Michaela Dowe-Stephenson

Michaela is frequently instructed in private family law matters concerning serious allegations of abuse, intractable contact disputes and relocation at interim hearings, fact-finding hearings and multi-day final hearings. Michaela’s previous experience in criminal law proves instructive for witness handling at such hearings, and she has been commended for her advocacy skills by several solicitors. Michaela has also acted for parties at all stages of applications for injunctions relating to domestic abuse and occupation of the family home. Michaela has been instructed in child abduction matters and wardship proceedings. Michaela is currently developing her practice in relation to Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention child abduction proceedings.

Prior to specialising in the aforementioned areas, Michaela practised across the full breadth of family law.

Michaela has a particular interest in public inquiry work. Since 2023, Michaela has worked on two high-profile public inquiries, and one non-statutory public inquiry. Michaela has extensive experience analysing and evaluating vast volumes of complex and sensitive material, while displaying sound legal judgment and strategic thinking. Michaela’s previous experience working for two renowned civil liberties law firms has assisted with the development of her practice in this area.

Beyond her courtroom practice, Michaela is dedicated to providing pro bono advice through her work with charities and non-profit organisations, including a domestic abuse community-based initiative.

• MSc Human Rights, London School of Economics and Political Science
• BPTC, Kaplan Law School
• Law LLB, University of Leicester

• Pegasus Scholarship, The Inner Temple (2021)
• Anniversary Scholarship, London School of Economics and Political Science (2016)
• Sir Joseph Priestley Scholarship, The Inner Temple (2015)
• Bursary Award, The Human Rights Lawyers’ Association (2015)
• Student Volunteer of the Year Finalist, Student Hubs (2014)
• Duke of Edinburgh Award, The Inner Temple (2013)
• Exhibition Award, The Inner Temple (2013)
• Higher Education Certificate of Achievement, LSBC (2013)
• Leicester Award Student of the Year Award, University of Leicester (2013)
• The Leicester Award, University of Leicester (2012)

“I have instructed Michaela on multiple occasions and I have always found her work to be outstanding in terms of her performance at court. My client and I were pleased with the outcome and her ability to achieve great results even on difficult cases. Whenever I instruct Michaela, I have total confidence that the best representation will be achieved. It is a pleasure and joy to work with Michaela.” – Solicitor

“Michaela has been extremely polite towards my clients and dealt very competently and correctly with great attention to detail creating high levels of confidence in both, myself and my clients. I used her on numerous occasions and I have always been very pleased with her effort in each case and her performance at court.”  – Solicitor & Director

“When working with “difficult” clients she remains calm and level-headed without sacrificing accuracy or diplomacy, making her amenable and personable to people on all levels. Overall, her professionalism and conduct on each case in which I instructed her shone through and I would not hesitate to instruct her.” – Solicitor & Litigation Manager

“She has an excellent ability to swiftly identify issues and analyses the matters at hand.” – Solicitor

“Ms Dowe-Stephenson has represented several clients of mine as a barrister in court hearings. I have considered her experience and skill to be highly exceptional and diligently executed. Ms Dowe-Stephenson has always been fully prepared and her knowledge of law and advocacy skills has been excellent on each occasion. All clients of mine that Ms Dowe-Stephenson has represented have been impressed with her work, patience and advice during the difficult circumstances they have experienced in their cases.” – Solicitor

“Michaela has been briefed on complex private law proceedings and have provided an excellent service in terms of advice, representation and follow up work when required. We have received positive comments from our clients who wished to retain her for their cases. We have also received clear detailed attendance notes and advice as to how to proceed on particular complex matters and specific areas of law.” –  Solicitor

“We instruct a number of advocates, but we have found that Michaela’s work has always been of a standard that is second to none. Her work is always thoroughly researched, and her advices always exemplify an exceptional standard and rigorous attention to detail.” – Solicitor & Director

Michaela enjoys writing and performing poetry, travelling and non-competitive boxing. Having previously facilitated debating programmes for children, in her spare time, Michaela acts as a professional volunteer at insight events for school children.