Lisa Edmunds is one of the country’s leading family law barristers with extensive expertise in complex and sensitive children law cases. Over two decades, she has represented parents, guardians, and local authorities in disputes involving child arrangements, international relocation, surrogacy, modern family dynamics, and child abduction.

Over two decades, she has represented parents, guardians, and local authorities in disputes involving child arrangements, international relocation, surrogacy, modern family dynamics, and child abduction.

Renowned for her strategic thinking and tenacious advocacy, Lisa also provides expert representation in complex financial disputes, including high-value asset division, intricate financial disclosure cases, and Schedule 1 applications.

Lisa’s ability to handle emotionally charged and intricate cases with precision and care has established her as a trusted advocate in children law matters. She is particularly noted for her skilled cross-examination of witnesses and her capacity to provide insightful advice on difficult legal and practical issues.

Her pragmatic and approachable style, combined with a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children, sets her apart. Lisa is also well-regarded for her collaborative work with multi-disciplinary teams and her ability to navigate sensitive cases with a focus on long-term solutions.

Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Junior and ranked in Chambers &Partners, Lisa is known for her fearless courtroom presence and her ability to inspire confidence in her clients and peers alike.

Whether handling contentious court proceedings or advising in complex negotiations, Lisa’s focus is always on safeguarding the best interests of children while delivering exceptional client service

Lisa is known for her ability to simplify the most challenging financial matters and present compelling arguments in court. She combines meticulous case preparation with a pragmatic approach to negotiation, ensuring that clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Her reputation as a fearless advocate is matched by her dedication to understanding the unique circumstances of each case and tailoring her strategy accordingly.

Lisa also offers Early Neutral Evaluation services and is Direct Access qualified, enabling clients to receive timely and effective legal advicewithout intermediaries.

With a reputation as one of the North-West’s leading family finance barristers, Lisa is committed to achieving fair and equitable resolutions for her clients.

Through the Direct Access Scheme, barristers provide tailored expertise at a lower cost due to their self-employed status. Fixed fees are agreed upfront, ensuring budget control.

Barristers’ roles mirror those under solicitor instruction – offering advice, representation and document drafting. Most cases can be managed under this scheme, though some may require solicitor involvement.

Unit Chambers eases the challenges of cases involving children, prioritising clear communication and understanding. While we don’t handle administrative aspects like court document delivery, we guide and support clients. Our fee structure is transparent with upfront agreements.

Get started with a free online consultation to assess direct instruction suitability.

Lisa Edmunds is the only barrister in Liverpool and one of the first in the North West who is qualified to offer Arbitration for children matters. She uses her 20 plus years of expertise and knowledge to assist parties in reaching a binding decision. Lisa is a member of a panel of trained and accredited arbitrators [CIArb].

At Unit Chambers, we create a comfortable environment for arbitration in various locations including Liverpool, Manchester and beyond.

Should you wish to secure Lisa Edmunds as your Children’s Arbitrator would need to complete and submit an application via the professional body for arbitrators (‘IFLA’) by completing Form ARB1CS. You will need to nominate Lisa as your arbitrator or alternatively ask IFLA to nominate the arbitrator.

• Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council v Cheshire East Borough Council & Ors [2024] EWCA Civ 156

• A Mother v A Father [2024] EWHC 1313 (Fam) (01 March 2024)

• Re T (Interim Care Order: Arrangements for Contact) [2024] EWCA Civ 469

• Re T (Children) Appellant [2023] EWCA Civ 1004*

• A Local Authority v A and Others [2023] EWFC 34

• A Local Authority v AA and XY [2022] EWFC 153

• The Local Authority v C & F [2022] EWFC 152 (04 July 2022)

• GC v AS (No.2) [2022] EWHC 310 (Fam) (09 February 2022)

• Local Authority v A, B and D [2022] EWFC 23 (18 January 2022)

• Warrington Borough Council v W (Care Proceedings: Jurisdiction) [2021] EWFC 68 (31 August 2021)

• YW (A Child) (Adequacy of Reasons) (Rev1) [2021] EWCA Civ 1174 (30 July 2021)

• Re F and G [2021] EWCA Civ 622

• Re A (Child Abduction: Art 13(b)) [2021] EWCA 328

• Warrington Borough Council v TN (Care Proceedings: Comity) [2020] EWFC 79

• A Local Authority v W & Ors (Finding of Fact Hearing) [2020] EWFC 68

• A Local Authority v W and Ors (Application for Summary Dismissal of Findings) [2020] EWFC 40

• Re D (A Child) [2019] EWCA Civ 2302

• Re S-L (Children: Adjournment) [2019] EWCA Civ 1571

• Re C (A Child) [2008] EWCA Civ 502

*Did not appear at hearing as unavailable but prepared all documentation (incl advice and skeleton argument) to secure permission to appeal.

Legal Experience

2020 - Present | Head of Chambers and Senior Consultant Barrister, Unit Chambers

2016 - 2020 | Chavasse Court Chambers, Liverpool

2005 - 2016 | 7 Harrington Street Chambers, Liverpool

2002 - 2005 | Nicholas Street Chambers, Chester

Non-Legal Experience

2020 - Present | CEO of Unit Chambers

2014 - Present | Organiser of various business, social and CPD events

2013 - 2014 | Cancer Research - event organiser

2008 - 2010 | Trustee of Homestart UK

Education

2001 - 2002 | Manchester Metropolitan University | BVC | Outstanding

1998 - 2001 | University of Central Lancashire | LLB (Hons) Law | 2:1

Barrister of the Year 2025, Manchester Resolution Awards

Chambers & Partners Ranked 1 in UK Bar 2023 & 2024: Family: Children

Legal 500, Leading Junior, 2025

Named on the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List

Finalist at Manchester Legal Awards for Junior Barrister of the Year 2023 & 2024

Finalist at Liverpool Law Society Awards for Outstanding Barrister of the Year 2023

Finalist at Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022, 2023 & 2024 for Junior Barrister of the Year

Lisa recently authored her first book “A Practical Guide to Fact-Finding Hearings in Public and Private Law Proceedings in Family Law” set to be a vital resource for family law practitioners and beyond. She has also appeared in national press outlets and podcasts sharing her expertise and shedding light on the real-world impact of family law issues.