Avaia Williams
This has been the most difficult chapter of our lives, but your guidance gave us strength and hope. You fought tirelessly for our family, and we will always be grateful for how you handled our case with such compassion, professionalism, and determination.
Father, [2025] EWFC 201 (B)
About
Avaia joined Parklane Plowden Chambers as a tenant in October 2025 following a specialist Children and Court of Protection pupillage under the supervision of Sara Anning, Rebecca Musgrove, and Lucy Sowden. Avaia has observed and assisted with a broad range of children and court of protection cases spanning the totality of these practice areas and has quickly developed a busy children and CoP practice.
Court of Protection
Avaia has rapidly developed a substantial Court of Protection practice and is regularly instructed in complex health and welfare proceedings across the Circuit. He appears before Tier 1 and Tier 2 judges on a broad range of matters and acts for P (through the Official Solicitor, Litigation Friends, and RPRs), family members, Local Authorities, and Integrated Care Boards.
His practice encompasses applications under sections 15 and 16 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 21A challenges, disputes concerning residence, care, contact and capacity, deputyship applications, injunctions against family members, ordinary residence disputes, transparency applications, and issues arising from section 117 aftercare responsibilities. He is particularly experienced in cases involving individuals transitioning from children’s to adult services, recent detentions under the Mental Health Act, and matters involving overlapping safeguarding, criminal justice, and public law considerations.
Avaia has developed a particular reputation for cases involving acute and pervasive mental illness, substance and alcohol misuse, fractured family relationships, and highly contentious welfare disputes. He is frequently instructed in proceedings concerning psychotic disorders, delusional illnesses, severe personality disorders, and complex presentations where the court must balance competing views of family members, professionals, and P themselves. His calm and measured approach enables him to navigate emotionally charged proceedings while maintaining a clear focus on the statutory framework and P’s rights.
His experience includes acting in challenges to capacity assessments, disputes concerning deprivation of liberty, contested residence applications, and proceedings involving prolonged detention under the Mental Health Act. He has successfully resisted assertions that P had regained capacity, secured declarations concerning contact and home visits in finely balanced cases, and acted in matters concerning covert administration of medication and treatment. He is particularly well placed to deal with cases involving mental health law and has extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Acts, including the forthcoming reforms and their anticipated impact on Court of Protection practice.
Avaia has an interest in transparency and open justice within the Court of Protection. He has successfully sought amendments to Transparency Orders to permit wider reporting and freedom of expression during proceedings and has secured orders providing for the discharge of reporting restrictions following P’s death. He maintains a keen interest in the development of this area and regularly writes and provides training on issues concerning transparency, procedural fairness, and the general ‘humanity’ required within COP proceedings.
Drawing on his children law practice, Avaia brings specialist insight to matters involving young people approaching adulthood, transitions between legal frameworks, and the interaction between children’s services and adult social care. He is also well versed in the court’s inherent jurisdiction, having undertaken postgraduate research focused on the protection of vulnerable but capacious adults.
Avaia is known for combining meticulous preparation with pragmatic advocacy. He brings a lateral and analytical approach to complex welfare disputes, identifying the issues that truly matter to the court while remaining sensitive to the profound impact these proceedings have on P and those closest to them. He is committed to ensuring that the rights, autonomy, and best interests of those who lack capacity remain at the centre of every case.
Children Law
Avaia is regularly instructed across the full spectrum of children law matters, acting for Local Authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians, intervenors, and other interested parties. Drawing on experience both at the Bar and within a Local Authority children’s legal team, he is familiar with the practical, legal, and strategic issues arising in both public and private law proceedings.
His public law practice encompasses care proceedings involving non-accidental injury, serious neglect, allegations of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation and alienating behaviours, emergency removals, adoption and post-adoption contact applications, Educational Supervision Orders, wardship and inherent jurisdiction matters, Deprivation of Liberty applications, international and cross-border cases, advice concerning the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, and Child Abduction Warning Notices.
In private law proceedings, Avaia is regularly instructed in disputes concerning Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, relocation applications (both domestic and international), parental responsibility disputes, applications by extended family members, Special Guardianship matters, rule 16.4 appointments, appeals, and cases involving intervenors and Local Authorities in quasi-public proceedings.
Avaia has considerable experience of complex and sensitive litigation. He has acted in multi-day final hearings involving allegations of parental alienating behaviours, serious physical abuse, sexual assault, rape, stalking, and the fabrication or exaggeration of behavioural and developmental conditions. He is familiar with issues frequently encountered in modern children proceedings, including covert recordings, neurodiversity, cultural considerations, and the impact of mental health conditions such as EUPD and PTSD.
His experience extends beyond routine applications. He has successfully argued against notification of consulates, embassies, and absent parents where appropriate, secured amendments to care plans through submissions on cultural competence, achieved reunification contrary to the positions of Local Authorities and Children’s Guardians, obtained Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders, appeared in the National DoLS Court, secured section 91(14) and section 34(4) orders, and acted for Local Authorities in complex proceedings before section 9 judges.
Avaia has also observed and assisted on appeals reaching the Court of Appeal, and has succeeded in all three appeals he has himself brought or defended. Avaia has been involved in novel applications concerning international placements, the Hague Conventions, and less commonly cited international treaties. He has developed a particular interest in cases involving significant cultural considerations, including those involving parents from West African backgrounds where issues of physical chastisement and cultural norms arise, as well as a broader interest in international children law.
Known for his empathetic yet pragmatic approach, Avaia combines clear advocacy with careful client management. He is regularly instructed in challenging and emotionally charged disputes and is recognised for bright written and oral submissions, practical problem-solving, and an ability to navigate complex cases with sensitivity and clarity.
Public and Administrative Law
Drawing on his previous experience as a legal officer defending Judicial Review, and his current Court of Protection and children law practices, he is familiar with the public law duties and decision-making processes of Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards, NHS bodies, and other public authorities. He has advised on the merits of prospective judicial review claims and has experience defending challenges to public bodies’ decision-making.
His experience includes matters concerning statutory duties, procedure in the Administrative Court, adult social care, children’s services, and NHS commissioning responsibilities. He has recently provided advice to Integrated Care Boards concerning prospective judicial review proceedings. As a Legal Officer, Avaia carried a case load of public and administrative matters, and was the lead fee earner on a novel judicial review concerning disability support and direct payments, resulting in two reported decisions: R (LHG) v Bury Council [2023] EWHC 3162 (Admin) and R (LHG) v Bury Council (No. 2) [2023] EWHC 3235 (Admin). He has since delivered talks on Local Authority duties and judicial review.
Background
Avaia previously worked as a legal officer for Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, managing a substantial caseload of public children, Court of Protection, and administrative law matters involving vulnerable children and parents with a range of needs, including significant mental health issues and diminished cognition. He was responsible for leading pre-proceedings matters, progressing s.37 reports, and providing tailored advice to schools and social workers on the Local Authority’s statutory obligations to children in need under s.17 and relevant regulations. During this period, he gained insight into cases involving serious and sensitive allegations. Further, Avaia had oversight of several complex adoption matters and has a unique understanding of the progression of adoption cases, including Annex A and Annex B reports and the inner working of the post-placement process, both domestic and internationally.
Over the course of eight years, Avaia delivered training to more than 10,000 professionals, spanning social workers, police officers, central government agencies, and schools, focusing on child protection with particular emphasis on sexual exploitation and extremist radicalisation, as well as subject expert insights into social media and the ‘dark web’. He has received specialist training in working with young victims of traumatic events, as well as crisis management and intervention. Avaia has continued such training and education at the Bar and regularly contributes articles and updates on family law and CoP matters, as well as delivering presentations to local firms and Local Authorities.
Avaia is a committee member of Young Legal Aid Lawyers and is responsible for YLAL’s mentoring scheme, he is also the founder of The Nightingale Rights Initiative and regularly comments on issues of importance to the field of human rights. He has delivered several talks on social mobility and access to the profession to local schools and colleges, is an avid supporter of those from unconventional backgrounds coming to the Bar, and he regularly supports Gray’s Inn in delivering its annual introductory weekend, moots and talks. He remains committed to championing social justice and advocating for society’s most vulnerable and is a significant contributor to pro bono work, through Advocate, Not Beyond Redemption, and of his own volition. Avaia is one of Chambers Pro Bono Champions and sits on Chambers Outreach Committee.
Areas of Expertise
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Accolades
Avaia Williams
This has been the most difficult chapter of our lives, but your guidance gave us strength and hope. You fought tirelessly for our family, and we will always be grateful for how you handled our case with such compassion, professionalism, and determination.
Father, [2025] EWFC 201 (B)
About
Avaia joined Parklane Plowden Chambers as a tenant in October 2025 following a specialist Children and Court of Protection pupillage under the supervision of Sara Anning, Rebecca Musgrove, and Lucy Sowden. Avaia has observed and assisted with a broad range of children and court of protection cases spanning the totality of these practice areas and has quickly developed a busy children and CoP practice.
Court of Protection
Avaia has rapidly developed a substantial Court of Protection practice and is regularly instructed in complex health and welfare proceedings across the Circuit. He appears before Tier 1 and Tier 2 judges on a broad range of matters and acts for P (through the Official Solicitor, Litigation Friends, and RPRs), family members, Local Authorities, and Integrated Care Boards.
His practice encompasses applications under sections 15 and 16 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 21A challenges, disputes concerning residence, care, contact and capacity, deputyship applications, injunctions against family members, ordinary residence disputes, transparency applications, and issues arising from section 117 aftercare responsibilities. He is particularly experienced in cases involving individuals transitioning from children’s to adult services, recent detentions under the Mental Health Act, and matters involving overlapping safeguarding, criminal justice, and public law considerations.
Avaia has developed a particular reputation for cases involving acute and pervasive mental illness, substance and alcohol misuse, fractured family relationships, and highly contentious welfare disputes. He is frequently instructed in proceedings concerning psychotic disorders, delusional illnesses, severe personality disorders, and complex presentations where the court must balance competing views of family members, professionals, and P themselves. His calm and measured approach enables him to navigate emotionally charged proceedings while maintaining a clear focus on the statutory framework and P’s rights.
His experience includes acting in challenges to capacity assessments, disputes concerning deprivation of liberty, contested residence applications, and proceedings involving prolonged detention under the Mental Health Act. He has successfully resisted assertions that P had regained capacity, secured declarations concerning contact and home visits in finely balanced cases, and acted in matters concerning covert administration of medication and treatment. He is particularly well placed to deal with cases involving mental health law and has extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Acts, including the forthcoming reforms and their anticipated impact on Court of Protection practice.
Avaia has an interest in transparency and open justice within the Court of Protection. He has successfully sought amendments to Transparency Orders to permit wider reporting and freedom of expression during proceedings and has secured orders providing for the discharge of reporting restrictions following P’s death. He maintains a keen interest in the development of this area and regularly writes and provides training on issues concerning transparency, procedural fairness, and the general ‘humanity’ required within COP proceedings.
Drawing on his children law practice, Avaia brings specialist insight to matters involving young people approaching adulthood, transitions between legal frameworks, and the interaction between children’s services and adult social care. He is also well versed in the court’s inherent jurisdiction, having undertaken postgraduate research focused on the protection of vulnerable but capacious adults.
Avaia is known for combining meticulous preparation with pragmatic advocacy. He brings a lateral and analytical approach to complex welfare disputes, identifying the issues that truly matter to the court while remaining sensitive to the profound impact these proceedings have on P and those closest to them. He is committed to ensuring that the rights, autonomy, and best interests of those who lack capacity remain at the centre of every case.
Children Law
Avaia is regularly instructed across the full spectrum of children law matters, acting for Local Authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians, intervenors, and other interested parties. Drawing on experience both at the Bar and within a Local Authority children’s legal team, he is familiar with the practical, legal, and strategic issues arising in both public and private law proceedings.
His public law practice encompasses care proceedings involving non-accidental injury, serious neglect, allegations of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation and alienating behaviours, emergency removals, adoption and post-adoption contact applications, Educational Supervision Orders, wardship and inherent jurisdiction matters, Deprivation of Liberty applications, international and cross-border cases, advice concerning the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, and Child Abduction Warning Notices.
In private law proceedings, Avaia is regularly instructed in disputes concerning Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, relocation applications (both domestic and international), parental responsibility disputes, applications by extended family members, Special Guardianship matters, rule 16.4 appointments, appeals, and cases involving intervenors and Local Authorities in quasi-public proceedings.
Avaia has considerable experience of complex and sensitive litigation. He has acted in multi-day final hearings involving allegations of parental alienating behaviours, serious physical abuse, sexual assault, rape, stalking, and the fabrication or exaggeration of behavioural and developmental conditions. He is familiar with issues frequently encountered in modern children proceedings, including covert recordings, neurodiversity, cultural considerations, and the impact of mental health conditions such as EUPD and PTSD.
His experience extends beyond routine applications. He has successfully argued against notification of consulates, embassies, and absent parents where appropriate, secured amendments to care plans through submissions on cultural competence, achieved reunification contrary to the positions of Local Authorities and Children’s Guardians, obtained Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders, appeared in the National DoLS Court, secured section 91(14) and section 34(4) orders, and acted for Local Authorities in complex proceedings before section 9 judges.
Avaia has also observed and assisted on appeals reaching the Court of Appeal, and has succeeded in all three appeals he has himself brought or defended. Avaia has been involved in novel applications concerning international placements, the Hague Conventions, and less commonly cited international treaties. He has developed a particular interest in cases involving significant cultural considerations, including those involving parents from West African backgrounds where issues of physical chastisement and cultural norms arise, as well as a broader interest in international children law.
Known for his empathetic yet pragmatic approach, Avaia combines clear advocacy with careful client management. He is regularly instructed in challenging and emotionally charged disputes and is recognised for bright written and oral submissions, practical problem-solving, and an ability to navigate complex cases with sensitivity and clarity.
Public and Administrative Law
Drawing on his previous experience as a legal officer defending Judicial Review, and his current Court of Protection and children law practices, he is familiar with the public law duties and decision-making processes of Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards, NHS bodies, and other public authorities. He has advised on the merits of prospective judicial review claims and has experience defending challenges to public bodies’ decision-making.
His experience includes matters concerning statutory duties, procedure in the Administrative Court, adult social care, children’s services, and NHS commissioning responsibilities. He has recently provided advice to Integrated Care Boards concerning prospective judicial review proceedings. As a Legal Officer, Avaia carried a case load of public and administrative matters, and was the lead fee earner on a novel judicial review concerning disability support and direct payments, resulting in two reported decisions: R (LHG) v Bury Council [2023] EWHC 3162 (Admin) and R (LHG) v Bury Council (No. 2) [2023] EWHC 3235 (Admin). He has since delivered talks on Local Authority duties and judicial review.
Background
Avaia previously worked as a legal officer for Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, managing a substantial caseload of public children, Court of Protection, and administrative law matters involving vulnerable children and parents with a range of needs, including significant mental health issues and diminished cognition. He was responsible for leading pre-proceedings matters, progressing s.37 reports, and providing tailored advice to schools and social workers on the Local Authority’s statutory obligations to children in need under s.17 and relevant regulations. During this period, he gained insight into cases involving serious and sensitive allegations. Further, Avaia had oversight of several complex adoption matters and has a unique understanding of the progression of adoption cases, including Annex A and Annex B reports and the inner working of the post-placement process, both domestic and internationally.
Over the course of eight years, Avaia delivered training to more than 10,000 professionals, spanning social workers, police officers, central government agencies, and schools, focusing on child protection with particular emphasis on sexual exploitation and extremist radicalisation, as well as subject expert insights into social media and the ‘dark web’. He has received specialist training in working with young victims of traumatic events, as well as crisis management and intervention. Avaia has continued such training and education at the Bar and regularly contributes articles and updates on family law and CoP matters, as well as delivering presentations to local firms and Local Authorities.
Avaia is a committee member of Young Legal Aid Lawyers and is responsible for YLAL’s mentoring scheme, he is also the founder of The Nightingale Rights Initiative and regularly comments on issues of importance to the field of human rights. He has delivered several talks on social mobility and access to the profession to local schools and colleges, is an avid supporter of those from unconventional backgrounds coming to the Bar, and he regularly supports Gray’s Inn in delivering its annual introductory weekend, moots and talks. He remains committed to championing social justice and advocating for society’s most vulnerable and is a significant contributor to pro bono work, through Advocate, Not Beyond Redemption, and of his own volition. Avaia is one of Chambers Pro Bono Champions and sits on Chambers Outreach Committee.
Avaia accepts instructions in all areas of children law, having specialised extensively in this area during pupillage. He has observed and assisted in a wide range of public law proceedings, including finding of fact and final hearings spanning numerous days. Further, Avaia has been exposed to novel and complex applications Educational Supervision Orders, Adoption Order hearings (including applications for leave to oppose and post-adoption contact), wardship applications, s.26 post-placement contact applications, international placements and adoption and Deprivation of Liberty orders. His experience also extends to appeals, having supported matters progressing up to the Court of Appeal.
He is well-versed in handling highly sensitive matters and has been involved in cases concerning serious allegations, including non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, and chronic neglect.
Avaia is familiar with disputes concerning change of name, relocation, and removal from the jurisdiction applications; Avaia understands cross-border issues and the application of the Hague Conventions as well as niche international instruments including the Vienna Conventions and the UNCRC. He is mindful of the emotional and practical challenges that families face and provides pragmatic, detail-oriented advice to achieve outcomes that safeguard children’s welfare.
Prior to pupillage, Avaia managed a substantial public children caseload at Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, advising on pre-proceedings matters and statutory obligations to children in need, managing adoption cases and applications to revoke placement orders, and running multiple complex care proceedings involving silk. This background enables him to offer invaluable insight into the workings of local authorities and to provide nuanced, informed representation for all parties involved. Further, Avaia’s involvement in Judicial Review matters and leading research into Local Authority duties allows him to bring unique perspectives to cases and spot things which others may not know to look for.
Avaia is fiercely passionate about ensuring that the child’s voice is heard within proceedings and vulnerable parties are afforded full participation.
Avaia is able to represent and advise at all stages in Family Law Act proceedings for non-molestation and occupation orders, including appeals of such orders.
Some of Avaia’s notable instructions in this area include:
- Applications for non-notification to a state
- Inherent jurisdiction applications in the National DoL Court
- Final Inflicted Injury hearing representing a father from Africa where culture was a key factor, children returned home
- Final hearing representing a Local Authority seeking Placement Orders due to parental mental health and substance misuse, orders made
- Multi-day Finding of Fact dealing with coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking and harassment
- Successful application for interim contact notwithstanding serious allegations
- Finding of Fact dealing with significant concerns of parental alienation and fabricated presentations
- NMO hearing relying on protective orders made in New Zealand
- Bespoke advice on intercountry adoption under the 1993 Hague Convention
- Written submissions against appeal and interim stay
- Finding of Fact concerning “shaking” of a baby
- Successfully applying for permission to revoke an SGO, and thereafter successful revocation of the SGO
- Successful conclusion at IRH for 6-children across 3 contested care plans
- Representing a parent with a history of acute psychosis, including securing substantive interim contact orders
- Representing an incarcerated mother whose child had not been told of their true parentage (Pro Bono, Not Beyond Redemption)
- Representing a parent who had a Child Abduction Warning Notice issued to them which acted as a barrier to contact deemed in the child’s best interests
- Appeal against refusal to discharge a Special Guardianship Order
- Secured significant stepped care arrangements for a mother whose contact was restricted on incarceration (Pro Bono, Not Beyond Redemption)
- Representing a Local Authority on a threshold concerning a parents sex work and substance misuse
- Representing a mother resisting an application by the father to relocate to the USA
- Represented a mother in an urgent application following an “appeal by the backdoor” (Pro Bono, Not Beyond Redemption)
- Secured interim contact for a parent following concerns of alienation in wider international relocation proceedings (Pro Bono, Advocate)
- Obtained and secured the continuance of a s.34(4) against a mother in care proceedings following concerns of psychological manipulation
- Obtained findings that the mother had fabricated allegations of rape, sexual coercion and physical abuse
- Successful in appeal against a Pathfinder decision to not discharge a Special Guardianship Order
- Successfully defended allegation of rape and physical violence, secured ‘softened’ findings of forceful handling of a baby where the guardian sought findings of physical abuse
Avaia’s Court of Protection practice focuses on health and welfare matters, including applications to remove deputies, s.16 applications for change of residence and contact, s.21A challenges, disputes about ordinary residence, and issues arising from s.117 aftercare responsibilities.
Avaia has experience in cases involving those under 18 transitioning into adult services, as well as individuals with acute and pervasive mental health needs and cases with concurrent proceedings and investigations in the Criminal Justice System.
He is well versed in the use of the Inherent Jurisdiction within the Court of Protection and his master’s thesis focused on the inherent jurisdiction of the court in respect to “vulnerable but capacious” parties.
Avaia regularly represents the range of parties within proceedings and brings a lateral mindset to cases, drilling into the key issues and identifying a clear way forward.
Drawing on his background experiences, Avaia balances clear, pragmatic legal advice with a sensitive understanding of the emotional strain these proceedings can place on everyone involved. Avaia remains dedicated to ensuring that the rights and best interests of those lacking capacity are protected.
Some of Avaia’s notable instructions in this area include:
- s.16 application by a daughter challenging placement following P moving towards end of life
- Urgent s.21A challenge following a parent’s threats to end the life of P
- Case management considering private cannabis prescriptions for a P with severe epilepsy and covert administration of the same
- Successfully challenging a Form 4 suggesting P had regained capacity
- Securing a finely balanced declaration that home visits were in P’s best interests
- Acting for an 18-year-old P with borderline capacity
- Successfully amending a Transparency Order to include permissive directions and discharge upon death
- Representing P in a case where the Local Authority accepted P’s placement was more restrictive than required but argued best interests to remain in any event
- Representing a family member accused of causing harm to P
- Representing a family concerned over the placement of P, successful submissions concerning the lawfulness and ‘availability’ of the placement
- Representing a P who had continued to be detained under the Mental Health Act for more than 4-years since a declaration that they were suitable for discharge
- Successfully making legal submissions on the court’s jurisdiction to extend a Standard Authorisation beyond 12-months
- Representing a 17-year-old transitioning into adult services with significant focus on education and respite provisions
- Legal submissions on the court’s jurisdiction to extend an Urgent Authorisation
- Representing an ICB where P is deemed fit for discharge but subject to 5:1 support
- Representing an NHS Trust where P is ‘close to death’ due to severe alcohol misuse and considerations about balancing P’s rights
- Representing an NHS Trust where P is engaging in risky sexual behaviours with multiple partners
- Advising on covert proceedings and non-disclosure
"[He] has demonstrated a high level of expertise with a complete and thorough understanding of the case and the issues that need to be dealt with." - Instructing Solicitor
"On behalf of my entire family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible support and dedication throughout our case. Thanks to your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice, our children are finally back home where they belong." - Client
"I just wanted to say how impressed I was with Avi on the case [...] He was approachable, knowledgeable, met the deadlines and keep in contact with me throughout. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the future." - Instructing Solicitor
"We were able to narrow down the issues significantly and wouldn't have managed that without him working tirelessly to discuss things [...] and offer solutions. During the hearing, his client was very outspoken, but Avaia didn't let that throw him off. He was impressive in putting forward clear submissions to assist the judge." - Opposing Counsel
"Thank you once again for not only stepping in at such short notice but for doing such a good job, especially with contact which is crucial for Mum and her children." - Instructing Solicitor
"Avi agreed to assist on the case less than 24 hours before the hearing, drafting a new position statement and providing representation. He has now agreed to assist the mother further. We are truly impressed and grateful to Avi for his help with this case." - Advocate
"[he] had a really good understanding of the case took on late notice and it showed whilst speaking to the client. I was very pleased and would be delighted to use Avaia in the future." - Local Authority Solicitor
"Many thanks for this Avi, that’s a really great result, thank you!" - Local Authority Solicitor
"...you truly were a blessing for me and I’ll forever be grateful for your representation." - Pro Bono Client
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and the team, and especially to Avaia, for the outstanding support provided at the hearing [...] I am ever so humble and grateful for Avaia’s service and expertise – it has significantly strengthened the merits of my case” - Pro Bono Client
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you [...] for the support, guidance, and dedication you have shown throughout my court matter. Your professionalism, patience, and commitment have meant so much to me during what has been a very challenging and emotional time [...] Your support has made a real difference, and I am deeply thankful." - Pro Bono Client, Appeal
- Family Law Bar Association
- Court of Protection Bar Association
- Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA)
- Gray’s Inn
- Advocate, Panel Member
- Not Beyond Redemption, Assisting Barrister
- Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights
- North East Pro Bono Committee
Re AA (2025) - Sole counsel representing the Local Authority at a final hearing concerning an Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Child. Successfully argued for non-notification to the surviving father and the state of origin due to "risk of execution".
AA v BB (2025) - Sole counsel representing the Respondent in an appeal against the making of a Non-Molestation Order in their favour. Successfully argued against all 58 grounds of appeal.
Hull City Council v M & Ors [2025] EWFC 201 (B) - Counsel for the respondent father, significant cultural elements at play. Supervision Order and return home made against LA and CG plan of long term foster care.
A Local Authority v N (2026) - Sole counsel representing the Local Authority on a point of law on the Court of Protections' jurisdiction to extend an urgent authorisation as well as whether proceedings could remain pursuant to s.21A without any active authorisations under Schedule A1.
M v F (Fact Finding Hearing) [2026] EWFC 22 (B) - Counsel for the respondent father, findings of rape, sexual coercion and physical abuse not only 'not proven' but found actively false and the mother found to have lied to the Court and tendered false evidence.
Avaia has produced a significant number of articles on a variety of topics, including being published in Family Law Journal, The Barrister Magazine, and on The Local Government Lawyer. In addition, he regularly prepares case updates and summaries for Chambers. Below are a selection of Avaia's highlighted pieces.
Lies in Family Law Proceedings – Clarification from the Court of Appeal
Post adoption contact – PLWG best practice: a guide
Consent, control, and 'the silencing of the child's voice in medical interventions' - Re G - [2025] Fam Law 254
Not “On a DOLS” – Court of Protection Clarifies Terminology
Cases of parental death before protective measures – a reaffirmation of the Children Act's adaptability? - [2025] Fam Law 538
Neurodiversity and the Family Courts – new guidance seeks to bridge the gap. Will it work? A view from the bar - [2025] Fam Law 1021
The nuance between forensic probabilities and possibilities – paediatric gonorrhoea and fomite transmission - [2025] Fam Law 1445
Families in Crisis & Local Authority Duties (February 2025)
International Placement and Adoption following Re M (September 2025)
What is a Deprivation of Liberty - Cheshire West 2.0 (October 2025)
Removals - A Human Rights Refresher (January 2026)
Deprivation of Liberty Orders under the Inherent Jurisdiction (January 2026)
Court of Protection and DoLS - An Update (May 2026)
- Lancaster University – LLB (Human Rights) – First Class
- BPP University – LLM – Merit
- BPP University – BPTC – Distinction
- Elizabeth Ann Curnow Scholar – Gray’s Inn
- Career Commitment Scholar – BPP
- Excellency Scholar – BPP
- Access to the Profession Scholar – Lancaster University
- Best Academic Performance in Submissions Advocacy (nationwide) – BPP
- Nominated for Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year (2026)
- Pro Bono Recognition List 2026
- Finalist for Norther Law Awards Pro Bono Award (2026)
