Amy Richardson

Barrister | Called 2009

Oliver Woolhouse

Background

Amy was called to the bar of England and Wales 2009 and has over 13 years advocacy experience and client management in a variety of areas, namely, childcare (both public and private) and high value financial dispute resolution.

Amy has operated a “dual practice” both offshore and is both a qualified Guernsey Advocate in addition to being a member of the Bar of England and Wales. Due to this Amy has had exposure to an extremely broad and high-calibre scope of work, and so can operate a varied and high-volume practice.

Prior to returning to the private bar, Amy also worked in house for a Local Authority within their child safeguarding department with a specialism in the conduct of cases with allegation of serious sexual abuse, nonaccidental injuries and neglect.

Amy has a strong and regular client base in terms of regular instructions for Local Authorities, but also for local and non-local solicitors. This has enabled Amy to grow a busy and loyal client base.

Academic and Professional organisations

Northumbria University LLB hons Law
Northumbria University Bar Vocational Course (highly commended)
University de Caen – Basse Normandie
Member of honourable society of Middle Temple
Member of West Midlands family bar association

Legal 500 Leading Junior – 2023

 

Areas of Practice

Amy conducts a thriving and busy practice and is dual qualified as a member of both the bar of England and Wales and a Guernsey Advocate.

Amy is a mother to two children and was widowed and a single parent before the age of 30. This has allowed Amy the life experience be compassionate when it comes to understating how clients’ lives can be traumatic and difficult.

As a result, Amy has a passion to ensure that, as counsel, she endeavours to remove as much stress and uncertainty from the shoulders of her professional and lay clients.

Known for her down to earth and sensitive approach, Amy regularly appears in the following areas:

 

Amy’s expertise

Family Law

Public Law childcare

Amy is briefed by both Local authorities, parents and on behalf of children in all areas of public law childcare work.

Amy has an ability to tackle large and complex matters, and is routinely instructed as lead counsel in matters involving the following:

  • Death and serious injury
  • Fictitious illness
  • Allegations of sexual harm
  • Chronic neglect
  • Domestic abuse
  • Substance misuse
  • Cross examination of experts and vulnerable witnesses
  • “Re: W” applications

A firm believer in continuity of counsel to support both lay and professional clients, Amy is often counsel on matters from initial hearing through to finding of fact and final welfare, and is available to assist in drafting and preparation, and is always on hand to provide opinion when required
In respect of parents, Amy is regularly briefed to represent parents with challenges in terms of their cognatic function and is known for a calm and sensitive approach to particularly vulnerable clients.

Private Law childcare

Amy represents parents is all areas of private law childcare, with a specialism is cases involving allegations of:

  • Sexual assault
  • Domestic abuse
  • Coercive and controlling behaviour
  • Parental alienation
  • Surrogacy
  • Appeals

Amy provides realistic and clear advice to parents and is recommended as having a sensitive but firm approach and the ability to listen to clients and discuss the merits of a case openly.

Forced Marriage Protection orders (“FMPO”)

Amy is regularly instructed by the police regarding FMPO and has a real passion in representing individuals who are at real risk.

These cases often call for cultural sensitivity and Amy is highly regarded for her ability to put all vulnerable clients at ease.

Financial Dispute Resolution

Given her background in offshore matrimonial law, Amy has a busy practice dealing with all areas of financial dispute resolution, particularly for high asset cases often with an international element.
From first appointment to financial dispute resolution to final hearing, Amy is often described as calm and realistic presence, who will provide balanced advice and whilst also being noted as a tenacious opponent with a good eye for detail.

Amy has vast experience of the following:

  • High net worth individuals
  • Pension sharing orders
  • Trusts
  • Cross examination of financial experts

 

Court of Protection

Depravation of Liberty and court of protection (“DOLS”)

Amy accepts briefs on behalf of local authorities, family members and children in respect of DOLS applications, and has a keen interest in representing vulnerable clients and ensuring they have a “voice” within proceedings.
Local authorities not only regularly brief Amy in respect of these applications but have also sought her expertise in advice, particularly regarding arguments as to capacity.

Publications

Due to her varied practice and dual qualification, Amy is a regular contributor to both Counsel Magazine and Family Law Journal.

Her articles are:

  • Substituted parenting v adequate support in light of perception of risk and the duties of Local Authorities’: a cautionary tale
  • My journey to the bar via Newcastle, Guernsey and back again
  • When Local Authorities collide – the issues Section 21 vs Section 22 of the ACA 2002 in terms of placement orders and care orders when deciding who is the “designated” Local Authority
Testimonials

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this week. It has been a pleasure to work with you! You have been so supportive and have worked extremely hard.”

I just want to say I was really happy with my barrister at court yesterday.  She was probably the best I’ve had in any case so far over the 12 years!  She spoke up for me and said things that was relevant and pushed for the living order even after the judge said it was going to be a prohibited steps order, she asked again not long after and then it was granted, so thank you for putting her on the case.”

“I just wanted to thank both you and Amy so much. I really am truly so grateful for both of your support and representation today. You have both been wonderfully supportive and I really can’t thank you both enough”

Interests

Amy enjoys spending time with her two children and their hobbies include swimming, long walks on the beach, finding sticks, horse riding, dancing, and holding the camera for various social medial posts.

A keen historian, Amy has a degree in Norman medieval history undertaken at the University du Caen – Basse in Normandy. Amy is also interested in cryptozoology, and regularly explores forestry and caves around the UK.

Amy has been a lifelong supporter of Newcastle United and has been a season ticket holder for 30 years. In respect of her beloved Newcastle, she has not, and never will, give up hope of league or international glory.