Natalie represents the local authority, parents and children, and is regularly found representing parents with mental health and learning difficulties, including experience of clients being represented via the Official Solicitor. Her experience includes cases involving non-accidental injuries, allegations of sexual abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, some of which have had international elements in the case. Natalie has experience of all stages of hearing, including interim hearings, multi-day contested final hearings, finding of fact hearings and appeals.
Natalie has a keen interest to develop her practice in relation to Deprivation of Liberty applications and has recently been instructed on numerous cases of this nature. She has represented local authorities in urgent applications. She has also represented the young adult who has been subject of the application, chosen for her ability to discuss matters with them in an age-appropriate and pragmatic way.
Recent Cases
Re B (Care Proceedings: Finding of Fact Hearing: Skull Fractures) [2017] EWFC B30. Read more here.
Natalie represented a father in public law proceedings where serious allegations of violence had been made against him. She was successful in ensuring no findings were made and the children were placed in his care.
In public law proceedings, Natalie successfully opposed an adoption plan in her representation of the mother, despite the plan being recommended by the local authority and supported by the children’s guardian.
LLB Hons Degree Law: First Class – University of Derby
Bar Vocational Course: Very Competent – College of Law
Midland Circuit
Family Law Bar Association
The Honourable Society of Inner Temple
Inner Temple: Major Scholarship and Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award
Alongside her practice, Natalie led the Child Protection Module at the University of Derby for three years. She overhauled the course material during this time and conducted seminars, tutorials and assessments as part of her role.
Prior to the Bar, Natalie worked as a specialist family law paralegal for two years and was appointed as a Special Constable with West Midlands Police Force.
Please click here to view the Privacy Notice for Natalie Cross.
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
