Direct Access Barrister
Elisabeth Santa Traugott
Direct Access Barrister
Elisabeth Santa Traugott
I am strategic and tactical in my advocacy and calm and reassuring with my clients. My objective is to tell my clients' stories authentically and to present their evidence clearly within the relevant legal framework. I am tenacious in my cross-examination and take a detailed and forensic approach to evidence, including expert evidence in children proceedings.
I am particularly skilled at finding-of-fact hearings and have had favourable outcomes where significant findings of serious abuse were made, including findings of coercive and controlling behaviour, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. I like to advise at an early stage, assisting with the drafting of schedules and statements and advising on the evidence necessary to make a client's best case.
My written work is clear, persuasive, and carefully-drafted. When I advise in conference I ensure that my clients understand both the strengths and the weaknesses in the case so that they can make well-informed decisions.
I am committed to access to justice and and am known for my supportive and compassionate approach.
Area of Law
Family
Courtroom advocacy:
- Representation at directions, dispute resolution, FHDRA, interim contact, fact-finding, final and appellate hearings.
Written advocacy:
- Appeals (grounds and skeletons), skeleton arguments for complex hearings at the trial stage, position statements.
Advice:
- Merits of appeal, assessment of expert reports, evidentiary support for domestic abuse cases, strategy in bringing and opposing applications.
I have expertise in litigating child arrangements, occupation orders, psychological assessments, domestic abuse, Section 91(14) barring orders (imposing and lifting), relocation, change of name, prohibits steps orders, and non-molestation orders.