Joanne Barnett

PROFILE

Joanne Barnett is consistently recognised as a Tier 1 barrister by The Legal 500, owing to her extensive expertise in all areas of Family Law. Joanne is also an Arbitrator under the Institute for Family Arbitrator’s (IFLA) scheme, able to undertake both Children and Financial Arbitrations, and Private Financial Dispute Resolutions (FDRs).

Having practised in London, the Wales and Chester Circuit, and the Northern Circuit, Joanne is nationally regarded and frequently travels across the country for work. She receives numerous referrals from clients and solicitors alike, testament to her dedication and the respect she commands within the legal community.

Her exceptional ability to swiftly digest and analyse complex information, combined with her calm, organised approach, makes her a trusted advocate for both solicitors and clients. Joanne also maintains a thriving direct access practice, with instructions coming from top-tier firms in London, Cardiff, Manchester, and directly from clients.

Known for her meticulous preparation and empathetic client care, Joanne goes beyond legal representation to actively support her clients throughout the court process, both in and out of the courtroom. Her practical and sensible approach to case strategy ensures a well-rounded service, something particularly important when representing vulnerable individuals, including those who are neurodivergent, have learning disabilities, or suffer from psychological disorders. She is also trained under the Family Law Bar Association’s (FLBA) Vulnerable Witness Programme. Her accessibility and commitment to client care are key factors in her successful case outcomes.

Joanne is readily available for initial consultations and discussions on any potential or ongoing case, ensuring that clients feel supported from the very start.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

PRIVATE LAW CHILDREN

a) IFLA Children Scheme Arbitrator

b) significant and complex findings of fact -cases involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse with both adult and child complainants, coercive control and parental alienation.

b) the removal/relocation of children either internally within the UK or from the jurisdiction of England and Wales.Either opposing a relocation or succeeding in enabling the party to relocate. (Japan, Poland, Dubai and UAE, USA, Norway, New Zealand, France). Specialising in pre-hearing advice on any potential planned move/or defence against an application to relocate.

d) cases where an interpreter is required. Whether that be with a client or witness or is deaf or has a language barrier.

e) cases representing multicultural clients and placing the case in a cultural context.

PRIVATE FINANCIAL APPLICATIONS

a) Qualified under the Financial Scheme as a Financial Arbitrator

b) She has undertaken cases with:

• hidden assets
• assets held out of the jurisdiction,
• insolvency
• inheritance
• intervenors
• add-back arguments
• company assets with values in the 10’s of millions
• financial conduct is being raised
• Pre-existing agreements and it’s impact within proceedings
• Applications to vary or oppose periodic payments after the final order was made.
• Enforcement whether through non-compliance or post final hearing.

c) Arbitration can be undertaken as a paper exercise with no need for a hearing.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ARBITRATION

a) As per the ever growing need for ADR - representation of parties at an arbitration under the IFLA Children Arbitration and Financial Schemes.

b) Undertakes both Private children and Financial arbitration. In some case both issues  can be heard at the same hearing providing a holistic and cost saving approach to a family breakdown.

c) Private FDR judge, either in person or remotely by video-link, as required.

d) Joanne has a particular skill in using shuttle negotiation and round-table meetings to reach a settlement without the expense of fully contested court proceedings.

DIRECT ACCESS

Joanne is qualified and accredited by The Bar Council to take instructions from members of the public receiving significant positive feedback from clients. For further information please see:

www.barcouncil.org.uk/about/publicaccess

ARBITRATION

Fees available on request.

CONFERENCES

Conferences and prehearing planning are regularly a part of her daily schedule in particular:-

a) when consideration of crucial statements and schedules may impact on the proceedings.

b) prior to the issue of a parties Children Act 1989 Application or Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, to ensure that the application deals with the correct issues from the outset.

She is always available for an intial chat or to discuss a matter of concern in any ongoing case.

FEEDBACK

Example recent feedback
"Just wanted to say a heart-felt 'thank you' for all you did for me yesterday. You are truly a force to be reckoned with and a huge talent in your field. You were absolutely brilliant in court yesterday. I feel blessed to have had you fighting my corner."

OTHER

Research being undertaken.

a) Impact of neurodiversity in management of court proceedings and the lack of training.

b) Impact on a party where there are no findings made and little or no understanding of impact on the complainant within the court process.

c) Limitations by the court on enforcement in financial proceedings and what can be done to make enforcement more effective.

d) Costs in family proceedings and the limitations, what can we do to change the approach.

e) Mental Health and Menopause within the judicial work place