Michaela Dowe-Stephenson

Michaela is frequently instructed in a wide range of family law matters concerning serious allegations of abuse, parental alienation, intractable contact disputes, internal relocation and transfer of residence matters 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. Michaela has represented parents in complex private law matters involving specific issue orders, child arrangements orders and prohibited steps orders where a 16.4 Guardian has been appointed. She has also acted for parents and local authorities in public law proceedings. Michaela has been instructed in child abduction matters and wardship proceedings in the High Court. In relation to matters under the Family Law Act 1996, Michaela has been instructed at all stages of applications for occupation orders, non-molestation orders and transfer of tenancy. Michaela has also advised and represented parties in divorce proceedings and financial remedy cases.

Michaela previously volunteered at North Kensington Law Centre alongside a team of solicitors who specialised in immigration, asylum and nationality law. Since joining Chambers, Michaela has been instructed to represent appellants at immigration and asylum hearings, and in matters regarding the intersection between immigration and family law. Michaela is keen to develop and expand her practice in this area, particularly in relation to asylum and human rights. Michaela’s previous experience of working for two renowned human rights firms has assisted with the development of her practice in this area.

Beyond her courtroom practice, Michaela is dedicated to providing pro bono legal 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

• 2021, Pegasus Scholarship, The Inner Temple
• 2016, Anniversary Scholarship, London School of Economics and Political Science
• 2015, Sir Joseph Priestley Scholarship, The Inner Temple
• 2015, Bursary Award, The Human Rights Lawyers’ Association
• 2014, Student Volunteer of the Year Finalist, SH, The Houses of Parliament
• 2013, 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
• 2012, The Leicester Award, University of Leicester

“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

“Counsel 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 also 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 area 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

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

“Michaela has been extremely polite towards my clients and dealt very competently and correctly with great attention to details creating high level 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

“Ms Stephenson has wonderful interpersonal skills, always communicates in lay language to clients to understand … Those instructed ensured that Counsel details are kept on our list of approved counsels and is highly recommended to other firms”. – Solicitor

“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 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.