Emma Cross
Call 2017
Emma is a dedicated and driven family barrister specialising in public and private children law disputes. She regularly appears in person and online in courts and hearings across the South-West and is well regarded by clients, local practitioners and judges.
Recognised by the Legal 500 as a Rising Star – 2024
‘Emma is a pragmatic, sensible and safe pair of hands. She combines a warm attitude with a high intellect and can always be trusted to get to the heart of a matter. Her cross-examination is skilled and to the point.’
Many congratulations from all in Chambers.
Emma represents local authorities, parents and guardians at all stages of public law cases.
Emma has represented local authorities and guardians to a high standard in cases involving long histories of chronic neglect and sexual risk. Emma develops and maintains good working relationships with social work teams and guardians. She is masterful at presenting key information assimilated from high volumes of papers including sensitive material such as police disclosure and medical records.
Emma recognises that parents in public law proceedings often face difficult and life-changing decisions for their families. Emma is sensitive to the needs of the parents she represents and is always prepared to listen and press for the outcomes a parent hopes to achieve. Emma is known for her robust approach to cases involving interim separation at the outset of a case or following a parenting assessment and she is fearless in her cross-examination of experts and professionals at final hearings.
Emma was one of the first barristers in the country to undertake the FLBA/ICCA’s ‘Advocacy and the Vulnerable in the Family Court’ training and she is particularly skilled in working with vulnerable parents and parents with learning difficulties.