Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and transferred to the Bar in 2026. He joined Cobden House in September 2026 and brings over 21 years’ experience in Family Law, having specialised exclusively in Children work since 2009.
Stephen trained with Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors in London before moving to the North West, where he has worked in both private practice and for a local authority. He has extensive experience representing all parties in Care Proceedings and was previously a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel. He obtained Higher Rights of Audience (Civil) in 2018.
From 2015 until his transfer to the Bar in 2026, Stephen worked as an in-house advocate for a local authority, developing substantial experience in complex and contested advocacy. He has represented local authorities in multi-day contested hearings and in cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury, fabricated or induced illness (FII), and sexual abuse.
His experience representing parents and Children’s Guardians includes fact-finding hearings and disputes concerning child arrangements, including cases involving allegations of domestic abuse. He has also acted for parents with capacity issues, including cases in which instructions were received through the Official Solicitor.
Stephen has experience in cases involving secure accommodation and deprivation of liberty, and is accustomed to dealing with sensitive and complex issues affecting children and families.
Stephen accepts instructions in all areas of Children work.
