Simon Johnson

Simon was called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn) in July 1987, having previously been in practice as a solicitor (admitted November 1982). He is a specialist child care practitioner and is instructed on behalf of parents, family members and children.

Simon deals with cases involving the most serious issues, including non-accidental injury, sexual abuse and extreme neglect.

Simon’s breadth of experience, and what has been described by instructing solicitors as a notable thorough approach to case preparation and presentation, makes him an effective advocate whose services are frequently sought by solicitors and who is engaged in court on most days. He also brings to his dealings with lay clients a vast experience of, and sympathetic understanding towards, the variety of human characteristics, limitations and failings that bring his clients into contact with the family law system. He has very extensive experience of dealing with clients with psychiatric and psychological difficulties, including learning difficulties and who have a history of substance abuse.

He maintains an interest in education law. He has written articles on this subject and has contributed to Westlaw UK Insight.

Notable Cases

• Medway Council v JL, AJ and X Judgment of Theis J given on 17 November 2016, reported [2016] EWFC 78 (Fam): long running and complex case involving issues of placement of a child in care overseas and the proper approach to be taken by the court to a plan for adoption by family members.
• Aburn v Aburn [2016] EWCA Civ 72 Decision of the Court of Appeal in relation to the proper approach to setting the level of periodical payments following divorce.
• Croft v Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Town Council [2003] EWCA 676 Civ [2003] All ER (D) 273: claim by employee or compensation for psychological damage caused by employer’s conduct.
• Re D (Grant of Care Order: Refusal of Freeing Order) [2001] 1 FLR 862 CA
• Re H (A Minor) Re K (Minors) (Child Abuse: Evidence) [1989] 2 FLR 313 CA
• Medway Council v Mother & Ors [2014] EWHC 308 (Fam) Theis J 31 January 2014. Alleged non-accidental injury of baby shaking: observations on use of section 20 of Children Act 1989, burden and standard proof and medical evidence.