Rhian is a leading junior barrister in the field of childcare law, and her practice area covers the whole of South Wales.
She is considered a team player when instructed in a case, and welcomes a dialogue with solicitors during the pre-proceedings process to assist in the early preparation of the case.
Rhian has developed a thriving practice within the field of care proceedings. She has a varied practice, representing local authorities, parents and guardians alike, and cases have included representing Local Authorities in cases of complex historical non-accidental injury spanning many years and often involving sibling groups, representing parents and grandparents facing allegations of sexual abuse and / or physical abuse, representing Guardians and children who are competent to give instructions. Rhian is also regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor to represent adults with cognitive difficulties.
Whilst being a hard working individual with attention to detail, Rhian is renowned for quickly building a rapport with clients. She is recognised as being approachable to professional and lay clients alike, and empathetic in dealing with the sensitive matters raised within family and care proceedings. Going hand in hand with this approach is her ability to communicate advice clearly and concisely to the solicitor and client, tailoring the manner in which such advice is conveyed to ensure clarity and understanding.
Rhian is a fluent Welsh speaker capable of conducting both conferences and hearings through the medium of Welsh.
For many years, Rhian has provided CPD training to solicitors and counsel alike as to recent developments in case law and legislation. This of course necessitates a clear understanding and capacity to analyse the subject matter. She has experience of lecturing university students and has undertaken the same through the medium of Welsh.
This year’s Legal 500 describes her as “… highly sought after for her expertise in care proceedings and representing local authorities, parents, guardians, and children.  She also receives instructions from the Official Solicitor on behalf of adults with cognitive difficulties.”
Rhian’s practice focuses on Local Authority work, parent and guardian work within the area of family and childcare. Additionally, her previous experience of working within a busy Local Authority child care team has provided her with in-depth and invaluable experience as to the complex workings and structures of the processes relevant to a practice in child care.
The Legal 500 2026 records:
“She prepares all of her cases with exceptional care, diligence and thoroughness.  She undertakes her work with a passion, and holds her own against silks.”
This year’s Legal 500 describes her as “… highly sought after for her expertise in care proceedings and representing local authorities, parents, guardians, and children.  She also receives instructions from the Official Solicitor on behalf of adults with cognitive difficulties.”
LEGAL 500
“She prepares all of her cases with exceptional care, diligence and thoroughness.  She undertakes her work with a passion, and holds her own against silks.”
‘Her strength is her ability to communicate with her clients and win their confidence.’
CHAMBERS UK GUIDES
“She works tirelessly and diligently for those she represents. She is an extremely effective advocate who is thorough and exacting in her detailed preparation.”
‘An exceptional barrister. The paperwork she prepares is always of the highest standard. She is an effective advocate who is well thought of by the judiciary and her peers.’
‘She is pleasant, user-friendly and very good at what she does.’
“She is extremely patient, has excellent preparation, is very approachable and experienced. More than a safe pair of hands.”
‘Well-regarded barrister who specialises in representing local authorities, guardians, parents and other family members in care proceedings. She has particular experience in cases involving non-accidental injury and allegations of historical sexual or physical abuse.’
‘She is very comprehensive, very approachable and very good on a personal level in building a relationship of trust with guardians.’
- Re Swansea CC v 11 Respondents [2022] EWFC 12 (04 March 2022) a case concerning multiple and varied allegations of  abuse involving inter-connected families.
- Carmarthenshire County Council v Y [2017] EWFC 36
- Re R (An Infant) [2016] EWFC 60
- BVC Inns of Court School of Law London – Very Competent grade (2000)
- Cardiff University – LL.B (Hons) (1999)
- Queen Elizabeth Maridunum School, Carmarthen (1996)
- Hardwick Scholarship for BVC year (1999-2000)
- Sir Thomas Moore scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn) for pupillage year (2001-2002)
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