Amanda Clarke

Called 1998   |   Approved Public Access Barrister   |   Email: alc@westgate-chambers.co.uk

Legal 500 – ‘Amanda Clarke is praised for her ability to handle vulnerable victims and witnesses in complex public and private children law cases’.

Area of Practice

Specialist in Family Law including public and private children law, injunctions, inherent jurisdiction and abduction cases. Represents children, parents, third parties and local authorities in all levels of court up to the Court of Appeal.

Notable Cases

• Re W – Represented Father – allegations of serious sexual abuse against Father. All allegations denied by Father. Contested fact finding, included cross examination of alleged victims (3).
• Re H – Represented Mother – severely learning disabled Mother. 4 children removed in care proceedings.
• Re W – Represented Mother – vulnerable Mother, appalling history of childhood abuse and neglect, some learning difficulties, emotionally fragile. Removal of children in care proceedings.
• Re W – Represented Mother – learning disabled mother. One child previously removed in care proceedings. One child death. Third child returned to Mother’s care.
• Re A – Represented Mother – serious congenital abnormal child 2 years old. Allegations against parents of NAI. Complex medical fact finding – multiple medical disciplines. Mother fully exculpated.
• Re N – Represented Mother – congenitally abnormal baby 5 months old. NAI alleged against parents at 5 weeks. Obstetric and orthopaedic disciplines – Mother fully exculpated following fact finding hearing.

Qualifications

BSc, Manchester

PGDL, Manchester Metropolitan

Professional Associations

South Eastern Circuit

Family Law Bar Association

Public Access Bar Association

Kent & Sussex FLBA

Sussex Bar Mess

Additional Information

Amanda has extensive experience and special interest in public law care proceedings. She is instructed frequently to represent particularly vulnerable clients e.g. learning disabled, young or elderly. Also instructed on a regular basis to represent difficult and/or aggressive clients.

Considered to be a “safe pair of hands”, a reliable and effective advocate and a reasonable opponent.

Officer in the Royal Navy before being called to the Bar.

Member of the Council of the Inns of Court Disciplinary Tribunal.

FLBA representative on the Sussex Family Justice Committee (FPC).

Pupil Supervisor.

Registered Public Access Barrister.

School Governor.