|
|
Alison Grief
Education / Qualifications
LLB (hons)
Appointments
Deputy Assistant Deputy Coroner Mid Kent and Medway
Deputy Assistant Deputy Coroner Bedfordshire
Specialist practice areas
Profile
Alison is a specialist in the law relating to children. Her practice consists of approximately 80% Public Law acting for parents, children's guardians and competent children, local authorities and the Official Solicitor.
She has particular expertise in the following areas:
- infant deaths and near fatal injuries
- Complex injuries, in particular head injuries,
- fabricated/induced illness
- Sexual abuse including inter-familial and inter-generational abuse, incest, internet child pornography, sado-masochism, children who are both victim and abuser
- Running Care proceedings where there are concurrent criminal proceedings for murder/manslaughter/allowing a death/assault/child cruelty and neglect
- Adoption and Special Guardianship
- Judicial Review in relation to children's rights i.e. local authority duties to provide services, education and accommodation
- Private Law Children proceedings in which:-
- allegations of abuse are raised
- an expert (including the CAFCASS officer) need detailed cross examination
- there is an international element
Her skills include:
- instructed by all parties for her forensic skills. Cases frequently run into thousands of pages which include contemporaneous medical records;
- attention to detail and analysis underpin cross examination techniques of experts and lay witnesses alike, and are cited by instructing solicitors as one of their main reasons for instructing her;
- the capacity to master medical issues underpinned by regular research at the Institute of Child Health Library in order to cross examine experts in relation to their opinions and analysis.
- frequently brought into a case to 'trouble shoot' when it has become unmanageable by others, where the local authority has a conflict within its organisation, or where the children need proactive representation in order to secure the optimal Care Plan for them
- Alison's presentation in court is underpinned by her written work for which she has received particular praise from Mrs Justice Pauffley [extract of judgment available on request].
- Good knowledge of PII and disclosure arguments in relation to concurrent criminal proceedings
- The above is delivered in a straightforward down to earth manner which both lay and professional clients feel comfortable with
Alison has two very young boys and lives out of London. She is the Chairperson of their local Pre-School.
Professional Memberships
Bar Pro Bono Unit
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Lawyers for Liberty.
Co-opted member of FLBA sub-committee 2009
|
