Pauline Moulder
Pauline accepts instructions in all aspects of children work (as well as Court of Protection work, forced marriage and honour based violence and divorce). Her specialisation is in public law, particularly the more complex cases. She has a depth of experience and knowledge in those cases which involve, for example, an infant death in the family, difficult and conflicting medical evidence, induced/fabricated illness and children with complex needs.
Renowned for her ability to master her brief and to think quickly and imaginatively, Pauline is a skilled communicator who gives sensible and pragmatic advice. Her advocacy skills are best summed up by a senior circuit judge who described Pauline’s cross examination in a complex public law matter as “the best cross examination I have ever heard in a family case”. Her written documents are excellent.
Pauline has a wide-ranging practice, acting for local authorities, parents and family members, children, children’s guardians and the Official Solicitor. She is regularly instructed to provide written and oral advice to local authorities and other parties in complex care matters and to advise private clients in residence and contact matters. Whilst Pauline’s practice predominantly focuses on cases in the High Court and the county court, she accepts instructions for matters in the FPC.
Cases undertaken include inflicted injury on a baby with a genetic disorder, death of an infant in the family (2), successful rehabilitation of children to a parent with a learning disability, contested overseas adoption together with a number of cases involving physical and sexual abuse. She is currently instructed in a case involving historic induced/fabricated illness and poisoning, a case involving an infant death, two cases involving disputed medical evidence of bruising and fractures, a case involving the physical and sexual abuse of the children of same sex parents and a case involving inter-familial and generational sexual abuse.
Pauline has given a number of lectures in family law, most recently on the human rights aspects of local authority decision-making.
Pauline Moulder is an experienced senior junior who is exceptionally well versed in child care law. She has experience of acting in serious sexual abuse cases which lie at the intersection of children and criminal law.
Chambers and Partners 2024
Notable Cases
Re A [2009] : (temporary removal from the jurisdiction)
Re X [2008]
Re B [1998] : (change of name)
Recommendations and client feedback
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2025
“Pauline Moulder is a formidable opponent. You want her on your side.”
The Legal 500 2025
‘Pauline is a premier league counsel.
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2024
“A forensic advocate who really gets to the bones of the case.” “She is very good in cases involving medical issues.”
The Legal 500 2023 & 2024
‘Pauline is an exceptional advocate. Her work on cases is tireless, and she has a thorough understanding of her brief. She has an excellent ability to engage with the client and provides very pragmatic and clear legal advice.’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2023
‘Pauline Moulder is an exceptional advocate who is always thoroughly prepared. I would always be happy to instruct Pauline for any client’ ‘Pauline provides excellent analysis and advocacy’ ‘Pauline is an exceptional advocate. She has a wealth of experience and an approachable, straightforward manner with clients and professionals alike.’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2022
“Pauline Moulder is an exceptional advocate who is always thoroughly prepared. I would always be happy to instruct Pauline for any client.””Pauline provides excellent analysis and advocacy.””Pauline is an exceptional advocate. She has a wealth of experience and an approachable, straightforward manner with clients and professionals alike.”
The Legal 500 2022
‘Pauline is a highly experienced advocate with superb client skills. ’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2021
“She is an absolute fighter and very forensic.” “She’s really very good on complex injury cases for parents.”
The Legal 500 2021
‘An excellent advocate who is always well prepared but has the ability to think on her feet with the result that she is able to present her client’s case in a clear and effective way. She has very good communication skills which means that she is able to deal with both lay clients and professionals alike.’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2020
“She is immaculately prepared and a fierce cross-examiner.” “Very experienced, thorough, excellent in court and gives robust advice.”
The Legal 500 2020
‘Recommended for cases involving complex medical evidence.’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2019
“A formidable advocate who finds creative ways of dealing with issues.”
The Legal 500 2019
‘Highly experienced in cases involving complex medical evidence.’
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2018
“She has encyclopaedic knowledge about children law and a wealth of experience. She knows which judgement calls to make and she makes them right. She is everything you want a family barrister to be – strong, tenacious, reasonable and decent but capable of fighting her corner.” “Her preparation is superb. She is extraordinarily easy to deal with.”
The Legal 500 2017
“She specialises in complex public law children work.”
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2017
“I can recommend her without reservation. The advice, support, guidance and experience you gain from working with her is great.”
The Legal 500 2016
An extremely effective and robust advocate.”
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2016
“She is a fearsome advocate when in full flow.” “She has a nice empathy with clients.”
The Legal 500 2015
“Recommended for complex public law children and Court of Protection matters”
Memberships
BA (Hons) Newcastle upon Tyne
Qualifications
Member of the FLBA
Member of the North Eastern Circuit
