Bethany Burnard

Bethany joined Queen Square Chambers in February 2024 having previously practised at another South-West Chambers.

Since completing a family law focussed pupillage, Counsel has swiftly developed a practice encompassing Public & Private Law matters alongside instructions in Matrimonial Finances and Domestic Violence.

Bringing a calm, patient approach, Counsel is well suited to assisting vulnerable clients, ensuring time is taken to appraise them of proceedings, engaging them with the process so they know they are being fully represented.

Bethany appreciates the efforts of those providing instructions and prides herself on updating with attendance notes and orders in a timely manner.

PUBLIC LAW 

Counsel has experience of representing Parents, Guardians and Local Authority in Care hearings from first to final.

Instructions have involved drug and alcohol misuse, neglect, and domestic abuse and urgent applications for the interim removal of children and applications to extend a Deprivation of Liberty order for a child in a residential placement.

Bethany has also acted for both Local Authorities and parents in adoption applications by prospective adopters, with parents seeking to demonstrate a change to prevent the adoption being granted.

PRIVATE LAW & DOMESTIC ABUSE

Instructions in Private Law matters include a fact-finding hearing involving allegations of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour. Bethany has proved herself adept at assisting clients through emotive proceedings, appreciating the progress that can be made at interim hearings in conference with Clients.

Counsel has also been successful in an appeal against a court’s decision following a fact-finding hearing.

Bethany has represented vulnerable clients at contested occupation and non-molestation order hearings.

MATRIMONIAL FINANCE

Bethany has received instructions at all stages of matrimonial finance proceedings. Counsel is able to assimilate key details swiftly ensuring she feels confident in endeavouring to negotiate the best outcome for her clients, particularly when assets do not cover their needs.

Counsel also has acted in matters involving Armed Forces pensions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bethany achieved a first-class degree in law at the University of the West of England and went on to achieve a Very Competent on the BPTC. Counsel has also completed her LLM Master of Laws and is a ADR group accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator.