Catherine Ellis

Described as “conscientious, hardworking and a fabulously prepared advocate”, Catherine Ellis is ranked as a Leading Junior in Children Law in the current edition of the Legal 500 and has a wealth of experience in both public and private law family matters. She enjoys a varied practice – accepting instructions from parents, guardians and local authorities alike, which enables her to bring invaluable insight to every client’s case.

Catherine is instructed in complex children act matters, such as those involving fabricated and induced illness, sexual abuse or those involving international issues. In 2012 Catherine spent a year as an in-house advocate for a London borough, representing the borough in child protection matters, as well as cases concerning education and judicial review. She also has experience of work in housing and property disputes, employment law, social welfare law and personal injury.

Catherine regularly undertakes work in the Court of Protection and has particular expertise of cases concerning welfare decisions, as well as experience of cases involving jurisdictional issues.

Catherine displays good judgment, is pragmatic and is committed to delivering sound advice. Her people skills are excellent, as is her ability to understand her clients’ needs and present them effectively to the court. Catherine has experience in the appeal courts, but generally prefers to achieve success at first instance.

Catherine also accepts instructions under the Bar Council Public Access scheme.

In 2023 Catherine was appointed a Recorder on the South Eastern Circuit and sits in Crime.

Reported cases: 

• RE B (CHILDREN) [2019] EWCA Civ 2265 (Successful defence of HHJ Simon Oliver’s welfare evaluation in care proceedings.)
• RE O (A CHILD) [2013] EWCA Civ 1773 (Appeal by a maternal grandmother against the making of a prohibited steps order alongside a special guardianship order preventing her return with the child to her country of residence).
• G v G [2006] EWCA Civ 1670 (Appeal against sentence following committal – 12 months excessive, reduced to 8. Judge had erred by failing to allow Counsel to mitigate.)

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