Kirsten specialises in family law with a focus on private law matters. She has a busy practice and accepts instructions across all levels of court.

Kirsten has been described as professional and thorough but kind in her manner. She is a calm advocate, making the court process less stressful. She is known for grasping complicated cases quickly.

Outside of court, Kirsten often presents seminars to solicitors and other legal professionals on various family law topics and sits on the Private Law Sub Group Committee for Sussex.

Before joining Chambers, she was a paralegal for a national firm of solicitors, an intern at the NCDV and worked in project management at the accountancy firm, EY.

Children (Private Law)

Kirsten is regularly instructed in complex private law matters including in long-running cases involving parental alienation, implacable hostility and where there are allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour. Kirsten is often instructed to represent clients at difficult and lengthy fact-finding hearings where there are serious allegations and at hearings involving intractable contact disputes where pragmatic and robust approach is required. Kirsten also represents r16.4 Guardians.

 

Kirsten appears in the High Court in child abduction matters and represents parents in applications for leave to remove (domestic and international). Kirsten has experience in dealing with applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction and her most recent High Court experience involved an application for summary return under the IJ.

Children (Public Law)

Acting for parents, Guardians and Local Authorities, Kirsten is often instructed to represent clients at urgent hearings including contested EPOs and ICOs, through to final hearings. She has a particular focus on parent and Guardian work and often represents parents with complex needs including clients with substance misuse issues, learning difficulties and poor mental health.

Kirsten has acted in cases involving the Official Solicitor, cases with an international element and cases where Secure Accommodation Orders have been made. She is developing a strong practice in care proceedings and has represented clients in both the County Court and the High Court as well as in more complicated cases involving applications under the inherent jurisdiction. Kirsten accepts instructions in cases which are allocated to the Family Drug and Alcohol Court.

 

Domestic Violence & Injunctions

Kirsten appears at both without notice and on notice hearings for both non-molestation and occupation orders. She has acted successfully for both Applicants and Respondents through to the final hearing including in cases where Family Law Act and Children Act matters overlap.

Direct Access

Kirsten accepts work from lay clients via Direct Access. You can view her profile here.

‘Kirsten always goes the extra mile on a case. She is extremely able, very supportive of clients and manages expectations calmly and kindly. She is persuasive in her advocacy style and has the judge’s ear.’

Legal 500 2024

“Kirsten is very approachable and proactive. She is pragmatic and has an excellent manner with clients who need a lot of help and support.”

Legal 500 2023

“Kirsten is knowledgeable, approachable, on top of the papers and well-liked by clients. Nothing is any trouble for her.”

Legal 500 2022

Awards

Paul Methven Award 2013, Inner Temple
Exhibition Award 2013, Inner Temple

Education

  • AFA Project Management, Prince 2 2009 Foundation and Practitioner Course (2015)
  • BPP Law School, London
  • University of Surrey, LLB Law (Sandwich Course which involved a four month placement at Guildford Chambers and a seven month placement at the National Centre for Domestic Violence).

Memberships

Inner Temple
FLBA

Publications

Re L (a child) [2019] EWHC 867 (Fam) – a précis.

Privacy Notice

Kirsten Japp 1COR Privacy Notice

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