Degree: | BPTC (Very Competent), University of Law GDL, University of Law BSc (Honours) General Biology, Newcastle University |
Year of call: | 2016 |
Inn of Court: | Middle Temple |
Practice areas: | Family Law |
Profile: | Background
Joseph originally read Biology as an undergraduate at Newcastle University before converting to Law via the GDL at University of Law in Birmingham. The focused, analytical methods used in scientific study frequently assist in accessing the detail of a case. Alongside his BPTC, Joseph voluntarily represented clients at the Employment Tribunal, conducting advocacy at both interim and final hearings on a range of issues. Joseph combines sound academic ability with a realistic approach to fully explore a case and ensure that every detail is considered. He has an easy affinity with lay and professional clients alike and is able to ensure that a realistic approach is taken throughout proceedings. Public Law Children Joseph has extensive experience acting for both parents and children across the full range of hearings from Interim Care Orders through to contested final hearings. He often undertakes multi-day fact-finding and final hearings and deals with alleged physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as allegations of non-accidental injuries. He is experienced at working with the assistance of intermediaries and interpreters, frequently together, and understands the additional care that is required when clients have limitations associated with both cognitive functioning and language. Joseph has also acted as Junior Counsel and has experience of representing parents through the FDAC process with the alternative approach that this often necessitates. Joseph strives to understand the position of the client at the earliest opportunity to ensure that straightforward and tailored advice is provided throughout, and that every effort is made to ensure that the client’s interests are paramount. Public Law Cases Re W (unreported) – represented the Father in a fact-finding hearing with serious allegations of violence made against him. All allegations were not proven which resulted in a change of residence to his care. Re D [2020] EWFC B37 – represented the Mother in a fact-finding hearing and separate final hearing that resulted in no contact for the Father who was found to have perpetrated domestic violence. Re B G (unreported) – represented the Maternal Uncle in a fact-finding hearing with allegations of non-accidental injury of a child. It was not proven that the injuries were abusive in nature which ultimately concluded with the children being returned to the care of the parents. Re N (unreported) – represented the Mother across fact-finding (as Junior Counsel) and final hearings with serious allegations of non-accidental injury with the assistance of an intermediary and interpreter. Private Law Children Joseph has developed a busy private law practice that encompasses a full range of hearings from FHDRA to multi-day contested final hearings. Joseph has experience of cases that have required the appointment of a r16(4) Guardian, those that deal with parental alienation, allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour, and those with serious allegations of physical, emotional, financial, physical and sexual abuse. Joseph has represented those facing allegations as well as those making allegations and has further experience dealing with cases that involve allegations from children requiring ABE interviews. Joseph has a sound understanding of matters where there have been long periods of no contact between a parent and their child and the use of contact intervention services and contact centres. He has experience of working with litigants-in-person, and in circumstances where special measures are required both in relation to the physical court and with respect to evidence. Joseph understands the different approach that is required in private law and often looks for creative ways to ensure that proceedings move to a conclusion as efficiently as possible. Joseph gives realistic advice and will carefully analyse the case as a whole in order that any advice is tailored to the particular circumstances of the case. Private Law Cases A v I (unreported) – represented the Father in a fact-finding hearing where cross-allegations were made in respect of domestic abuse. Findings were made in respect of some of the Father’s allegations in respect of verbal abuse and controlling behaviour, and no findings were made in respect of the Mother’s allegations. B v B (unreported) – represented the Mother in a final hearing where a change of residence was sought by the Father. The change of residence was successfully resisted and agreement reached in relation to contact. Finance Joseph has developed a busy finance practice since commencing tenancy, and now frequently acts for clients across the full range of matrimonial finance matters, from Maintenance Pending Suit through to contested Final Hearings as well as representing intervenors. Joseph is available for conference to discuss the merits of a case and to advise in relation to any settlement offers. Joseph has worked hard to further develop his negotiation skills, and searches for an out-of-court settlement if at all possible whilst remaining realistic. Joseph has a creative approach to reaching settlements that work for parties in cases where assets are often limited, and prides himself on being a tough but fair negotiator. Finance Cases K v J v K (unreported) – represented the intervenor on an application to determine property ownership that resulted in a successful argument that the declaration of trust was a valid document, and that the property was owned entirely by the intervenor. |
Interests | In his spare time, Joseph is a member of the Royal Naval Reserve and continues to work in his operational role alongside his day-to-day work.
Joseph is also a keen sportsman both playing cricket, and watching sport of any kind, particularly rugby and football. He enjoys spending spare time with friends and a good bottle of wine. |
Contact: | clerks@northampton-chambers.co.uk |