Josh strongly believes that his background in criminal defence work assists him greatly in representing families in all cases, but especially so in care cases. He continues to have an interest in criminal law, particularly International and in January 2008 took a sabbatical for six weeks to work in Sierra Leone as a defence advocate at the Special Court. More recently in 2013 he took an advisory role with the U.N in relation to the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe.
He represents parents in care proceedings and has particular experience in working for clients with learning difficulties, mental health problems and cases of chronic neglect. He has a reputation of being able to successfully work with clients who have historically been non communicative and/or uncooperative.
Given his background in criminal law, he is well able to advise and assist care clients when they have a connected criminal matter. This has included: A parent being charged with the murder of the other parent, a parent being charged with G.B.H against a child, and a parent being charged with serious Sexual Offences against a child.
Clients find him to be very approachable and friendly. He is able to put them at ease. In private law proceedings he frequently represents fathers who are being denied contact with their children.
Direct Access and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Joshua is qualified to accept Direct Public Access instructions (i.e. instructions directly from members of the public who do not have a solicitor). He is also a qualified Family Mediator (ADRg / College of Mediators).