Natalia is known for her fresh and empathetic approach to clients. Natalia balances a friendly manner in conference with being persuasive and perceptive in the courtroom. Natalia is widely instructed to represent vulnerable clients.

The Legal 500 2011 recommends Natalia as ‘outstanding with an ability to be insightful and persuasive in the courtroom’.

Court of Protection and Mental Health

Natalia has an expanding practice in this growing area of law. In particular she has:- 

- Successfully defended a contested application for the appointment of a health and welfare deputy; Advised and acted in DoLs matters;  Advised in matters concerning the residence of ‘P’ and restriction of contact

- Acted for clients in Mental Health Review Tribunals, including a particularly complex matter concerning the detention of a 36 week pregnant client who was diagnosed with an unspecified eating disorder

Child Abduction and Forced Marriage 

Natalia has represented CAFCASS legal in forced marriage proceedings in relation to a 13 year old girl abducted to an non-Hague Convention Country; Natalia is currently involved in complex Brussels IIR proceedings having already successfully argued lack of Jurisdiction in the High Court

Public Law Proceedings

Natalia has extensive experience in representing Parents, Children and the Local Authority in complex family law cases covering issues such as:-

- Non accidental injuries to children including multiple fractures and shaken baby; Sexual abuse; Injunctions raising human rights elements; Serious domestic violence between parents

Natalia has a vast experience of representing vulnerable clients including:

- Representation of teenage mothers; Parents with learning difficulties/disabilities and mental illness both with and without the assistance of the Official Solicitor

Private Law Children

Representation of parents in complex private law proceedings including those alleging and being accused of:-

- Being implacably hostile; Serious domestic violence; Mental health difficulties including substance abuse; Sexual abuse, on more than one occasion successfully securing Judgments of no findings for the alleged perpetrator

- Natalia has also represented parents in cases involving removal from the jurisdiction and internal relocation arguments. Natalia has successfully defended a removal from the Jurisdiction as well as securing internal relocation on more than one occasion

Natalia has lectured on many topics including:-

The Court of Protection                                            

Key Developments in domestic violence legislation

Developments in knowledge and case law in sexual abuse cases             

Disclosure of documents between criminal and family courts

Ethical dilemmas and advocacy training

T: 0113 245 9763 | F: 0113 242 4395
6 Park Square East, Leeds, LS1 2LW. DX: 26402 Leeds Park Square