Mary has for many years specialized in Child Protection law and has built up a wealth of court experience particularly in the area of Care law. She has appeared at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal, and has dealt with complex cases of neglect, abuse, factitious illness, child trafficking and domestic violence. She is adept at dealing with cases involving drug or alcohol addition and has a particular strength in representing clients with mental health and learning difficulties.
Mary sits as a part-time Judge on the Mental Health jurisdiction of the Health, Social Care and Mental Health First Tier Tribunal.
She has recently been appointed as one of the counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which she undertakes in addition to her normal work. She is currently involved in the Residential Schools inquiry.
In addition, Mary sits as a Arbitrator on the panel of Sport Resolutions, the independent dispute resolution service for sport in the UK. Sport Resolutions deals with issues such as doping, transgender issues and child safeguarding.
Mary has recently represented a mother with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, successfully obtaining an order for the child to remain in the care of the mother at home notwithstanding the diagnosis.
In another case, Mary represented a father who had seriously injured his baby. Mary obtained specialist advice which showed that this had resulted from the father’s previously undiagnosed autism, and that once that was understood, the risk could be properly managed at home. Again, the child was able to remain with the family.
She is a Trustee of Mosaic Clubhouse, a charity based in Brixton, which supports and assists people challenged by mental ill-health to obtain and keep real, productive employment, so aiding their recovery.
Mary is married with two children. When time permits, she escapes to the north of Scotland where her only neighbours are cows and sheep.
Read Z v Kent County Council (Revocation of placement order – Failure to assess Mother’s capacity and Grandparents) [2018] EWFC B65 (18 October 2018).
7th November 2018 Read more42 Bedford Row are delighted to announce Mary Robertson has been appointed as one of the Counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse as part of the team undertaking the inquiry into Residential Schools.
27th September 2018 Read more