Jennifer Smith

Jennifer represents mothers, fathers, stepparents and grandparents in applications under section 8 Children Act 1989. She also has a strong practice of acting for children through their 16.4 Children’s Guardian.

Jennifer is regularly instructed in fact findings hearings involving allegations of emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse against both parents and children. She also acts in matters concerning allegations of parental alienation.

Jennifer represents local authorities, parents, children (through their guardians), other family members and other interveners in care proceedings.

Jennifer receives instructions for interim hearings, contested removal hearings and final hearings. She is also regularly instructed in fact findings hearings involving allegations of emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse against both parents and children.

Jennifer has also been instructed as junior counsel for King’s Counsel and senior counsel in cases regarding allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, factitious illness, human trafficking and infant death, and has always received very positive feedback from those leading her.

Jennifer accepts instructions in proceedings for non-molestation orders and occupation orders.

ADR Group Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator.

“Jennifer Smith was the best barrister I had. She was very slick, well prepared, knowledgeable, straight to the point, very kind, understanding and professional. Wish I could have her on all previous hearing as it would save me lots of heartache. I can’t recommend her enough. I’m not saying this because of the outcome of the hearing, but because she was simply the best!”

“Jennifer Smith, as always, has been a pleasure to work with on this case of B and the client feedback has been impressive. Not only is she always available to consult with but her communications are direct and clear and cover all the important points. Jennifer always fights her client’s corner hard, but in addition is always professional and genuine and as a result makes a real difference in Court – Solicitor”

“Jennifer consistently goes above and beyond on any case I have instructed her on. She is excellent at representing vulnerable clients within care proceedings and she always ensures that the client feels heard in Court. Jennifer’s preparation of a case is always incredibly thorough, and her communication is second to none. She is a pleasure to work with and I will repeatedly seek to instruct her for my clients – Solicitor”

“Having worked with Jennifer on serious non-accidental injury cases over a number of years,  she works in a consistent and dedicated way. She is able to master voluminous paperwork and to hone in on  issues that assist her client’s case to  best advantage. She is a clear-eyed and realistic advocate – King’s Counsel”

“I regularly instruct Jennifer in complex and challenging proceedings concerning children. She consistently demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous approach to every case. Jennifer’s ability to think outside the box and explore creative solutions has often proved invaluable in achieving positive outcomes for my clients. Her thorough preparation, sound judgement, and approachable manner make her my first choice, when faced with intricate or sensitive issues. Jennifer is an absolute pleasure to work with and a trusted advocate I can always rely on – associate 2025″

Notable Cases

2018: Jennifer appeared in the High Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in a case involving a dispute over which parent should be granted permission to take charge over their child’s funeral and where and arrangements for their child’s body. The case involved legal argument against senior counsel for which Jennifer was successful.

Local authority v L-M – 2020: Jennifer was instructed as junior counsel for the local authority in a fact finding hearing involving allegations of human trafficking and findings were made against the parents.

Local authority v X – 2021: Jennifer was instructed as junior counsel for the local authority in a fact-finding hearing involving the death of an infant and findings were made against the mother.

D v D 2024: Jennifer acted for the children through their 16.4 Guardian in proceedings relating to a Declaration of Non-Parentage following DNA testing. Jennifer has written an Article. (https://www.magdalenchambers.co.uk/parental-responsibility-and-declarations-of-non-parentage/) to assist with applications and the law in respect of Parental Responsibility and Declarations of Parentage/Non-Parentage.

F v D – 2023: Jennifer acted for the children through their 16.4 Guardian in a 10 day fact finding hearing involving allegations of sexual abuse and significant findings were made against a parent.

Local authority v C – 2025: Jennifer was instructed to represent a parent facing allegations of non-accidental injury involving a skull fracture to a baby. The court was persuaded and determined given the expert evidence that findings could not be made of non-accidental injury and that a fact-finding hearing was not necessary or proportionate. The proceedings concluded at an interim stage with the children’s immediate return to their parent’s care as the only basis for threshold was the suspected non-accidental injury.