JANE CROSS QC

Call 1982     Middle Temple
Queens Counsel 2010

Family

Email: cross@deanscourt.co.uk  
Clerk: lmcarty@deanscourt.co.uk

 

Areas of Practice

Family

Court of Protection and Community Care Law

 

What the directories say

‘Fastidious preparation and immaculate presentation’
– Chambers UK, 2007
‘Continues to impress the market with her conscientious child advocacy'
– Chambers UK, 2008
‘Lauded for her sound judgement and persuasive manner in the courtroom.'
– Chambers UK, 2009
'Charming, persuasive and blessed with a great sense of humour.'
- Chambers UK 2010
'has a quick brain and good court presence, which make her a formidable opponent' 
- Legal 500, 2011
She is well known for her meticulous preparation and tenacious advocacy.' 
- Chambers UK, 2012

Individual 

 

Education

Inns of Court School of Law
University of Liverpool  
Winckley Square Convent School, Preston

 

Profile 

 

Jane had a general common law pupillage at 25 Byrom Street Manchester and 14/15 Winckley Square Preston where she developed a particular interest in public law work, acquiring a diverse and substantial practice, particularly in the High Court. In 2002 she moved to Deans Court Chambers to become part of a dedicated family team and to develop her interest and expertise in this area of law. Always a committed advocate, Jane was appointed to Silk in 2010.

 

Jane is highly experienced in managing the most complex and demanding cases. She has developed a reputation for skilled cross examination and forceful submission. Her forensic skills are complemented by meticulous preparation and attention to detail and by her persuasive advocacy. Her particular interest in cases involving the death and serious abuse of children reflects her ability to master complex medical evidence and her critical analysis of legal and factual issues.

 

Jane is also experienced in cases of serious maltreatment and neglect, including cases of sexual and inter-generational sexual abuse, child rape, fabricated and induced illness and emotional abuse and neglect. She is skilled in the questioning of vulnerable children and adults who lack capacity. Her diverse style and flexible approach gives her the ability to represent local authorities, children and parents with equanimity and her ability to adapt and to meet the challenges that these different perspectives demand, means that she is experienced in the management and presentation of all aspects of public law work.  

 

Jane has an interest in the law relating to vulnerable adults, particularly in the jurisdictions of mental capacity and mental health. She is instructed by the Official Solicitor on behalf of patients and represents other parties, including local authorities, in proceedings under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, in the Court of Protection and under the Mental Health Legislation. Her particular interest in the issues of deprivation of liberty and of medical treatment complements her experience in the field of public law child protection. This parallel expertise also underpins her work in the determination of the issues of the capacity and best interests of vulnerable young people aged between sixteen and eighteen.

Administrative challenge, particularly in the areas of Community Care and Leaving Care, completes Jane’s profile and she is experienced in advising local authorities and individuals on their rights in these areas. 

 

Notable Cases 

Re R (A Minor) [1987]1FLR 391

Re A (non-Accidental Injury: Medical Evidence) [2001] 2FLR 657

X Council v B [2005] 1 FLR 341

Lancashire County Council v R [2008] EWCH 2959 (Fam) [2010] 1 FLR 387

 

Professional Associations 

Northern Circuit Executive Committee

Family Law Bar Association

Northern Administrative Law Association

Northern Mental Health Bar Association (Founding Member)

Advocacy Trainer for Middle Temple and the Northern Circuit