Practice Overview
Niamh is a children law practioner, undertaking both public law and private law.
She regularly undertakes multi-day trials involving serious allegations, including physical and sexual abuse against children, cross examination of experts and vulnerable witnesses.
Niamh authored the first comprehensive textbook on forced marriage which was awarded runner up in the Inner Temple Prize.
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Children (Public Law)
Niamh is regularly instructed across all areas of public proceedings in cases involving chronic neglect, substance abuse, domestic and physical abuse and injury. She accepts instructions from parents, Guardians and local authorities.
Niamh is experienced in drafting threshold documents and advising upon the merits of seeking findings, reviewing the relevant evidence.
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Children (Private Law)
Niamh has a growing private law practice, representing applicants, respondents and Guardians in s.8 Children Act 1989 proceedings, including cases which involve allegations of domestic, sexual and physical abuse.
She has a particular interest in cases with an international element and has experience of representing clients in relocation applications - both within the jurisdiction and internationally.
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Court of Protection
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Domestic Abuse & Injunctions
Niamh regularly represents applicants and respondents in injunction proceedings under the Family Law Act 1996.
She has a particular interest in Forced Marriage Protection Orders is the co-author of the first and only comprehensive practitioner text on forced marriage.
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International Family Law
Niamh has experience of acting and advising clients within public law cases with an international element and in cases involving international abduction.
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Notable Cases
Cambridgeshire County Council v A Mother & Ors [2024] EWFC 429
Cambridgeshire County Council v A Mother & Ors [2024] EWFC 429
A father v A mother [2023] EWFC 227
Re A Child (SGO and Contact) [2023] EWFC 167
SA v AA (Rev1) [2023] EWHC 2016
Re S (Inherent Jurisdiction: Transgender Surgery Abroad) [2023] EWHC 347
Tickle v Herefordshire County Council & Ors [2022] EWHC 1017
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What the Directories Say
"Niamh can effectively address the judge’s concerns and opposing arguments, and is quick to adapt on her feet as cases develop." Rising Star - Legal 500, 2026
"Niamh is an exceptional barrister. Her intellectual approach to cases, legal knowledge and advocacy is impressive." Tier 1 - Legal 500, 2025
"Niamh is an excellent advocate, very confident on her feet. Her preparation is second to none. She is an excellent communicator with clients to put them at ease. She is a rising star, definitely one to watch." Rising Star - Legal 500, 2024
News
Legal 500
Rising Star
2026
Legal 500
Rising Star
2024