Laura Rowe

Barrister | 2021

Danae Larham

Background

Laura joins Cornwall Street after the successful completion of her Bar Practice Course. After completing the BPC, Laura worked as a Paralegal at a regional law firm, working directly alongside a Family Barrister in a range of matrimonial finance and private law children matters.

She was also a County Court Advocate and represented clients in a variety of Civil matters including infant settlements, housing disputes, Consumer Credit Act disputes and general applications.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys travelling and spending time with her friends and family. She has recently taken up surfing, with limited success!

Education

  • Bar Practice Course (BPC) (Very Competent), University of Law (Birmingham)
  • Master of Law (LLM) (Distinction), University of Law (Birmingham)
  • Graduate Diploma in Law, University of Law (Bristol)
  • BA History, University of Exeter

 

 

Laura’s expertise

Civil

Laura has a varied civil practice and is instructed by both Claimants and Defendants in small claims trials, directions hearings and general applications. 

Laura also utilises her strong eye for detail and written advocacy to produce pleadings and written advices. Notably, Laura recently drafted particulars of claim and written advice in respect of interference with an easement and breach of covenant.

She also successfully represented a client at a small claims trial in respect of a dispute over whether a “sole selling rights” agreement was valid. 

Crime

Laura has a busy criminal practice, which is largely Crown Court based. She regularly prosecutes and defends at PTPH, sentence and interim hearings. She also undertakes both appeals against conviction and sentence.

Laura also accepts instructions for a wide variety of driving matters in the Magistrates’ Court, including speeding, S.172 and drink-driving.

She recently successfully defended her client in a speeding matter when it was unclear whether the relevant section of road was subject to a certain speed limit. After discussions with the Prosecutor, Laura was able to get the matter dismissed without the need for a trial.

Family

Laura has a keen interest in Family Law and has a broad range of experience, allowing her to provide specialist knowledge. She undertakes work well beyond her level of call and is eager to expand her Family Law practice.

In the private law arena, she acts for parents and grandparents within final contested hearings, multi-day fact-finding hearings and interim hearings. These matters often involve allegations of domestic abuse, controlling and coercive behaviour and parental alienation. Laura has also successfully acted for parents in cases involving 16.4 Guardians, as well as committal proceedings and matters involving declarations of parentage.

Laura is regularly instructed in domestic abuse injunction proceedings, including non-molestation and occupation orders. She takes a pragmatic and holistic approach to these matters, whilst providing excellent client care.

Laura has a wide range of experience within matrimonial finance matters from her work prior to joining the Bar. She has a growing practice and is eager to undertake further work at all stages, from FDA to Final Hearing.

She was recently successful in representing a client at a multi-day fact-finding hearing involving allegations of physical violence, controlling behaviour and financial abuse.

She was also recently successful representing a grandparent at a final hearing seeking a declaration of parentage for their deceased child and contact with their grandchild. All orders sought by her client were made.

Testimonials

“[Laura’s] document was really well written, focused and helpful. Her advocacy was very competent, and the orders are excellent.” – Solicitor

 “Thank you once again for your hard work and preparation in this matter. I believe it was a fair and positive result and the client is happy with the outcome.” – Solicitor

“Thank you for the excellent news that you won! The client (as you probably know) is delighted. She told me that you were absolutely excellent and was very impressed with how organised you were… I will certainly be instructing you again.” – Solicitor

Memberships

–           Family Law Bar Association

–           West Midlands Family Law Bar Association

–           Inner Temple

–           Crown Prosecution Service, Grade 1 Prosecutor

Scholarships and Awards

Laura was the recipient of scholarships from both the University of Exeter and the International Institute of Education.