Specialist in
Experience
Andréa Awoniyi (née Hounto) is a specialist family law barrister with a developing Court of Protection practice.
Family Law
Andréa’s family practice encompasses all of Chambers’ specialisms: private and public children’s law, matrimonial finance, and proceedings under the Family Law Act.
Andréa is a fierce advocate who uses her critical and lateral thinking to obtain favourable results for her clients. She expertly navigates jurisdictional issues and cases that engage the Hague Convention, as well as cases of child sexual abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, substance abuse and parental alienation. She has experience acting for guardians, parents, grandparents and other family members in both care proceedings and child arrangement matters.
Instructing solicitors have praised her excellent negotiation and advocacy skills and her tailored client care, particularly when representing vulnerable clients.
“Andréa is very patient and client-focused with a personal approach. She is exceptionally dedicated to her work and clients which was visible in client satisfaction. Andréa goes that extra mile for her clients and is always available for any queries from those instructing her, no matter how busy she is.”- Landmark Legal LLP
“We have instructed Andréa on multiple occasions, and she has only ever secured a positive outcome. I would not hesitate to instruct Andréa on my cases again, as her work was of very high quality, her client care skills are excellent, and she routinely achieves the desired result. Andréa was a pleasure to work with professionally and personally.” – Beck Fitzgerald Solicitors
“Andréa’s excellent advocacy and assistance to date has been invaluable. On behalf of the client, our sincere thanks & much appreciated!” – Thompson & Co Solicitors Ltd
Court of Protection
Andréa accepts instructions in a range of Court of Protection disputes, including welfare matters, deprivation of liberty (including s 21A challenges), and medical treatment cases. In COP proceedings, Andréa represents all parties, including P via their Official Solicitors, families and interested parties, and Local Authorities.
Previous Experience
Before coming to the Bar, Andréa was awarded the Middle Temple Bristow Scholarship which enabled her to spend six months at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. She worked as a Stagiaire (Judicial Assistant) to Advocate-General Eleanor Sharpston KC and Judge Vajda, developing her knowledge of EU and Immigration & Asylum Law.
Prior to joining chambers, Andréa worked as an Outreach Adviser at Citizens Advice Kensington & Chelsea where she provided advice to clients on matters including Family, Immigration, Welfare Benefits, Debt and Employment.
Interests
Outside of work, Andréa is a Singer-Songwriter. Her debut Gospel EP, Perfect Intimacy, was released in 2021 and her latest single ‘Rest’ is available on all streaming platforms. Andréa plans to continue writing and recording music alongside her busy practice; she finds that music serves as a creative outlet.
Andréa sits on Exeter’s Race Equity Advisory Board and is passionate about racial justice.
Education
BA (Hons) History & Politics, University of Exeter
GDL, BPP University Law School
BPTC with LL.M, BPP University Law School
Professional Memberships
Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA)
Young Legal Aid Lawyers (YLAL)
Black Women in Law (BWIL)
Languages
French (Native/Bilingual)
Awards
The Hon. Sir Peter Bristow Overseas Scholarship, European Court of Justice (Middle Temple)
Access to the Bar Award (Middle Temple)
Law School Dean’s Scholarship (BPP Law School)
