What do you specialise in?
Helena joined Banner Jones Middleton in 1994 specialising in Family Law. She is one of the best family lawyers in the region with much of her work now focussing on Child Care Law. Helena represents the children, parents and/or families in complex cases, often involving Non Accidental Injuries, neglect and International Jurisdiction issues.
Helena has significant expertise in care proceedings, concerning the welfare of children brought by social services. She generally represents children in these proceedings, but occasionally represents parents/grandparents. These cases are traumatic for all concerned and Helena prides herself on giving clear, straightforward and robust advice as sympathetically as possible.
Helena has shown a particular specialism recently in dealing with International care cases where the jurisdiction of the case is unclear. This adds further complexity to the case as the jurisdiction issue must be resolved, often through the Courts, to determine whether or not the case can proceed in this country.
Helena is member of the Law Society’s Children Panel and is also a Children's Panel Assessor. She is a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children and a Resolution accredited specialist. Helena is also a trained Collaborative Lawyer (non-practising) and has been awarded the Help & Support for Separated Families accreditation.
Helena has been recognised by UK Legal 500 as having a 'deserved reputation in Family Law' and it is because of her achievements and excellent work that she received Recommended Lawyer status once again. Her reputation is attested to by many clients including those featured above. Helena has been recognised as a 'Recommended Lawyer' in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018-2019 and 2020 UK Legal 500 rankings for all of her achievements and excellent work in Family Law. The 2019 guide praise her as the ‘intelligent, astute, persuasive and committed’ Helena Downing who ‘handles cases with sensitivity and commendable wisdom’.
Where did you study?
BA (Hons.) Durham University
When did you Qualify?
1984
Accreditations & Awards
- Consultant Solicitor
- HelenaDowning@bannerjones.co.uk
- 01246 283014
- Sheffield - Abbey House 0114 275 5266