James Mulholland

Specialist in:

James is regularly instructed in complex matters and represents parents, grandparents and children. He has represented clients where there have been allegations of parental alienation, domestic abuse and sexual abuse.  James also advises and represents those who seek the Court to make orders regarding specific issues in relation to their children’s welfare, such as disputes over medical intervention and schooling.

Reported cases
18th October 2022 | [2022] EWFC 124

F v M & Ors

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24th July 2014 | [2014] EWHC 2749 (Fam)

D (A Child: Private Law Proceedings)

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James has experience of representing parents, grandparents and children at all levels of complexity. James has a particular interest in representing vulnerable parents in public law proceedings.  James is regularly instructed in lengthy hearings regarding allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, domestic abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

James has experience of representing clients in matters concerning health, personal welfare and the deprivation of liberty. He welcomes instruction from all parties to proceedings.

James is regularly instructed in matters concerning removing children from the jurisdiction on a temporary or permanent basis.

Reported cases
8th November 2024 | [2024] EWHC 2834 (Fam)

Re: A & B (Separate Representation)

James Mulholland led by Richard Harrison KC successfully opposed an application before the President of the Family Division for children to be separately represented by a Solicitor Guardian; they already had representation from a CAFCASS Guardian and Solicitor in a Hague abduction matter and a summary return order had already been made.

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13th June 2024 | [2024] EWHC 1626 (Fam)

Re: HR (Parallel Child Abduction and Asylum Proceedings)

James Mulholland led by Richard Harrison KC of 1 Kings Bench Walk appeared before the President and a Judge of the Upper Tribunal in a successful application for a summary return of two children under the Hague Convention. The Court gave guidance on Hague abduction cases when a parent has made an asylum application.

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A & B (Separate Representation) [2024] EWHC 2834 (Fam)

James Mulholland led by Richard Harrison KC successfully opposed an application before the President of the Family Division for children to be separately represented by a Solicitor Guardian; they already had representation from a CAFCASS Guardian and Solicitor in a Hague abduction matter and a summary return order had already been made

HR (Parallel Child Abduction and Asylum Proceedings) [2024] EWHC 1626 (Fam)

James Mulholland led by Richard Harrison KC of 1 Kings Bench Walk appeared before the President and a Judge of the Upper Tribunal in a successful application for a summary return of two children under the Hague Convention. The Court gave guidance on Hague abduction cases when a parent has made an asylum application.

F v M & Ors [2022] EWFC 124

D (A Child: Private Law Proceedings) [2014] EWHC 2749 (Fam)

What the directories say

“James is excellent to work with, very communicative, extremely sympathetic with the clients and very understanding.”

“A barrister whose personality and calm nature always puts clients at ease, even when they are facing very trying circumstances.”

“His preparation is meticulous and he has a great handle on case strategy from the outset.”

“James is a robust advocate, who defends his clients fiercely.”
Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025

“He is very much on the ball and is a very good advocate.”
Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“A very logical thinker and a fine advocate. He takes a very sensitive and empathetic approach to his cases.”
Chambers & Partners 2023

Awards

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Professional Qualifications

MA Political Science, The University of Edinburgh
LLB, The College of Law
Graduate Diploma of Law, The College of Law
Bar Vocational Course, The College of Law

Professional Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
Pegasus Scholar

Data Protection

James Mulholland's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) registration number is Z2642513.
Please see here for his Data Privacy Notice.