Siân Holmes

Siân accepted tenancy at Linenhall Chambers in 2020 after completing her pupillage specialising in Family Law under the supervision of Alexandra Hewitt and Kate Meredith-Jones.

Prior to joining Linenhall Chambers, Siân worked at a Cheshire based firm of solicitors managing a caseload of both public and private law matters. Siân is therefore familiar with dealing directly with lay clients and is adept at putting them at ease and guiding them through the court process.

Siân understands the importance of offering a holistic analysis of cases, considering legal, procedural and practical issues, including client welfare matters.

She is also regularly instructed to act on behalf of Local Authorities and Guardians in both public and private law matters, and has successfully represented Local Authorities in cases where findings have been sought in respect of non-accidental injuries to children.

Siân’s breadth of experience in legal practice both in the public and private sector and as a solicitor and barrister gives her a well rounded view of cases enabling her to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients, working positively and constructively with all parties.

She frequently provides advice and representation in cases where domestic abuse is alleged, and is confident in advising on the merits of either pursuing or defending such allegations, once again adopting a holistic approach centred around outcomes and client welfare. In cases where findings of domestic abuse have been pursued, Siân has successfully obtained findings in relation to physical, psychological and sexual abuse, along with findings of coercive and controlling behaviour. Siân takes a progressive approach to domestic abuse matters, ensuring that she keeps abreast of relevant research and the developing law in this area, such as the Court of Appeal decision in Re H-N and Others (children) (domestic abuse: finding of fact hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Before entering the legal sector, Siân lived abroad as part of her undergraduate studies, and later became a Foreign News Editor at an international media conglomerate based in Liverpool where she produced, edited and translated foreign-language news and media content for the maritime and hotel industries. Throughout her subsequent legal studies, Siân was involved in pro-bono work in the community and volunteered at ‘Support Through Court’ (formerly the ‘PSU’) based at the Liverpool Civil & Family Court. ‘Support Through Court’ is a national charity helping unrepresented litigants to navigate court proceedings. Also during her legal studies, Siân became qualified to practise internationally as a Civil-Commercial Mediator.

Outside of the law, Siân enjoys sailing and wildlife watching along the coastline of her native Wirral, and volunteers as a fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Siân also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Acting from Drama Studio London and in her spare time enjoys visiting the cinema and theatre with family and friends.