Zoey is a specialist family law barrister with a particular focus on matters relating to private law children disputes.

She is regularly instructed to represent clients in all types of applications under s.8 Children Act 1989 and is experienced in dealing with all hearing types including finding of fact hearings.

Zoey also regularly supports clients in Family Law Act 1996 applications for non-molestation and occupation orders, including those clients who are vulnerable, have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or who otherwise have additional needs.

Zoey is praised by clients for being “engaging”, “approachable” and “charming” as well as having a “calm resolve that inspires confidence”. Zoey’s approach and people skills make her particularly popular with nervous clients and in disputes of a sensitive nature. She has the ability to look beyond the immediate issue and at the wider picture to provide advice that helps the client to work toward the most beneficial long-term outcome for them and their children.

Zoey also has the added insight of children matters from her judicial experience as a family justice for over 15 years; while sitting in that capacity she dealt with both public and private law hearings and applications. Zoey joins St John’s Chambers from a London based set where she completed her pupillage.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Zoey spent 5 years working as a legal assistant to a senior barrister as well as well over a decade working for a leading legal expenses provider. This led to her being involved in a wide variety of complex and high-value matters and gaining considerable experience in working with individuals of all levels both in conference and at settlement meetings.

Zoey is an Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator, and having qualified in 2006, has taught mediation across the UK and overseas to individual lawyers, professionals and members of the judiciary as well as for organisations such as the Bar Council, the NHS, Kings College London and the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa).

Zoey is based near Bristol and regularly attends courts across the South West, South Wales and along the M4 corridor.

Recent Cases Include

  • E v W (February 2022). Represented the mother in a long-running private law dispute involving children with additional needs and allegations of parental alienation.
  • S v M (March 2022). Represented the respondent in resisting an application for an Occupation Order where there were cross-allegations of abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour.
  • B v B (March 2022). Represented the mother in both Family Law Act and Children Act proceedings including issues of threats to kill, mental illness and concerns around abduction.
  • S v O (April 2022). Represented the father in a case where the local authority’s care plan was adoption and where there was fluctuating capacity.
  • H v F (June 2022). Represented a father seeking a change to his child’s main place of residence including issues of alcoholism and emotional abuse.
  • S v K (August 2022). Represented the child through the guardian in Private Law proceedings where there were issues of violence, domestic abuse and stalking.
  • C v W (October 2022). Represented a vulnerable mother with respect to a contact application with issues including rape and sexual assault and where the child was represented by the guardian.

Cases

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Resources

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Client Quotes

Zoey puts her clients first. This is demonstrated in her ability to provide clear, conscientious advice which instantly calms and reassures clients. At the same time, Zoey can be a fierce advocate with excellent cross examination skills. Zoey was recently instructed in a case which involved a highly sensitive and vulnerable client, who successfully obtained injunctive orders (in a case where there were contested cross applications), largely as a result of Zoey’s detailed analysis and commitment to the case.”

Zhenja Cann , Associate, Thrings

I have instructed Zoey on a number of matters and have been consistently impressed by her preparation and presentation, as well as her faultless advice to clients. Zoey always has her eye on the larger picture, offering suggestions and approaches in the short term that will work towards a beneficial outcome for clients in the longer term. She manages litigants in person extremely well and always in a professional and competent manner. Zoey is costs-conscious for clients and will give an excellent service whether for private or publicly funded matters. I am so grateful to Zoey for her assistance and regularly recommend her services to colleagues and clients.”

Georgia Holmes, Goughs

I instructed Zoey in what turned out to be quite complex Child Arrangements matters, and was impressed with the way in which she handled matters throughout. She has a collaborative approach and communicates well with both clients and fellow professionals alike. She is thorough, speedy, with great attention to detail, and gives full feedback following on from hearings both verbally and with detailed attendance notes. I highly recommend Zoey for this type of work, and will undoubtedly be instructing her in the future.”

Graham Simm, Oerton Simm

I’ve instructed Zoey in contact/Child Arrangement Order cases and have been very pleased with the work she has done, as have our clients. She is friendly, approachable, “down to earth” and patient with clients with an ability to put them at their ease, whilst retaining a robust approach to advocacy when required. She also provides very detailed and helpful attendance notes. This is a valuable combination of qualities in any family advocate and I am happy to recommend Zoey to anyone considering instructing her in this type of matter.”

Martin Lambert

[Our] client said Zoey was really helpful and he understands what he needs to do to build his case for any future applications. Counsel’s attendance note was very clear and provided detailed pragmatic advice for the client.”
 
 

Stacie Jay Godfrey, Powells Law

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • Bar Professional Training Course – Outstanding (2017-2018)
    • Middle Temple Roll of Honour
    • Highest Overall Mark in Advocacy (Evidence in Chief)
    • Highest Overall Mark in Family Advocacy
    • Tutor’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the BPTC
    • Finalist: Guildhall Chambers Civil Advocacy Competition Finalist:
    • Albion Chambers Family Advocacy Competition
    • Finalist: PSU Family Advocacy Competition
    • Graduate Diploma in Law (P/T 2015-2017)
    • Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator (2006)
    • Graduate Member Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (2003 – 2005)
    • BSc Law and Business (1998 – 2000)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
    • Resolution
    • Association of Lawyers for Children

  • Additional information:

    Zoey is a mum to boys and loves to travel. She is a keen runner, covering distances from 5km to marathons and recently completed the World Marathon Majors in New York having previously competed at London, Berlin, Chicago, Boston and Tokyo, one of less than 8000 people worldwide to have done so.

  • Zoey White is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.