Called: 2014
Rebecca Kocerhan
Family Law Specialist – Public Law
Rebecca specialises in public law proceedings, representing all clients including local authorities, parents and guardians at all stages of proceedings. Rebecca also represented intervenors in proceedings, particularly complex finding of fact hearings. She has adopted a very thorough style to advising and representing her clients and has an emphatic approach. Rebecca has experience of applications regarding exercising the court’s inherent jurisdiction in relation to deprivation of liberty safeguards for children, and receives instructions for all parties in such matters.
Rebecca regularly accepts instructions for cases which involve complex issues such as sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, forced marriage, domestic abuse and violence, drug and alcohol misuse, jurisdictional issues, and physical and emotional abuse and neglect. Rebecca regularly receives instructions for multi-day final hearings and finding of fact hearings, as well as drafting documents such as threshold, case summaries and position statements.
Rebecca has a very thorough approach to public law matters, and understands that the proceedings can be distressing for those involved, therefore she handles matters sensitively and to the client’s needs. Rebecca has experience with representing vulnerable witnesses, including receiving instructions through the official solicitor, or clients with the assistance of an intermediary.
Rebecca has completed the vulnerable witness training programme and therefore has the required skills and knowledge to conduct cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses.
Equality and Diversity Officer and Wellbeing Officer
Rebecca is the Equality and Diversity Officer and Wellbeing Officer for Central Chambers.
Background
Before joining Central Chambers, Rebecca worked as a Project Officer at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. She was responsible for resolving complaints and grievances individuals had against public bodies and government institutions, as an alternative to individuals pursuing litigation. Her main caseload involved complaints against the NHS, and she was responsible for investigating the complaint; instructing and questioning experts; and producing a detailed written report with her findings.
Education
- University of Manchester – LLB (Law) – First Class
- Manchester Metropolitan University – BPTC – Very Competent
Notable Cases
Notable Cases
- Re GH [2018]– representing the respondent father in care proceedings. Allegations of non-accidental injuries were made against the mother and father; successfully demonstrated injuries were not as a result of NAI at finding of fact hearing and child was returned to parents care.
- Re C [2019] – alleged Human Trafficking case. Represented the respondent father following the removal of the children due to concerns they had been trafficked to the UK. Found that the Court had no jurisdiction and there was no risk to the children, therefore ICO’s ended and the children were returned to parents’ care.
- Re J [2021] – representing the respondent father in care proceedings. At a finding of fact hearing, allegations of sexual abuse against the father were dismissed following a finding of fact hearing.
- Re T [2022] – representing the mother with proposed care plan of adoption. At final hearing, successfully argued there was a gap in the evidence and further work was required. The child was consequently returned to the care of mother under a supervision order.
- Re S [2023] representing the mother in a finding of fact case concerning non-accidental bruising to a 5 month old child. No findings not made against the mother.