We are delighted to announce that Anna Hefford has joined Garden Court Chambers as a new tenant.
Anna is a family law practitioner focusing on cases involving serious sexual abuse and non-accidental injuries to children, including those with very complex medical evidence. She represents parents and children, both via a Guardian and those who have separated from their Guardian.
Anna is often instructed on behalf of the Official Solicitor and also by the National Youth Advocacy Service. She has an interest in, and experience of, representing parents and vulnerable children, including parents who are very young, and parents and children with additional needs, such as learning difficulties and mental health difficulties. She has a particular skillset in representing those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In addition to her Public Law work, Anna undertakes Private Law cases in relation to children, particularly in cases where a Guardian in involved. She has extensive experience of representing both parents and children in these proceedings. Anna is a fearless advocate and is not afraid to give firm and realistic advice where it is needed.
Anna is returning to the Bar following an extended maternity leave. During her time away from the Bar, she worked on a voluntary basis with young people and students, coaching them in the art of public speaking and confidence building. Anna is very passionate about helping young people and she continues to do this work on a voluntary basis, both in schools and working with young people on an individual basis.
Anna is often asked to comment on legal issues on national radio and television and has recently appeared on Talk TV and Times Radio. She is currently writing a book, with the aim of helping separating or separated parents to co-parent effectively and to equip them with the tools to ensure that their children are protected as much as possible from witnessing or experiencing the negative effects of inter-parental conflict.
She often gives talks to both legal practitioners and students and has also been involved in the training of new practitioners and pupils at the Bar.
Find out more about Anna's practice here.
