Justin Slater
Year of call
1999
Instructing Justin Slater
For more information please contact our clerks by calling +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
Justin Slater practises as a trial advocate within the full spectrum of child law.
From complex private law disputes, including those cases with a jurisdictional element such as relocation cases, through to public law matters where the children are separately represented, in Wardship, and where issues involving the Hague Convention and Brussels II Revised are relevant.
His particular expertise lies within public law care and adoption proceedings where he receives a balance of instructions from public authorities and lay parties alike. He has a significant talent dealing with experts and the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses involved in suspected sexual abuse, or where serious violence within the family has taken place, including those where children have been directly and seriously harmed.
Justin also has significant experience and brings a professional understanding to cases where issues of mental health or cultural and religious sensitivity arise.
Justin is known for his ability to engage with clients, his clarity of advice, and an ability to steer a ‘route to home’ through what are invariably difficult times.
Justin is qualified to accept instructions directly from clients and is registered under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme, meaning that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme. For more information please visit our Direct Access page here.
Legal Expertise
Family Law
Family Law
Notable Family Law cases
Re SR (a child) [2018] EWCA Civ 2738
Successful appeal against sexual abuse findings in care proceedings where in the first instance, the Judge failed to properly consider the context of the statements made by the child, the cultural context of the words used, and gave improper weight to police questioning of the child in the absence of an ABE interview.
View judgment >Re N [2013] EWHC 1433 (Fam)
Decision of Mrs. Justice Theis DBE providing an analysis of case law decisions in respect of Habitual Residency where the parents argued Jurisdiction was with France. Her Ladyship also emphasised the need for early cooperation between Central authorities and the prioritisation of a fluid exchange of information, “such requests should be made promptly, to ensure there is minimum delay“.
KZ v AM & Others
Decision of Miss Alison Russell QC sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court as she then was. Child was wrongfully retained in England on or about 1st October 2011 and where the Maltese courts had refused to transfer jurisdiction pursuant to an earlier Article 15 request: the child was habitually resident in the jurisdiction of England. The Applicant had known of the whereabouts of the child since his wrongful retention, a period in excess of 1 year, the child is settled in England, had not issued an application for his return to Malta, and in consequence and pursuant to Article 10 (b)(i) Council Regulation 2201/2003 the jurisdiction of the Maltese Courts ended and England had jurisdiction pursuant to Article 8 Council Regulation 2201/2003.
Court of Protection
Court of Protection
Justin appears in Court of Protection actions, particularly those that relate to vulnerable young adults leaving local authority care. He has experience in challenging the provision of services and the need for local authorities to share parental responsibility.
Inquests & Inquiries
Inquests & Inquiries
Justin has frequently acted for local authorities , understands their statutory functions within adult and children’s services, and the pressure on services that they face.
Justin is available to give advice as to ways forward for statutory authorities.
Instructing Justin Slater
For more information please contact our clerks by calling +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
For help or advice please call +44 (0)20 7242 3555 or complete the form below
A member of the Clerking team will help you resolve your request.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an out of hours number?
Yes, please call Chambers mainline number +44 (0)20 7242 3555 and you will be directed to the out of hours phone lines.
How can I find out whether 7BR can take my case?
As a direct access client, please visit our direct access page and complete the initial form, a member of the clerking team will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Will my barrister deal with all the correspondence?
Some barristers have the ability to “conduct litigation” for direct access clients. Our clerks will be able to assist you as to which of our members are trained and accredited to do so.
How do I instruct a barrister?
Please visit our direct access page for the initial steps on instructing a barrister, or contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
