Vanessa was called in 1990. She is a family law specialist and has developed a practice in which she enjoys the considerable mix of care, adoption, family finance and private law children act applications. She has appeared in the Court of Appeal at regular intervals in her career. Since 2009 she has been a Recorder on the South Eastern Circuit (Family and Civil). She is a pupil supervisor and regular speaker at seminars. She is a member of ALC, CoramBaaf and FLBA. She is an affiliate member of Resolution. She accepts instructions under direct access.
Directories
Vanessa is ranked in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. In more detail:
Chambers and Partners
“Absolutely excellent, her preparation is second to none and her advocacy is excellent” “Forensic, detailed and good with clients” (2017)
"She is a very good and thorough advocate who can argue a point clearly in court and is willing to fight those 50/50 cases". "She is very good at finance cases - very experienced, thorough and prepared" (2016)
“A well-prepared and robust advocate, very client friendly and skilled at cross examination”. “she does everything in family law and handles it brilliantly” (2015)
"She's really good on a case where you've got a real fight on your hands" (2014)
“Vanessa Meachin in hailed for her committed and dogged approach and clients are particularly pleased to find a barrister who fights their corner with such vigour. Her practice encompasses care, matrimonial finance and private law children act applications” (2013)
Vanessa Meachin “draws praise as an excellent and knowledgeable barrister who is really good with clients and court staff. Her broad experience allows her to undertake work relating to child care and adoption as well as matrimonial finance” (2012)
“She specialises in high net worth ancillary relief and has particular experience in cases involving business assets” and “her knowledge, experience and gravitas puts clients at ease” (2011)
Legal 500
Vanessa is ranked in family and children as a leading junior (ranked tier 1)
“Her practice spans care, adoption, finance and private law children cases” (2016)
"Extremely competent and well versed in the law and procedure" (2014)
The "client-friendly" Vanessa Meachin has an "encyclopaedic knowledge of the law" (2013)
“Vanessa Meachin is a strong advocate who also has a keen eye for settlement opportunities” (2012)
“Vanessa Meachin’s sensible approach often assists settlement but she is prepared for a contest if necessary” (2011)
“Vanessa Meachin consistently delivers quality advice and representation in a personable but business-like manner” (2010)
Notable Cases
Re C (a child) [2016] EWFC B110
A local Authority V AB and others [2015] All ER (D) 14
A Local Authority v X and a Child [2013] EWHC 3274 (Fam)/ [2014] 2 FLR 123
Birmingham City Council v AG and A [2009] EWHC 3720 (Fam)/[2010] 2 FLR 580
Re B (Appeal: lack of reasons) [2003] EWCA Civ 881/ [2003] 2 FLR 1035
Re D [2015] All ER (D) 136
Re D (Appeal: Procedure: Evidence) [2015] EWCA Civ 409/ [2016] 1 FLR 249
Re G (Leave to Appeal: Jurisdiction) [1999] 1 FLR 771
Re K (A child: Therapy) [2013] All ER (D) 367
Re K (Wardship: Publicity) [2014] 1 FLR 548
Re K (Wardship: Publicity) (No 2) [2013] EWHC 3748 (Fam)/[2014] 2 FLR 310
Re R (Placement order) [2007] EWHC 3031 (Fam) [2008] 1 FLR 1259
Re W (a child) (removal at birth: contact) [2013] All ER (D) 254