Cara Radford
Cara is developing a busy practice and accepts instructions in Children Act proceedings, Family Law Act applications and civil proceedings
Within Family law Cara’s cases relate to private law children. In private law, she has covered cases including Children Act applications and non-molestation orders. She is a particular specialist in representing victims of all kinds of domestic abuse, including violence, sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and psychological or financial abuse.
Cara values the opportunity to spend time building relationships with her clients and working with them throughout the court process, as she knows how reassuring it is for them to work with the same person, who understands and is sympathetic towards their issues.
In civil law, she has handled numerous small claims and fast-track cases. These include road traffic accidents (including claims for assessment of damages) and non-payment of debts. Cara also represents local authorities and private landlords in possession claims.
Cara prides herself on her attention to detail and her ability to assimilate information very quickly in order to put across a case succinctly in court.
Her ambition to become a barrister came from the desire to help others when they have to deal with the unfamiliar legal system. Having undertaken pro bono work with City Law School’s Family Advice Scheme, she understands that the court process can be daunting to those who haven’t previously experienced it. The Scheme assists litigants in person who cannot afford representation, with everything from the completion of court forms through to representation in the court room.
Before commencing Pupillage, Cara worked for a Local Authority and acted as advocate on their behalf in the Magistrates’ Court. This gave her experience of Local Authority litigation and understanding of both the role of applicant and the defence roles and responsibilities.
Cara has also previously taught debating in schools and prisons, including Feltham Young Offenders Institution; giving her a clear understanding of how best to approach different situations, as well as enhancing her communication skills and ensuring that legal jargon is explained clearly and concisely.