Areas of Expertise

• Family Law
• Court of Protection

Areas of Practice

• Family Law

Marie-Claire practices in all aspects of proceedings concerning children.  She regularly acts on behalf of Local Authorities, children, parents and intervenors.   She is experienced in contested hearings, including fact finding hearings relating to serious injuries, physical and sexual abuse and matters involving indecent imagery of children.

Her experience covers a variety of complex public law work and has regular experience of cases with international elements such as placement of a child outside of the jurisdiction, and transfer of the proceedings outside of the jurisdiction, especially relating to eastern European countries.

Marie-Claire receives instructions for proceedings invoking the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, including deprivation of a child’s liberty and best interest decisions for medical treatment.  She has experience in advising and representation in Part 19 applications for ‘relinquished’ children.  Marie-Claire also has experience in applications for adoption orders, including applications for leave to oppose an adoption order.  Previously, she has represented adoption agencies, parents and prospective adopters in such applications.

Outside of Children Act proceedings, she has experience in advice and representation in applications preventing forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Marie-Claire was a former solicitor and member of the Law Society Children Panel, with a practice almost exclusively representing children subject to private and public law proceedings.  Whilst a solicitor, she had experience of wardship proceedings and proceedings relating to allegations of radicalisation.

Her approach to representation of parents is focussed upon the client’s individual needs, especially those with additional needs, having personal experiences of neurodiversity.

Marie-Claire has a keen interest in Court of Protection work, and the ability to transfer to/from the family courts when making decisions for young people. 

She provides training and seminars to professionals and solicitors within public law proceedings.  She is a member of the Northern Circuit and the Family Law Bar Association.

In her spare time Marie-Claire enjoys reading, exercise and spending time with family and friends.  She has a keen interest in sports governance and is on the board of directors for a national governing body.

Client feedback

“Miss Gane has an impeccable reputation amongst the legal profession. She is often instructed for the Local Authority, and always acts with the upmost professionalism. Miss Gane is incredibly proactive in providing clear, conscious advice, and she has a tenacious ability to handle complicated matters head on.”

“I would recommend Miss Gane as an advocate on any matter. She has a great eye to detail and has excellent client care skills. Always willing to go the extra mile to reach the right result for any client she is represents.”