Accredited member of the Law Society’s Children Pane

Having completed her training contract in Essex, Charlotte has spent most of her 20 year career practising in London, initially undertaking all areas of family law, but then choosing to specialise in representing both parents/family members and children involved in care and adoption proceedings.

Charlotte joined FMW Law in February 2012, becoming a supervisor and then becoming Head of the Children Department in our Hammersmith office. When GT Stewart incorporated FMW Law in 2018, Charlotte remained with us and continues to cultivate a loyal following of client’s. She also undertakes the training of trainees and other staff members.

As an Accredited Law Society Children Panel Member, she represents children through their children’s guardian and children independently. She has extensive experience dealing with cases involving complex issues including those with alleged FII, non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, neglect, domestic abuse and substance/alcohol misuse.

Charlotte has represented parents and children in Deprivation of Liberty cases and is instructed by the Official Solicitor when a parent is a considered a “Protected Party”. She is passionate at ensuring those who are vulnerable are given a voice.

As well as working closely with senior barristers, Charlotte conducts much of her own advocacy at all court levels. She is also a duty solicitor at Central and East London family courts.

• 1998 – LLB (Hons), Birmingham City University (Formerly University of Central England)
• LPC from BPP law school
• March 2002 – Admitted to the Roll
• Accredited Law Society Children Panel Member

Notable cases

• Charlotte assisted in the representation of the mother in the Baby P
• Charlotte acted for the child through the children’s guardian in X Local Authority V Trimega Laboratories & Others 2013 EWCC 6 (fam) 4th October 2013 in which it was ordered that judgment be reported  in case where a testing company made a typographical error in alcohol test results recording usage of alcohol incorrectly, to be in the public’s interest that it be known that possible errors could arise and have huge bearing on a case as to whether a child should be returned home to a parent or not

Testimonials from other Legal Professionals

• “Charlotte Burns is a safe pair of hands. She is very pleasant as an opponent. She mainly represents children, so she’s experienced in dealing with young people. I’ve seen her in hearings with young people giving evidence, and she works well with the young people and keeps them calm.”