Jo Ecob specialise in all aspects of the law relating to children, and has extensive experience of the more complex and high-profile private and public law proceedings. Joanne works across the full spectrum of matters in the Family court, the High Court and the appellate courts.

She has a particular interest in private law cases involving educational and complex issues medical issues. She is known for a calm, reassuring and sensitive approach in cases of seemingly intractable disputes over arrangements for children following the separation of parents. Joanne frequently acts in cases involving intermediaries and children with and without capacity, she is experienced in both domestic and international abduction and relocation cases.

Key cases & testimonials

W (Care Proceedings) [2023] EWCA Civ1251 – Application for permission to appeal against SGO made in favour of family member. Consideration of the cumulative effect of threshold facts and matters

Re M and Anor (Children) (Permanent Relocation) [2023] EWFC 145 – Unusual international relocation case involving allegations of abuse including revenge pornography

A Mother v A Father [2023] EWFC 105 – Successful application made by by Joanne for the entirety of the costs of fact finding and for the removal of parental responsibility following sexual abuse findings

Y (Leave to Oppose Adoption) [2020] EWCA 1287
Joanne represented a father and successfully opposed an appeal brought by a local authority against a decision by a Circuit Judge in adoption proceedings granting leave to the parents to oppose the making of an adoption order

Re G (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 1233
Private law case in Court of Appeal. Specific issue order appeal in relation to the education of five children from the Chareidi community of ultra orthodox Jews. Joanne on behalf of the mother successfully opposed the appeal

Joanne is empathetic and supportive, possessing a good client matter. She devises a good strategy and is robust and clear in her paperwork and court.Legal 500 2024
Joanne is very empathetic when dealing with parents. She has considerable intellectual ability and brings a wealth of experience to her cases.Legal 500 2023

Areas of expertise

Joanne’s private law practice includes those cases which involve seemingly intractable disputes over arrangements for children as well as those involving education issues generally and particularly those with a religious element where she has a particular expertise

Joanne is experienced in the more complex types of care proceedings including those involving non accidental injury and death of children, complex medical issues, sexual abuse and death of one poarent at the hands of rhe other

Joanne is a qualified MCIArb Abritrator for children cases

Joanne undertakes cases with international elements including abductions and international relocations.

Further information

St Paul’s Girls’ School, Newcastle Upon Tyne University

LLB Class 2:1 Bar Finals – ranked within the top 50 candidates