Jo is a highly sought-after specialist in family law, entrusted with some of the most significant national cases. She acts in cases involving the death of children, sexual abuse and radicalism. She is described as ‘fearless’ in her pursuit of justice and fairness for those who don’t have a voice or are afraid to use it.  Jo acted on behalf of 76 bereaved families in the Hillsborough inquests and was instrumental in securing the verdict that the inadequate emergency medical response contributed to or caused the loss of life in the disaster. Last year she successfully acted for one of the women whose test case in the Court of Appeal led to nationwide guidance or the first time in 20 years on how courts should treat domestic abuse and coercive control. 

Jo has become known as an outspoken voice for equality and diversity in the Law. She has spoken openly about the use and abuse of power in the legal profession. Jo is passionate about mentoring and role modelling for students from disadvantaged and non traditional backgrounds. Brought up by a single mum and educated in the state sector, Jo was the first person in her family to stay in education after the age of 16. Against the odds, she went to Oxford University to read Law and became a barrister. She is now a Queens Counsel , Emeritus professor of Law and a Fellow of Gresham College.