Professor Jo Delahunty KC

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Released 31st March 2026 in the UK and 24th April 2026 in US/ Australia and Europe

Published by Bristol University Press, In her trademark outspoken style, Jo reveals what life at the legal aid Bar involves and identifies what can be done to change its culture and image for the better, reshaping the traditional image of a barrister in terms of the diverse profession it should be. Jo talks frankly about the personal and professional cost exacted by front line legal aid work and why it is, none the less, the work that inspires her and why it matters to so many – We Set The Bar is a book to read, then act on

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/we-set-the-bar

A vibrant and vigorous story long overdue. Warrior and worker – Jo – tells it as it is. An intimate account of struggle on the publicly funded legal frontline – often maligned, often overlooked – but vital to sustaining the values and fabric of an egalitarian society under relentless attack right now from the forces of darkness.‘  – Michael Mansfield KC

‘Jo Delahunty KC is truly the best of us. We Set the Bar is more than just another barrister book; it is a manifesto, a confessional, an exposé and a tribute. It reminds us of why we choose to enter publicly funded law, and how unnecessarily difficult it often is to stay. The analysis of the challenges facing the profession – which are internal as much as external – is as devastatingly forensic as you would expect from a silk of four decades’ call. But what marks this book out is the humanity beating through every page. Jo Delahunty makes me proud to be a barrister. We Set the Bar is essential reading for anybody with any interest in justice.’ –  The Secret Barrister

‘Delahunty is an extraordinary legal powerhouse with intelligent, unflinching analysis. Ultimately, she gives the Bar a hug and a shake. A must-read from students to judges.‘-  Kirsty Brimelow KC, Barrister and Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales for 2026

‘Traces the journey of a woman who rose from a poor, single mother household to succeed at the Bar, navigating entrenched misogyny along the way. Her resilience and determination shine out from the many accounts of how she achieved justice for victims. She throws down the challenge to today’s generation, whose social mobility is more limited, by promising that it’s worth it and that the Bar can change.’ – Baroness Ruth Deech KC (Hon)

‘A brave and honest account, relatable for many who have taken a less conventional journey to the bar. Jo characteristically challenges the power structures and stereotypes which hobble progress and equality, bringing to life their deep-rooted reality. Her “love letter” is an inspiring call to arms for all changemakers.’ – Jenny Beck KC (Hon), Solicitor, Director and Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory’s Board

‘An important, personal, angry, informative paeon of praise for the Legal Aid system and a passionate argument for equity at the Bar. Deeply personal and equally passionate, it should be required reading in all chambers – especially by leaders.’ – Martin Elliott, Honorary Master of the Bench at Inner Temple, Professor Emeritus at University College London and Gresham College

‘Jo is a hero of the family law Bar. Her book is a raw, compelling and heartfelt forensic dissection of our justice system and what has gone so wrong for so long. Jo speaks truth to power and her voice is our voice. We must strive to do better, much better and quickly.’ – Leslie Samuels KC, Chair of the Family Law Bar Association

‘A powerful, unflinching book which demands that the Bar must finally look and sound like the society it serves. Celebrating women’s contributions to the law, it names the barriers, calls out the hypocrisy and then leans down the ladder to pull others up, insisting that diversity, visibility and voice are non negotiable for a healthy justice system.’- Dana Denis-Smith OBE, First 100 Years and Deputy Vice President, Law Society

‘A fundamentally important book to be read by the leaders of the profession who for too long have tolerated the abuses and the failings it catalogues in such pitiless detail and by the politicians who for too long have starved the family justice system and the legal aid fund of the necessary resources. Read, and act! An often angry and impassioned but sadly all too justifiable denunciation of what is so wrong with the Bar and the family justice system – the continuing failures to stamp out sexual harassment and to improve the position of women and ethnic minorities both at the Bar and on the Bench and the cost and corner cutting tolerated by those, including the judges, who ought to know better. A tremendously powerful read. Much of the time I did not know whether to weep or to rage. But the overall message is resolutely positive, delivered by someone who really understands what the Bar and the family justice system are actually about, and concluding with a detailed and very necessary call to arms. What is so depressing is that it all still needs to be said – and the people who most need to read it probably won’t. The autobiographical sections give insights into the Bar over the last 40 years that will be of lasting value.’ – Sir James Munby (1948-2026), former President of the Family Division of the High Court and Chair of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory,  23 December 2025

Published by Bloomsbury Professional 26.2.26 , Co-Written with Ian McArdle, Michelle Heeley KC and Chloe Ashley with Anita Metha as guest contributor . It is a non nonsense , authoritative deconstruction of every stage of domestic abuse cases within the family justice system. It pinpoints pitfalls and gives tool to avoid them and to improve practice. It’s premise is we need to do better for more. This book serves as an essential resource for practitioners, judges, and all working in family justice.

https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/domestic-abuse-and-the-family-justice-system-9781526527714/

• Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
• Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC)
• Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
• Resolution
• Association of Women Barristers (AWB)
• Association of Women Judges (AWJ)
• United Kingdom Association of Part Time Judges (UKAPTJ)

• Bar Pro Bono Recognition List 2026
• Patron of the Association of Women Barristers (AWB)
• Ambassador for Bridging the Bar (BTB)
• Accredited speaker for the charity Speakers For Schools

Jo leads the field in Domestic Abuse work. From her early years in injunctive relief work as the Bar in the 90’s, to her appearance on behalf of the successful appellant in the seminal case of  Re HN in 2021 marking a 20 year review  of the way family courts assessed allegations domestic abuse and ccb, through to her appearance on behalf of the young person in Re Y before the President in 2026 , Jo has been actively engaged in the trauma informed representation of vulnerable clients in court

In her silk practice Jo specialises in complex private law proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse and coercive, controlling behaviour, alleged alienation ,physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect of a child or alleged parental/partner abuse. Transfer of residence applications and contact dispute.

Her cases command widespread professional and press attention. By way of example:

• Re Y (experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach) [2026] EWFC 38
• LM(A Child)(Interim Welfare Arrangements) [2025]EWHC 3242
• https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-03-13/a-scandal-far-bigger-than-one-woman
• https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-12-18/mother-and-son-reunited-for-christmas-six-years-after-draconian-court-order
• https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-02-27/dont-use-unregulated-psychologists-top-judge-rules
• https://www.theguardian.com/law/2026/feb/13/uk-mother-separated-from-children-draconian-order-overturned-melanie-gill
• https://www.ewi.org.uk/Membership/Day-in-the-life-of-an-Expert-Witness/experts-and-alienating-behaviour-a-fundamentally-unsound-process

Since Re HN, J has designed and delivered training to :

• the judiciary in the UK ;
• all tribunal levels, advocates and JAFCASS in Jersey,
• Nagalro,
• Resolution
• FLBA .

Her 2026 book “ Domestic Abuse in the Family Justice System’ illustrates her approach to cases  and training those who work with vulnerable clients and children

Jo specializes in contentious and highly complex cases involving:

• The death of/catastrophic injuries to a child
• Non Accidental Head Injury (NAHI)/ Shaken baby allegations ( TRIAD cases)
• Vitamin D/Rickets/EDS/genetic disorders and congenital malformations which can mimic child abuse
• Fabricated Induced Illness (FII) allegations
• Sexual abuse (Intergenerational/ Inter sibling/ maternal rape/ genital mutilation/ internet exploitation)
• Ritualized child abuse/cultural practices
• Child protection cases involving concurrent criminal prosecution for murder/attempted murder/ child cruelty and neglect/ sex offences
• Parent or subject child with disabilities (with a particular interest in Child in Need issues, learning disability issues and the rights of, and services for, a disabled child and/or adult parent within care proceedings)
• Cases involving cross examination of a child or vulnerable adult ( JDKC is an accredited by the Bar Council/ FLBA as a vulnerable party questioner)
• Re-litigation/challenge to historic findings of abuse based on emerging science/ fresh factual evidence.

Her cases regularly command widespread professional and press attention. By way of example:

Re A LA v X,Y,B and C ( [2025]EWFC 126; [2025}EWFC 49; {2024} EWFC 365

• https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/21/teacher-and-barrister-who-ran-abusive-home-cannot-be-identified-high-court-rules
• https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-05-21/teacher-and-judge-who-ran-abusive-household-cannot-be-named-rules-high-court
• https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/judge-who-sits-on-family-cases-failed-to-protect-children-from-abusive-partner/5123365.article
• https://careappointments.com/care-news/england/221900/teacher-and-judge-routinely-neglected-their-adopted-sons-high-court-finds/

LB Croydon v D (Critical Scrutiny of the Paediatric Overview) EWFC 438 –

• https://www.civillitigationbrief.com/2025/04/04/expert-evidence-this-is-just-about-as-bad-as-it-gets-expert-concedes-that-parts-of-their-evidence-was-appalling-one-of-the-parties-described-it-as-terrifying/
• https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/court-slams-expert-witness-for-mixing-up-twins-in-abuse-case/5122944.article
• https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/child-protection/309-children-protection-features/60812-paediatric-reports-in-care-proceedings
• https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/international/uk-high-court-judge-dresses-down-doctor-over-medical-evidence-errors-in-care-order-case/392077
• https://www.inspiremedilaw.co.uk/a-cautionary-tale-5-key-lessons-for-expert-witnesses-in-family-and-civil-cases/
• https://www.se-solicitors.co.uk/article/102k88b/when-experts-get-it-wrong/

Alongside her practice in the Family Division, Jo Delahunty KC worked alongside Mike Mansfield KC and Barristers from Garden Court Chambers and Doughty Street to represent 77 families at the Hillsborough inquests. On 26.4.16 the longest running Inquest in English legal history came to an end and the jury found that the 96 victims of the disaster who died on 15.4.89 were unlawfully killed and that no fan behaviour caused or contributed to the deaths. Jo Delahunty KC was responsible for leading the team on behalf of 77 families that successfully exposed the failures of the South Yorkshire Ambulance Service to respond to the disaster and the jury found that those failings were so fundamental that they led to or caused loss of life.

Professional speaking and publications- too many to list ,  a sample selection are below

Jo has had numerous articles and interviews published in the press and legal journals (Family Law, Family Law Week, Counsel, Law Soc Gazette etc.) and has also gained acclaim for her talks delivered to Barristers, Solicitors, social workers, medical professionals and the public not just on the detail of child protection law but on wider issues affecting the profession such as sexual harassment and bullying, (in)equality at the Bar, work place pressures.

By way of example 2026-

Forthcoming:

• Family Law Journal April 2026 . Article by JDKC, James Nottage and Fiona Holloran on transparency in the family court as illustrated in their five judgments in A Local Authority v X and Y, a child protection case that unexpectedly became a major test of the 2025 transparency reforms.
• The Times Profile of JDKC by Catherine Baksi 18.3.26
• Law Society Gazette– interview with Incoming VP Dana Denis Smith on Jos book’ We Set The Bar’ WSTB – 27.3.27
• Counsel front cover and profile JDKC – April 2026
• Family Affairs Spring edition- Interview JDKC by Shelly Glaister-Young on Jo’s book WSTB
• South Eastern Circuit Evening Lecture Domestic Abuse, Fact Finding and the Family Justice System ; panel with Henke J, JDKC and Chloe Ashley – co-author of ‘Domestic Abuse in the Family Justice System’ 9.926
• Right to Equity Podcast with DA Commissioner Claire Waxman and JDKC 4.26
• Sikhs in Law Vaisakhi event JDKC giving keynote address 17.4.26
• FLBA Cumberland Lodge speaker with Darren Howe KC, JDKC addressing WSTB themes and why ‘wellbeing’ at the Bar is a meaningless concept 9.5.26
• Leeds Park Lane Plowden celebration of JDKC as their door tenant on the two publications ‘WSTB’ and’ DA in the Family Justice System’ 14.5.26
• Mersey Circuit panel discission on DA with Ian McArdle 9.6.26
• Wilmot Dixon keynote by JDKC on leadership 11.6.26
• Resolution podcast on RE Y and the lessons to be learnt with Ian McArdle 8.9.26
• Middle Temple Treasurers lecture by JDKC with Charlotte Worsley KC spotlighting her book WSTB 28.9.26

Recent Podcasts / Talks 2026/25

• Family Law Week : March 2026 – hosted by Elissa Da Costa-Waldman
  Special Edition with Ian McArdle talking about ‘Domestic Abuse in the Family Justice System’  described by Elissa as ‘the book every professional and every court should have a well-thumbed copy of’ and what its learning curves are for the profession https://open.spotify.com/episode/62AZsDPRbIUlkb9oj57L7w
• Family Law Week; March 2026 , hosted by Elissa Da Costa-Waldman
  Interview with JDKC on her book ‘We Set The bar’ and why it is so current and necessary
  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YBhVfPT08fg7eFcl13KCKs
• Jersey International Family Conference ; JDKC talking about her case of Re Y and why a paradigm example of how the family courts treat DA and too often fail the family 3.26
• 4PB Public Law seminar – JDKC talking about transparency in the family court using her recent reported cases Re A LA v X,Y,B and C ( [2025]EWFC 126; [2025}EWFC 49; {2024} EWFC 365 as examples of how issues as to reporting can arise and how best to navigate this complex area of law and practice Feb 26
• Family Law Week Private Law Children Conference Oct 2025JDKC alongside Dr Jamie Craig and Ian Mardle on the topic: Parental Alienation and Domestic abuse- where does the truth lie?’

2020-2025

Public speaking examples included

• Resolution training and keynote address
• FLBA (Multiple) on intermediaries, vulnerable witness training, NAI issues , Part 25 ,experts, judicial bullying, sexual harassment
• The Bar and Young Bar Conference
• Australian NSW Annual Child Protection Conferences (2)
• NAGLRO- Chair of panel on DA and so called alienation
• Sussex Family Justice Board Annual Training on DA

Women’s support

Jo actively supports the MT, MTYBA & MTSA ; eg, the International Women’s Day Event where speakers discussed intersectionality, diversity, equality and current topical issues within the profession, Middle Temple ‘Survive & Thrive – Judge: Friend or Foe’ on the relationship between Advocates and Members of the Judiciary. Most recently 9.3.26 she was interviewed for Middle Temple for a  session titled ’ A fireside chat with JDKC’ https://www.middletemple.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=42511

Diversity Support

The JDKC Essay Competition is a yearly initiative launched 2025 as part of Bridging The Bars Academy Programme . It aims to promote diversity and equity within the legal profession by encouraging critical thinking on barriers to access and inclusion at the Bar

Bar support

Jo was interviewed as part of the Bar Council Baroness Harman 2025 inquiry into sexual abuse and harassment at the Bar and singled out for praise for her work with Brie Stevens- Hoare KC on these issues – ‘I pay tribute to their work in tackling bullying and harassment at the Bar, and for the dedication they showed to supporting a junior colleague who suffered serious misconduct as a pupil.’

Jo sat on the Middle Temple Diversity committee 2022-2025

Jo sat on the Bar Council Bullying and Wellbeing Summit in 2022

Jo sat on the panel for the Bar Council Race Summit roundtable discussions in Sept 2021

Jo was one of the founding members of the Temple Women’s Forum ( as now known) set up by Middle Temple in 2018

Public lectures

Jo is Emeritus Professor of law for Gresham College ( Est 1597) , Fellow 2020, Professor of law 2016-2020.

https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-jo-delahunty

Her series of lectures can be found here for video/auiod and Manuscript and power point access  https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/browse-all?radio=3&type=564;

The Practice of Law

1. Have Women Achieved Professional Equality? 100 Years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal)
2. 100 Years of Women in Law
3. Can the Law Keep Up With Changes in Society?
4. The Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Barrister
5. The Law is Broken: The Future of Legal Aid
6. Diversity in the Legal Profession

Challenges in the Family Justice System 

1. Ethics In and Out of the Court Room
2. Sexual Harassment at the Bar
3. The 30th Anniversary of The Children Act 1989: Is It Still Fit For Purpose?
4. Politics and the Legal Profession
5. The Child and Medical Treatment: The Chance to Live, or to Die with Dignity?
6. Wellbeing at the Bar? Is a Family Lawyer’s Work all Stress and Distress?

Transparency in the Family Justice System

1. Women Lawyers: Equals At The Bar?
2. What Do Judges Do in the Family Court?
3. Vulnerable Clients and The Family Justice System
4. Dealing with Sex Abuse: How Does the Family Court Assess Risk?
5. The Child in the Family Court Room: Whose Child is it Anyway?
6. Transparency in the Family Court: What Goes On Behind Closed Doors?

When Worlds Collide: The Family and the Law

1. Sex Death and Witchcraft: What Goes On In the Family Court Room?
2. Is One Individual’s Radicalism another’s Right to Free Speech?
3. When Legal Worlds Collide
4. Guilty Until Proven Innocent
5. Expert Witness: a Zero Sum Game?
6. ‘Two Point One Children’: Why There Is No Typical Family in The Family Court

Corporate Speaking Profile

Alongside her public speaking engagements for lawyers, Jo is in demand for talks to the business community and corporate industry on issues such as leadership and teamwork, coping under pressure and transferable skills please see: https://harveythorneycroft.co.uk/

Organisations she has been invited to deliver talks to include;

• Wilmott Dixon
• International Trade and Tourism (ITT), Greece, Croatia /MSC Cruises 2021
• Quadranture
• Amadeus (Malaga)
• AFC Bournmouth
• Australia NSW Child Protection Conference
• Brilliant Minds Showcase
• MKM Builders
• Opex Leaders Europe Conference

Typical subjects include- ‘The importance of transparent and effective communication within the company and with the public.’; ‘Change and Challenge; how to make it work for you and your customers.’; ‘Risk taking and strategic thinking.’

Other platforms

BBC Radio 4 for ‘The World Tonight’ where JDKC discussed the significance and importance of the Bar Councils Judicial Bullying Guidance.

NewsNight on the issue of children on the child protection register killed by parents.

Articles

Jo writes for specialist legal journals – including Family Law,  Resolution  ‘Counsel’ Magazine and ‘The Barrister’ and is a regular invited contributor to the Jordan’s Family Law monthly periodical.

For Counsel, examples include ‘the Day in the life…of a child protection silk’  where she discusses the exhilaration and endurance challenge of working to the max as a child abuse public lawyer; ‘PTSD and working in an underfunded sector’; ‘On the shoulder of giants’ discussing gender equality in the Bar. Jo wrote for ‘The Barrister’ on ‘Wellbeing at the Bar? Is a Legal Aid Lawyer’s Work All Stress and Distress?’ and on ‘Politics and the law: Where do we draw the line?’;

Articles for Jordans Family Law cover the wide spectrum of her cases; ie a 3 part series on the Rights of Parents with Disabilities in the Family Justice System , ‘The 30th anniversary of the Children Act 1989: is it still fit for purpose?’;

‘The child and medical treatment: the chance to live, or to die with dignity?’ Previous articles published by Jordan’s have sought to explain the ramifications of emerging research on childhood disease and suspected child abuse and natural disease mimicking inflicted injury, the role of experts in family proceedings, and issues arising within alleged Radicalism cases confronting family practitioners and the Family Division.

Jos article on why ‘Children must stay the focus when parental contact breaks down’ was published in The Times. Her article ‘Public Law and private law: two sides of the same coin?’ was published in the Solicitors Gazette

‘Jo knows her cases inside and out. She is a fearless advocate.’
Legal 500, 2025

“Professor Delahunty’s analytical ability is only matched by her exceptional advocacy skills. She is dedicated to her clients and a pleasure to work with.”

“Words cannot describe the quality of Jo’s analytical and meticulous legal mind. She is particularly good at complex non accidental injury cases.”

“A lawyer with a down-to-earth attitude, whose way with vulnerable clients is amazing. In the courtroom, she has the judge eating from her hands.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025 

“Jo knows her cases inside and out. She is a fearless advocate.”
Legal 500, 2025

“Jo Delahunty is just the godmother of children law now. She is the most tenacious and effective advocate.”

“Jo is absolutely brilliant. She is in high demand because of her dedication to her client’s cases and because of the fact that she is a brilliant cross-examiner.”

Chambers & Partners 2024

Highly sought-after specialist children silk entrusted with the most significant and demanding national cases. She regularly handles matters concerning the most serious injuries and fatalities resulting from sexual assault, radicalisation and abuse. She is particularly experienced in cases involving non-accidental injury to children.

“Really bright and a great tactician, Jo is a great opponent.”  “She’s very friendly, has an easy manner and is extremely good in cross-examination. A barrister who knows her papers off by heart, she’s very forensic in court.”
Chambers & Partners 2023
Band 1

‘Experienced public law barrister’ Jo Delahunty KC is admired for her ‘exceptional cross-examination skills’ and has extensive experience in handling child abuse cases in the High Court.
Legal 500, 2023
Tier 1

Strengths: “An effective force in the courtroom, who is hard-working and brilliant in terms of both research and cross-examination.” “She’s tenacious, she leaves no stone unturned and she works exceptionally hard.” “Her intellect is extraordinary and her submissions have passion and power behind them. She is also emotionally warm towards clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
Band 1

‘Jo is a tactician of the highest order, and absolutely outstanding as an advocate. She has fantastic client care skills and an incisive intellect’
Legal 500, 2022 
Top Tier

Strengths: “Jo Delahunty is a legend. She is immensely knowledgeable and very able when it comes to complex child injury cases.” “A master strategist who gains the trust of clients, she knows exactly what to get out of witnesses.”
Chambers & Partners 2021
Band 1

‘Is as captivating on her feet as she is persuasive in negotiation. She is extraordinarily tenacious, kind and brave at work, and looks for all-encompassing and human solutions for children taking properly into account the wider implications in each family’s dynamic.’

Among the standout practitioners at 4PB is Prof Jo Delahunty QC, who has been described as a ‘trailblazer, a passionate advocate for the publicly-funded Bar’.
Legal 500, 2021
Top Tier

Strengths: “A phenomenal cross-examiner, who gets unbelievable results.” “She has an extraordinary grasp of medical evidence.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
Band 1

‘The set has many “excellent” barristers including Prof Jo Delahunty QC who “dominates every case she is in.”‘
‘Is extremely well respected by judges and is a real force to be reckoned with.’
Legal 500, 2020
Top Tier

Strengths: “She is fantastic on tactics and very impressive on the law.” “She has excellent analytical skills and a great grasp of complex medical evidence. Her advocacy is robust, and she’s amazing to watch.”
Chamber & Partners 2019
Band 1

‘She is a very robust cross-examiner.’
Legal 500, 2019
Top Tier

Strengths: “Expert in children work, she is brilliant at distilling a case down to its key issues and is great at strategic planning. Very supportive to instructing solicitors, she’s easy to talk to.”
Chamber & Partners 2018
Band 1

‘She displays razor-sharp analysis and a clear sense of direction.’
Legal 500, 2017
Top Tier

Strengths: “She is exceptional in every way and has an attention to detail beyond any other silk right now.”
Chambers & Partners 2017

“She is an absolute force of nature and a star in court.”
Legal 500, 2016
Top Tier

Specialises in serious cases where sexual and physical abuse are alleged.  She is the only family law practitioner to be involved in the Hillsborough Inquest.
Strengths: “She is deservedly pre-eminent.  She has a brilliant mind, and is one of the few who is as good a fearsome cross-examiner as she is arguing the law in the Supreme Court.”  “She is very detailed in her approach and has an immaculate knowledge of the papers.”
Recent work: Has been acting on behalf of 75 families in the Hillsborough Inquest to try to determine whether the medical response was acceptable.
Chambers & Partners 2016
Band 1

A dedicated children lawyer who focuses on difficult public law matters and care proceedings concerning allegations of sexual and emotional abuse. Also handles cases involving the death of children.

Expertise: “A first port of call for care work,” “she is extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and very committed to the client that she represents. Jo is a very tactical and effective advocate, who is good to observe and learn from.”
Chambers & Partners 2015
Band 1

A formidable advocate, and fascinating to watch and learn from.
Legal 500 2015 Top Tier

A masterful tactician and a brilliantly passionate advocate.
Legal 500 2014 Top Tier

Specialises in children law. She has handled some complex and often controversial disputes involving child death, and ritualised and sexual abuse.

Expertise: “Superb. She has one of the sharpest brains I know, and is very forensic and tactical.” “Exceptional. She works incredibly hard, is excellent at cross-examination and great at presenting a case at court.”

Recent work: Delahunty represented a teenage mother who was falsely accused of inflicting multiple fractures to a newborn baby, killing him by shaking/impact. The case involved cross-examining 40 medics and 16 experts.
Chambers & Partners 2014
Band 1

Jo Delahunty QC has ‘a phenomenal brain, and great forensic skill’.
Recommended as a Leading Family Silk in the area of Children Law
Legal 500 2013 Top Tier

The “absolutely brilliant” Jo Delahunty QC is a children law expert who deals with cases involving issues such as catastrophic injury, sexual abuse and ritualized abuse. She is reputed to be particularly strong in cases with daunting medical aspects, with sources noting that “she dissects extremely complex medical concepts with ease.”
Chambers & Partners 2013
Band 1

Jo Delahunty QC, who has ‘a sharp forensic eye and an extraordinary memory’, recently acted in the high-profile cases of Re E (Children) and LB of Islington v Al Alas and Wray.
The Legal 500, 2012

The “absolutely superb” Jo Delahunty QC is another at the set to handle the most complex children cases, often involving sexual assault and complex medical issues. She has in the last twelve months handled a number of non-accidental injury matters.
Chambers and Partners 2012

Jo Delahunty QC is much admired for public children work. “Her conversational style of advocacy puts witnesses at their ease, yet conceals a rapier-like incisiveness.”
Chambers and Partners 2011

Jo Delahunty QC has ‘a razor-sharp mind with a phenomenal work-rate’
Recommended as a Leading Silk in children’s law in Legal 500 2011

Jo Delahunty QC is “young, dynamic and making waves in every case she gets involved in.”
Recommended as a Leading Silk in Chambers and Partners 2010

The set was recently bolstered by the arrival of Jo Delahunty QC. Delahunty has particular prowess advising on complex care cases, particularly where there are allegations of abuse.

Recommended as a leading Silk in The Legal 500 2010

Recommended as a Leading Family Silk in the Legal Experts 2010

Jo Delahunty QC applies a “relaxed, straightforward and no-nonsense” attitude to her work and can often be seen acting in complex care proceedings.
Recommended as a Leading Silk in Chambers and Partners 2009

Jo Delahunty QC has expertise in complex care proceedings including the death of, or catastrophic injuries to children.

Recommended as a Leading Family Silk in The Legal 500 2009

Recommended as a Leading Family Silk in the Legal Experts 2009

Jo Delahunty QC most frequently represents parents in public law care proceedings. She also acted for alleged perpetrators in sex abuse cases who were themselves minors, thus subject to the Children’s Act. “I find her a challenging opponent and admire her very much for it,” commented one opposing counsel.
Recommended as a Leading Silk in Chambers and Partners 2008

Jo Delahunty QC has particular expertise in care proceedings and child protection issues. Peers note that she is an “exceptionally well-prepared lawyer who is ready on paper to destroy your case.” In court, she “fights hard, yet always maintains her focus on the child.”
Recommended as a Leading Silk in Chambers and Partners 2007.

• Re Y (Experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach) [2026] EWFC 38
• A Council v JC & Ors [2025] EWFC 440
• LM (A Child) (Interim Welfare Arrangements) [2025] EWHC 3243 (Fam)
• A LA v X & Y and Others (No 5: Transparency order) EWFC 140
• A LA v X & Y and Others (No 4: Welfare and Reporting of Judgments) EWFC 126