Gail Farrington

Call 2011

Principal Areas of Work

• Family Law
• Regulatory Law
• Children (Public) Law
• Children (Private) Law
• Family Finance Law
• Court of Protection Law

Professional Reputation

Gail is the Head of the Finance Team at Wilberforce Chambers and Deputy Head of the CoP Team. Gail Joined Wilberforce Chambers in 2020 having practiced in Nottingham for 10 years after joining the bar. Gail is well known in Hull as she was a legal executive and solicitor for a number of years in Hull prior to transferring to the bar in 2011.

Matrimonial Finance

Gail has many years experience in representing clients in matrimonial finance, TOLATA and Schedule 1 Children Act cases.

She has experience in all aspects of matrimonial cases from modest assets through to high net worth, including dealing with pensions and businesses.

Gail also deals with emergency applications to secure freezing orders, search order and enforcement actions.

Children Act Proceedings

Gail regularly appears in all levels of court in both public and private law proceedings, representing the interests of parents, grandparents, children and the local authority.

She regularly represents parents in fact find hearings following allegations of domestic abuse.

Gail also has experience in dealing with relocation cases, including within the UK and abroad.

Notable Cases:

• Re S (a child) [2021] EWCA Civ 605 – representing the Local Authority following the appeal of the mother against a decision to refuse her application to discharge a care order.
• Re X and Y (Flawed Sexual Abuse Investigation, ABE and Abuse of s.20) 2021 (case to be published) – representing the mother in care proceedings where significant failings into the conduct of the Local Authority were identified following allegations of sexual abuse
• LCC v M and M [2021] – representation of mother in a long standing case in private law, then care proceedings involving a child who presented as selectively mute

Court of Protection

Gail has been keen to develop this area of work and is the deputy head of the CoP team alongside Rebecca Miller. Gail has developed a practice in this area representing the Local Authority in cases where welfare issues are being considered.

Regulatory Law (Inquests)

Gail accepts instructions to represent families and local authorities at inquests before the coroner’s court and has appeared at number of high profile inquests.

Notable Cases:

• Cockburn family (2016) – representing family following the death of 3 generations of one family in a car crash on the A18 near Grimsby
• Death of Helen Nicoll (2016) – representing the family of Mrs Nicoll whose husband was initially questioned by the police over her death.

Qualifications and Appointments

• PgDL – 2002 – Leeds Metropolitan University – Pass.
• Legal Practice Course – College of Law – 2004 – Commendation
• CIARB – Family Law Arbitration – 2021

Professional Memberships

• Gray’s Inn
• North Eastern Circuit
• Family Law Bar Association
• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
• Vice President of Hull Law Society

Training and Seminars

Gail regularly presents and contributes to seminars and workshops presented by chambers to solicitors and members of chambers.

Public Access Work

Gail is qualified to accept Public Access Work (direct access) and can be instructed directly by members of the public rather than through a solicitor.

Testimonials

‘We have instructed Gail Farrington in a number of family cases and the results and feedback from our clients have been highly positive.  She provides clear and realistic advice, and is able to manage clients’ expectations in a calm, yet extremely confident manner.  She has excellent negotiation and advocacy skills and we are consistently pleased with her outcomes.  We receive invaluable support from Counsel’s Clerks who we find engaging and helpful at all times.’

‘Gail Farrington was very efficient, confident, articulate and professional in her role. She was attentive to the client’s needs and wishes putting him at ease throughout the process. She was approachable and friendly whilst maintaining her professionalism and wasn’t afraid to actively manage the client’s expectations.’

‘A special mention to Gail Farrington. She is always available for a discussion on any case and will drop everything to assist. Her communication skills with clients are exemplary. She has a tremendous ability to put clients at ease throughout a case. She and indeed her colleagues are our first choice when counsel is required.’