Barrister
Qualifications: LLB (Hons), PgDipSW, MA (Social Work), BPTC VC, IMI Qualified
Mediator
Call: 2021
Before coming to the Bar, Luke practised as a Social Worker specialising in adult mental health. Luke worked in a Local Authority Specialist and Complex Mental Health Team, a Forensic Social Worker team and latterly as a Lead Practitioner within an Acute Liaison Mental Health Service providing crisis assessment, support and intervention to patients within the Emergency Department of a busy hospital. Whilst a Social Worker, Luke developed a particular interest and expertise in conducting s.42 Care Act 2014 safeguarding investigations.
Luke is a barrister within chambers having completed his pupillage here. Luke is a specialist family law practitioner who deals with both private and public children’s law. Luke has a significant private law practice which includes all hearings including complex fact-finding hearings conducted before Magistrates, District Judges and Circuit Judges. Luke is particularly noted for his client care combined with robust advice and advocacy. In addition to his work at the Bar, Luke also has a number of external appointments ranging from sitting as an Independent Panel Member on Police Misconduct/Police Appeal Tribunal to sitting as an Associate Hospital Manager deciding (along with a panel) whether patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 should be discharged or not.
Family:
Luke is a specialist family practitioner focusing on both private and public children’s law. Luke has a particular interest in proceedings involving significant mental health issues and diagnoses and domestic abuse. Luke is regularly instructed in respect of applications for Child Arrangements Order and has particular experience in representing parties at fact-finding hearings. Luke also deals with Non-Molestation Order and Occupation Order applications/hearings.
Luke is a Panel Member for Advocate (Bar Pro Bono Charity) and has represented individuals via Advocate and has been involved in an appeal matter.
In addition to family law, Luke is open to instructions in relation to Court of Protection (Health and Welfare) matters, in which he uses his background in mental health social work to great advantage.