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30 Park Place - Barristers Chambers
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Catrin John


Call: 1992

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Catrin John is a senior family law specialist and Head of Chambers at 30 Park Place. Formerly Joint Head of the Family Team, she has built a respected reputation for handling some of the most serious and complex cases in the field.

Catrin’s practice focuses on public law children work, with particular expertise in cases involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse. She is frequently instructed in proceedings concerning non-accidental injuries, including multiple fractures, head trauma, poisoning, and the death of a child. Many of her cases involve parallel criminal investigations, requiring careful management of sensitive evidence and close coordination between jurisdictions.

She has also acted in matters involving Forced Marriage Protection Orders and Female Genital Mutilation Orders, often in cases with international or cultural complexities.

Catrin represents a broad range of clients, including local authorities, parents, interveners, family members and children. Her ability to handle emotionally charged and high-stakes proceedings with clarity and authority makes her a trusted advocate for all parties.

Caitrin appears regularly in cases alongside and against King’s Counsel and has acted in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in her own right. Known for her calm, balanced approach and clear communication, she brings sound judgement and deep experience to every case.

Expertise

Catrin specialises in complex public law children cases involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse, including non-accidental injury and child death. She acts for local authorities, parents, children and interveners, and is experienced in cases involving forced marriage, FGM, and parallel criminal proceedings at High Court and appellate level.

Additional Information

  • Former Wales and Chester Circuit Junior
  • BVC, ICSL
  • LLB, Cardiff University
  • Family Law Bar Association
  • Re JW (Child at home under care order) [2023] EWCA Civ 944
  • A Local Authority v AA BB [2020] EWHC 3775 (Fam)

For more information
Contact our clerks for assistance with choosing the right barrister for your matter.

clerks@30parkplace.co.uk
+44 (0)2920 398421

"Catrin is very experienced - an impressive advocate whilst also maintaining a very grounded practice."


Chambers UK 2026

"Catrin was extremely well prepared, gave excellent advice, and her cross-examination was effective and on point."


Chambers UK 2026

"Catrin has a vast knowledge of child care matters and is an excellent advocate."


Chambers UK 2026

‘Catrin is excellent. She fully reads papers, gives good advice, and is good with clients.'


Legal 50 2026

"Catrin always offers an excellent level of representation and advocacy."


Chambers UK 2025

"Catrin is always extremely well-prepared. She is very easy to instruct and communicates well with instructing solicitors before, during and after hearings."


Legal 500 2025

"Catrin is very approachable, professional, efficient and has a wealth of experience in complex care cases."


Chambers UK 2024

"Catrin is reliable, calm and organised and has a lovely manner with clients."


Chambers UK 2024

"Catrin is highly experienced in care cases and has always delivered an excellent level of service."


Chambers UK 2023

"Catrin is an excellent practitioner - equivalent to a silk. She is a very effective cross-examiner, and takes a measured approach in complex cases."


Legal 500 2023

"Catrin John is exceptionally bright, hardworking, thorough and provides a no nonsense and balanced approach."


Legal 500 2022

"Extremely hard-working and thorough."


Chambers UK 2021

"A good advocate with a focus on children matters."


Legal 500 2021

"She's very reliable, knows the cases and is very supportive to her clients."


Chambers UK 2020

"Instructed in both public and private children matters."


Legal 500 2020
Catrin John has been appointed as our new Head of Chambers

Catrin John has been appointed as our new Head of Chambers

News | 30 October 2023

Following the appointment of The Honourable Ms Justice Ruth Henke to the High Court, 30 Park Place is delighted to announce the appointment of Miss…

Chambers UK Bar 2018 Rankings

News | 3 November 2017

30 Park Place is delighted to announce it’s recognition as a Band 1 Chambers in Crime, Family / Matrimonial and Personal Injury. Following our recent recognition…

View all related news and resources

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