cases and in all matters relating to child abuse." Expertise: "She has an excellent manner with clients, especially when handling difficult cases."
'Jane Crowley QC is highly experienced in both public and private law children work, and offers particular expertise in proceedings where there has been an unexplained death. She also handles cases involving honour-based violence and is skilled at representing vulnerable parents. Sources identify the "excellent manner" in which she works with clients.' Chambers and Partners, 2013
'Jane Crowley QC can draw on her criminal law expertise in the most complex childcare cases. Her work often involves serious non-accidental injury issues.' Chambers and Partners, 2012
'Jane Crowley is particularly applauded for her public children work.' Chambers and Partners, 2011
'Jane Crowley QC and Jonathan Furness QC.both have a reputation for handling care cases involving violence.' Legal 500, 2011
'Jane Crowley QC is considered “brilliant to have on a case” because she is “hard working and personable.' Chambers and Partners, 2009
'Jane Crowley QC combines expertise in child care proceedings with work in several other areas that significantly overlap; education, mental health and criminal law.' Chambers and Partners, 2008
'Jane Crowley is a formidable children law practitioner.' Legal 500, 2007
'Jane Crowley QC is well known for her children practice and solicitors speak of her as being “charming and approachable.' Chambers and Partners, 2007
News
Chambers and Partners
Ranked Barrister
2019
Legal 500
Leading Individual
2019
