Gemma Clark

Gemma Clark is a Solicitor within our Child Care Proceedings team. She is based in Bristol.

Professional biography

Gemma has experience supporting parents and carers involved in Public Law Outline (PLO) matters and Care Proceedings. These are cases where the Local Authority becomes involved due to concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, which can include issues such as domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, or drug and alcohol misuse. She has worked closely with clients during the PLO stage, which takes place before court proceedings are issued and gives families the opportunity to work with support services and address concerns raised by Social Services.

She also has experience assisting in cases within the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC), a specialist court process that works alongside care proceedings to provide intensive support to parents affected by substance misuse.

Throughout her work, Gemma has supported clients with cognitive difficulties and concerns around litigation capacity, helping to identify when specialist assessments or additional support may be needed to ensure individuals are able to participate fully in proceedings and understand the decisions being made about them and their families. She has also undertaken her own advocacy before Judges and Magistrates.

In her day-to-day role, Gemma supports parents and family members through highly sensitive and often emotional legal proceedings. She advises clients throughout the Pre-Proceedings and Care Proceedings process, helping them understand what is expected of them, engage with support services, and work constructively with the Local Authority wherever possible.

Gemma also assists in Private Law Children matters and works closely with clients to ensure they feel listened to, supported, and fully informed throughout their case. She is committed to providing practical, compassionate advice whilst always focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for the children and families involved.