London School of Economics LLB ( 2:1)
Family Law Bar Association
Child Concern
Northern Circuit
Deputy District Judge (Northern Circuit)
Vanessa is a family law practitioner specialising in Children Act work both in public and private law. She regularly appears before tribunals across the Northern Circuit accepting instructions to act on behalf of local authorities, parents, guardians and other parties.
In public law, Vanessa has considerable experience in cases involving allegations of non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. She is adept in handling and presenting expert medical evidence as well as cross examination of vulnerable witnesses including those with cognitive difficulties and children.
Within private law, Vanessa specialises in complex cases often involving fact finding hearings concerning allegations of parental rape, sexual abuse of children, physical abuse and parental alienation.
Vanessa is well known for her careful case preparation and client management skills.
In 2024 Vanessa was appointed as a Deputy District Judge hearing civil and family (private law) cases.
Reported Cases
M v F (2024) EWFC 82 (B)
Lancashire County Council v M and Ors (2023) EWFC 30
Cumbria CC v T ( Discharge of Interveners) (2020) EWFC 58
Unreported Cases
(X v Y and Z) March 2024
Represented a father in a five day fact finding hearing where the mother had made allegations of physical abuse by the father against the children and allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour by the father against the mother. No findings made against the father. Findings made that the mother had physically abused the children.
X Council v A and B January 2025
Represented a parent in a multi day fact finding hearing where allegations had been made against the parent of historical sexual abuse. No findings made and child returned to parent’s care.
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