Lara is a children law specialist. Many of her cases involve significant disputed allegations of psychological, physical and sexual harm. From early in her practice Lara has dealt with complex issues such as capacity, contested expert evidence and concurrent criminal proceedings. Lara has appeared unled in the High Court as well as being led in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She acted as junior counsel for the successful appellants in each of Re H-W (children) (No 2) [2022] UKSC 17 and IG (Child Abduction Habitual Residence Article 13b) [2021] EWCA Civ 1123. Lara has particular knowledge of law and procedure in respect of vulnerable parties and witnesses, and is sought out for seminars on the topic. She is noted by solicitors for her thorough preparation and client care.

Lara joined 36 Family as a tenant following successful completion of her pupillage in Chambers in 2021. She was supervised by Kate Grieve, Rhys Taylor, Chris Carr and Emily James. She was shortlisted by Legal 500 for Pupils of the Year.

Key cases & testimonials

Second junior counsel for the successful first appellant in the Supreme Court case Re H-W (children) (No 2) [2022] UKSC 17. The appeal concerned the principle of proportionality, and the substantive case concerned issues of sexual abuse and neglect.

Junior counsel for the successful appellant in IG (Child Abduction Habitual Residence Article 13b) [2021] EWCA Civ 1123. The appeal concerned issues of habitual residence and grave risk of harm under Article 13b.

Very impressed. Really good with the client and seemed much more senior than she actually is. Partner, Chambers High Net Worth ranked firm
Could not be more impressed. Partner, Chambers Band 1 ranked firm
Excellent with the client and held her own in court.Solicitor, Chambers ranked firm

Areas of expertise

Lara acts in cases concerning surrogacy and assisted conception, in which she draws on her previous experience working for Donor Conception Network. Lara has been appointed to the advisory group of the new Centre for Individual and Family Identity, which offers interdisciplinary training and support in this area.

Lara has acted as junior in the long-running matter reported as Re H-W, including at Court of Appeal and Supreme Court level.

Many of Lara’s cases involve international elements. These may be aspects of a domestic case, immigration issues, or cases concerning international movement of children.

Further information

Lara has a Masters in Law with Distinction from University College London. Her first degree was in Russian and Philosophy, also from University College London.

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