Penny Howe KC

Call: 1991 | Silk: 2017

"Penny's advocacy is brilliant. She is meticulously prepared and is able to adapt and move the position in line with the court's reaction and approach."

Chambers & Partners 2026

"Penny is a powerful advocate who takes command of the room in a measured and calm way. Her preparation is meticulous and she is able to read the judge and parties, and adapt her approach as to what is likely to be received well."

Legal 500 2026

"Penny is a brilliant barrister: she is exceedingly well-prepared and knowledgeable, has excellent cross-examination skills and a particular strength in cases involving complex medical evidence. Her client care and ability to establish a rapport with the entire team - solicitor, lay client and junior counsel - is second-to-none."

Legal 500 2024

"Penny has a wealth of specialist knowledge that she carries with such ease that she beguiles opponents and judges alike with her skilful advocacy. She fights for her clients with a highly persuasive combination of passion, insight and realism."

Legal 500 2023

"She has a keen attention to detail and is able to marshal enormous bundles of evidence and quickly pick out the best points to make on behalf of her clients in highly complex matters."

Chambers & Partners 2023

Penny Howe KC acts in all aspects of the law relating to children. In public law Penny represents local authorities, parents, guardians and competent children. She has particular expertise in cases which involve death and non-accidental injuries, allegations of serious sexual abuse, factitious and induced illness, child trafficking and cross examination of expert and vulnerable witnesses. In private law Penny acts in disputes between parents and other significant adults including cases involving serious harm, and internal and international relocation. Penny also has considerable experience in proceedings relating to press injunctions arising out of public law proceedings.

Penny was a member of the RCVS’ Preliminary Investigation Committee from 2013 to 2018. From 2014 to 2017 (and the employment of case examiners) Penny was a lay Chair of the GDC’s Investigating Committee. From 2016-2017, Penny was a Deputy Chair of the GOC’s Investigating Committee. Since 2015, Penny has been a lay member of the GOC’s Fitness to Practise Committee.

Penny has been a legal assessor for the NMC since 2016, and was recently appointed a legal assessor for the HCPC.

Notable cases include: