Deborah Archer

(Call 1989 Inner Temple)

Qualifications

Manchester Metropolitan University

Appointments

Deputy Coroner for Plymouth and Torbay

Deborah practises in all areas of family law. She has exceptional expertise in Public Law children matters, particularly non-accidental injury and especially cases involving head injuries. She has appeared in many high-profile "medical" cases in the last 5 years.

Deborah enjoys representing Local Authorities, family members and Guardians. She has a reputation for being tenacious with particular skill in dealing with difficult, demanding or challenging clients, whilst maintaining the ability to deal sensitively with the inevitable vulnerability of her lay clients. She also undertakes the more complex Private Law children cases, and privately-paying ancillary relief.

Notable cases include:

• R (Plymouth City Council) v. HM Coroner for the County of Devon and SS for EducatIon and Skills [2005] 2 FCR 428;
• Re W [2006] pending - Coleridge J;
• Re H (A minor) (Blood Tests) (Parental Rights)
• [1996] 3 FCR 201.

After practising in London for 10 years, Deborah joined Southernhay Chambers in 2000. She regularly lectures on family law matters on the Western Circuit, and conducts seminars as part of the Southernhay Chambers' programme.

She is a committed member of the Family Law Bar Association and accepts publicly funded work in all her areas of expertise with the exception of ancillary relief.

Quote from Chambers & Partners Guide to the Legal Profession(Leaders at the Bar/Notable Practitioners)

“Commended for her bright mind and exceptionally thorough approach. A strong opponent, she approaches every case with enthusiasm.”