Judith Pepper
I was called to the Bar in 1999 and started in a common law set of chambers, gaining experience in criminal and civil work. Within a few years, I specialised in family law. I have extensive experience within the public law arena, representing local authorities, parents, children and other family members. I am often instructed in complex cases involving non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, fabricated illness, wardship and adoption including adoption breakdown. My cases are often further complicated by the fact that they are also subject to parallel criminal proceedings where I use my previous experience in the criminal courts to good effect. I am also instructed in a wide range of private law issues including intractable child arrangements disputes. My practice includes forced marriage and welfare issues affecting vulnerable adults and the Court of Protection.
I have written a number of articles for publications such as Family Law Journal and Family Law Week, on issues such as adoption, sibling relationships in care proceedings and adoption, the murder of one parent by another, forced marriage and sibling assessments. I have a particular interest in siblings in care proceedings. I provided a presentation to the Judicial College in 2019 alongside Professor Daniel Monk on the subject of siblings in care proceedings and adoption.
Outside of work, I am a founding Trustee and Treasurer of the charity ‘I Can Be’.