Louise MacLynn KC

Practice Overview

• Children (Public Law)

  Louise has extensive experience within the public law arena, acting for local authorities, parents, children (including competent children) and other family members. She is regularly instructed in the most complex cases, dealing with issues such as:

  • Serious non-accidental injury, including a recent case involving the deaths of two children;
  • Sexual abuse including historical sexual abuse;
  • Fabricated illness;
  • Radicalisation;
  • Female Genital Mutilation;
  • Forced marriage and honour-based violence;
  • Louise is regularly instructed in cases involving adoption, including where adoptive placements have broken down.

  Louise also has experience of issues regarding disclosure and the involvement of the media, including PII issues and the use of special advocates.

  Notable cases include the following:

  LA v M & Ors [2024] EWHC 1336
  An application in the High Court for a forced marriage protection order and protective orders under the inherent jurisdiction in relation to four children said to be at risk of forced marriage and significant harm.

  Birmingham City Council v M & Ors [2023] EWHC 3312 (Fam) 
  A case in the High Court involving recent and older allegations of sexual abuse by a step-father of two step-daughters. Both children gave evidence and were cross-examined during the course of the hearing.

  The London Borough of Merton v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 220 (B)
  A case where there was an application to instruct an expert with a view to establishing the cause of a child’s death.  The court refused the application, concluding that an expert was unlikely to provide greater clarity and that it ran the risk of de-railing the court’s determination of the welfare best interests of the surviving sibling.

  Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council v AB & Ors [2023] EWFC 139 (B) 
  A complex case involving allegations of fabricated and induced illness spanning several years.
  
  SK v RO [2023] EWHC 2896 (Fam)
  This case concerned whether a special advocate should be appointed on behalf of the father in a private law case where there were allegations of honour-based violence which could not be revealed to the father. Lieven J concluded that the appointment of a special advocate was necessary and also made a determination as to who should fund the special advocate in the circumstances.

  R (Care Proceedings Joinder of Foster Carers) [2021] EWCA Civ 875 
  Appeal in relation to the extent to which foster carers should be permitted to participate in care proceedings relating to a child they are caring for

  Wiltshire Council v M & Anor (gonorhheal infection in a child) [2021] EWFC B32 AND Wiltshire Council v M & Anor (gonorhheal infection in a child) [2021] EWFC B31 Unusual fact-finding hearing exploring the source of a gonorrhoeal infection in a three-year-old girl and consideration of the pool of potential perpetrators.

  The Local Authority v Mother & Ors [2020] EWHC 1216 (Fam),
  Fact-finding hearing concerning whether a 13-year-old boy died as a result of hanging or deliberate asphyxiation. Issues included the disclosure of covert recordings made by the police in the family home.

  Re X (A Child) [2019] EWFC B57 
  Fact-finding hearing concerning the cause of death of a baby following previous care proceedings in relation to the same child which had been withdrawn.

  Williams v London Borough of Hackney [2018] UKSC 37 
  Louise acted for the appellants in this important Supreme Court case regarding voluntary accommodation of children in foster care and the need for parental consent.  

  Hammoud v Al Zawawi [2018] EWHC 2956 (Fam) 
  Proceedings raising various jurisdictional issues as well as numerous welfare issues relating to children

  Re B (A Child) [2018] All ER (D) 74 [2018] EWCA Civ 20
  Matters to be taken into account in a placement order application where there is a known prospective adopter

  Re W (A Child) (No 2) [2017] EWHC 917
  Contested adoption proceedings where the parent was capable of meeting the child’s needs but where the child had been placed with prospective adopters for 18 months

  Re W (A Child) [2017] EWHC 829 (Fam)
  Joinder of competent sibling to contested adoption proceedings

  Re X, Y, Z (Disclosure to the Security Service) [2016] EWHC 2400(Fam)
  Scope of disclosure to the Security Service (MI5) in a radicalisation case

  Re LC (A Child) (Habitual Residence) [2016] EWFC 31
  Application of Brussells II to care proceedings following a failed adoption

  Re S (A Child with Disabilities) [2015] EWFC B40
  Fact-finding where there were allegations that the parents were exaggerating the extent of a child’s disability

  London Borough of Harrow v Rasul & Ors [2014] EWHC 3837 (Fam)
  Abduction of child to Spain within care proceedings

  Re T (A Child) [2010] EWCA Civ 295
  Appeal in respect of assessment

• Children (Private Law)

  Louise deals with a wide variety of private law issues in relation to children, including intractable child arrangements disputes. Louise has extensive experience of cases involving:

  • Fact-finding hearings;
  • Cases involving sexual abuse, including false allegations of sexual abuse;
  • Relocation cases including internal and external relocation;
  • Cases with international and jurisdictional issues;
  • Surrogacy and cases involving the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 as well as same-sex families.

  Notable cases include:

  SK v RO [2023] EWHC 2896 (Fam)
  This case concerned whether a special advocate should be appointed on behalf of the father in a private law case where there were allegations of honour-based violence which could not be revealed to the father. Lieven J concluded that the appointment of a special advocate was necessary and also made a determination as to who should fund the special advocate in the circumstances.

  P v Q & Ors [2024] EWFC 85 (B) 
  Knowles J determined an application for a declaration of parentage where there was a question as to how the provisions of sections 34 and 42 HFEA 2008 apply (if at all) in circumstances where there is a dispute as to whether the child was conceived via artificial insemination or natural insemination, whilst the biological mother was married to her wife.

  A (A Child: Adoption Time Limits S44(3)) (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 3296 (Fam) 
  Decision regarding reading down the provisions of the Adoption and Children Act so that they are compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights

  J (Children) [2009] EWCA Civ 1350 [2010] 1 FCR 135, [2010] 1 FLR 1893
  Appeal regarding the issue of costs in a fact-finding hearing regarding allegations of domestic violence

• Judicial Review & Administrative Law

  Louise uses her experience of practice in the public law field to provide advice when there are issues regarding the exercise of local authority powers and functions.

  She was recently involved in an appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of local authority responsibilities to voluntarily accommodated children and has dealt with several cases involving applications under the Human Rights Act.

  Notable cases include: 

  Williams v London Borough of Hackney [2018] UKSC 37

• International Family Law

  Louise is often involved in cases involving the international movement of children, both in a public and private law context.
  
  Notable cases include:

  London Borough of Harrow v Rasul & Ors [2014] EWHC 3837 (Fam)
  Abduction of a child to Spain within care proceedings

• Domestic Violence & Injunctions

  Louise has experience of acting on behalf of applicants and respondents in injunction applications, including where protection from honour-based violence is required.

• Court of Protection

  Louise’s Court of Protection practice is primarily focused on welfare matters. She has been instructed in cases involving issues about deprivation of liberty, capacity to consent to sexual relations and marriage as well as issues over treatment, placement and contact. 

  Louise is instructed by both local authorities and family members. Louise is frequently instructed on behalf of the Official Solicitor.

  Notable cases include:

  Devon County Council v Kirk [2016] EWCA Civ 1221, [2016] WLR(D) 652, [2017] 4 WLR 36
  Court of Appeal decision regarding injunctions and committal proceedings in the Court of Protection

• Modern Families & Surrogacy

  Louise has experience of a wide range of parental order applications, cases involving assisted reproduction and the complex legal issues which can arise in those circumstances. She has delivered training in relation to legal issues arising in modern families.

  Notable cases include:

  P v Q & Ors [2024] EWFC 85 (B) 
  Knowles J determined an application for a declaration of parentage where there was a question as to how the provisions of sections 34 and 42 HFEA 2008 apply (if at all) in circumstances where there is a dispute as to whether the child was conceived via artificial insemination or natural insemination, whilst the biological mother was married to her wife.

• What the Directories Say

  "Louise's attention to detail and knowledge of a wide range of statutes and legal arguments is truly exceptional. On her feet she argues cases with such gravitas and poise." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "She is forensic in her approach and prepares each case rigorously. She understands the issues very well and grasps them quickly." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "She is a breath of fresh air and someone who treats everyone respectfully." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  "Louise MacLynn is calm, sensitive, razor-sharp and great at cross-examination." New Silks - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "If she's on the right side of a point, where others might buckle, she keeps going. She has a quiet determination that carries with it some authority." New Silks - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "Her drafting and advocacy are fantastic." New Silks - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  "Louise is extremely careful and thoughtful in her analysis and is an exceptionally clear advocate. She considers the views of others and is excellent at working collaboratively." 2023 Silks - Legal 500, 2024

  "Louise is really strong and is a very calm and measured presence in court." Band 4 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "She's very well prepared and is excellent on her feet." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "Louise strengths are in her meticulous preparation and her eye for detail. She is extremely knowledgeable and inspires huge confidence with the client." Tier 3 – Legal 500, 2023

  “Undoubtedly silk quality, and more than a match for them.” Tier 4 – Legal 500, 2022

  “A pragmatic junior with the ability to see the bigger picture.” Tier 4 – Legal 500, 2022

  She’s 100% on top of her game and knows her case inside out.” Chambers and Partners 2020

  Louise is dedicated to her cases and works tirelessly to progress them. She is always accessible and her written submissions are persuasive to the extent that a case has been won often before we have entered the courtroom.” Chambers and Partners 2020

  A highly capable advocate – her particular strength lies in her meticulous case preparation.” Legal 500 2020

   

• Notable Cases

  T (Fresh Evidence on Appeal), Re [2024] EWCA Civ 1384 

  LA v M & Ors [2024] EWHC 1336

  P v Q & Ors [2024] EWFC 85 (B) Knowles J determined an application for a declaration of parentage where there was a question as to how the provisions of sections 34 and 42 HFEA 2008 apply (if at all) in circumstances where there is a dispute as to whether the child was conceived via artificial insemination or natural insemination, whilst the biological mother was married to her wife.

  The London Borough of Merton v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 220 (B)

  R (Care Proceedings Joinder of Foster Carers) [2021] EWCA Civ 875 Appeal in relation to the extent to which foster carers should be permitted to participate in care proceedings relating to a child they are caring for.

  Wiltshire Council v M & Anor (gonorhheal infection in a child) [2021] EWFC B32 AND Wiltshire Council v M & Anor (gonorhheal infection in a child) [2021] EWFC B31 Unusual fact-finding hearing exploring the source of a gonorrhoeal infection in a three-year-old girl and consideration of the pool of potential perpetrators.

  The Local Authority v Mother & Ors [2020] EWHC 1216 (Fam), fact-finding hearing concerning whether a 13-year-old boy died as a result of hanging or deliberate asphyxiation.  Issues included the disclosure of covert recordings made by the police in the family home.

  A (A Child: Adoption Time Limits S44(3)) (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 3296 (Fam) decision regarding reading down the provisions of the Adoption and Children Act so that they are compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

  Re X (A Child) [2019] EWFC B57 fact-finding hearing concerning the cause of death of a baby following previous care proceedings in relation to the same child which had been withdrawn.

  Williams v London Borough of Hackney [2018] UKSC 37 Louise acted for the appellants in this important Supreme Court case regarding voluntary accommodation of children in foster care and the need for parental consent. 

  Hammoud v Al Zawawi [2018] EWHC 2956  Proceedings raising various jurisdictional issues as well as numerous welfare issues relating to children.

  Re B (A Child) [2018] All ER (D) 74 [2018] EWCA Civ 20
  Matters to be taken into account in a placement order application where there is a known prospective adopter.

  Re W (A Child) (No 2) [2017] EWHC 917
  Contested adoption proceedings where the parent was capable of meeting the child’s needs but where the child had been placed with prospective adopters for 18 months.

  Re W (A Child) [2017] EWHC 829
  Joinder of competent sibling to contested adoption proceedings.

   

  Devon County Council v Kirk [2016] EWCA Civ 1221, [2016] WLR(D) 652, [2017] 4 WLR 36
  Court of Appeal decision regarding injunctions and committal proceedings in the Court of Protection.

  Re X, Y, Z (Disclosure to the Security Service) [2016] EWHC 2400(Fam)
  Scope of disclosure to the Security Service (MI5) in a radicalisation case.

  Re LC (A Child) (Habitual Residence) [2016] EWFC 31
  Application of Brussells II to care proceedings following a failed adoption.

  Re S (A Child with Disabilities) [2015] EWFC B40
  Fact-finding where there were allegations that the parents were exaggerating the extent of a child’s disability.

  London Borough of Harrow v Rasul & Ors [2014] EWHC 3837 (Fam)
  Abduction of a child to Spain within care proceedings.

  Re T (A Child) [2010] EWCA Civ 295

  Appeal in respect of assessment.

  J (Children) [2009] EWCA Civ 1350 [2010] 1 FCR 135, [2010] 1 FLR 1893
  Appeal regarding the issue of costs in a fact-finding hearing regarding allegations of domestic violence.