Clerking team

Gail Whelan

Family Clerk

Dan Johnson

Children Law Clerk

Elizabeth Fagan

Junior Family Clerk

Kelsey is a specialist family law barrister welcoming instructions in all children matters, both in public and private law proceedings. Kelsey is routinely instructed in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse and adopts a sensitive, personable approach to clients. She has experience acting for vulnerable clients and tailors her services to meet the particular needs of each. Kelsey is client-focused in all aspects of her work and strives for resolution at every stage in the proceedings.

Kelsey has developed a busy practice and frequently receives instructions in applications brought under the Family Law Act.

Prior to commencing her pupillage, Kelsey was employed as a paralegal at a Manchester law firm where she gained transferrable skills which continue to serve her in practice. Kelsey gained experience in all areas of private law during her time as a paralegal.

Children (Public and Private law)

Private Law

Having received repeat instructions in private law matters, Kelsey’s practice features cases involving domestic abuse, intractable contact disputes, enforcement applications, internal relocation, and temporary removal from the jurisdiction. Kelsey acts for parents as a matter of course, and has experience representing individuals who require leave to make an application under the Children Act.

Most recently, Kelsey represented a client raising serious allegations of sexual and emotional abuse in a multi-day finding of fact hearing and the court made the significant findings sought.

Public Law

In her public law practice,  Kelsey routinely represents parents and accepts work acting for a local authority. She has experience in representing a non-party local authority on issues of designation.

Kelsey has been involved in a number of contested final hearings, including for the making of placement orders and discharge of care orders. Kelsey maintains an empathetic approach to clients who are navigating difficult public law proceedings and provides realistic advice throughout.

Education

  • BPP Manchester, Barrister Training Course (Very Competent)
  • University of Leeds, Law LLB (First-Class Honours)
  • Pupillage Scholarship, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
  • Princess Royal Scholarship, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
  • BPP Career Commitment Scholarship
  • BPP Advocacy Scholarship
  • BPP Excellence Scholarship

Memberships

  • The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
  • Family Law Bar Association
  • Northern Circuit
  • JUSTICE