Elisabeth was a solicitor for 15 years prior to her call to the Bar in 2016 when she joined St Ives Chambers. As a solicitor, she spent 7 years working as an associate solicitor in private practice representing parents, extended family members and children of all ages in both private and public law Children Act proceedings. Subsequently, Elisabeth was employed by Birmingham City Council as a Senior Solicitor and then in a seconded role as Child Sexual Exploitation Co-ordinator, exclusively representing the local authority in public law Children Act proceedings. Throughout her career as a child care and family law solicitor Elisabeth has gained significant experience and respect as a family law advocate representing a diverse array of clients.
Within public practice Elisabeth has represented the child, parents, grandparents and other extended family members in complex care proceedings involving allegations of significant neglect, sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse and non-accidental injuries. She has regularly represented clients with significant learning difficulties, mental ill-health and drug and alcohol dependencies.
Elisabeth has extensive experience in representing the local authority in complex care proceedings, including advocating in finding of fact hearings and final hearings before the High Court. Her practice includes significant expertise in areas such as forced marriage and the validity of marriage, removal from the jurisdiction including cases with an international element, child sexual exploitation, significant non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, adoption and placement proceedings and protracted parental neglect.
Court of Protection
Elisabeth has represented the local authority in complex Court of Protection proceedings often issued in conjunction with care proceedings relating to both welfare and financial issues. Elisabeth has extensive experience involving cases concerning very serious physically and mentally disabled children and young adults.
Elisabeth represents her clients with a passion and determination ensuring each and every client receives the best legal service and advice possible.
LLB Law – University of De Montfort
Admitted as a Solicitor 2001
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Click here to view the Privacy Notice for Elisabeth Richards.
St Ives Chambers is particularly well known for its family law expertise, which spans family finance, children and care matters………. Other key areas include crime and regulatory, commercial, Chancery and banking matters……Legal 500
