‘Cliona is a determined advocate who leaves no stone unturned. She is always well – prepared and works incredibly hard.’
Legal 500, 2025
Experience
Year of Call: 1994
Education
BA MA (National University of Ireland, University College Cork)
LLB (National University of Wales, College of Cardiff)
Profile
Cliona is an experienced, specialist barrister valued for her tenacious, persuasive clear oral and written advocacy and court room and client skills. Her breath of experience is reflected in over 55 reported cases often involving novel or complicated legal arguments. She is instructed by parents and often on behalf of the subject child. She regularly appears in the High Court but also has extensive experience in the Family Courts. She inspires confidence and combines an approachable, straightforward style with excellent attention to detail. She brings both legal knowledge and pragmatism to a case and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for her client. Cliona is often against leading counsel and has led junior counsel. She is unphased when required to present difficult arguments to a court and will courteously and effectively stand her ground. Her recent cases include H v A [2024] EWHC 476 (Fam); H v A [2024] EWHC 997 (Fam), B v N (no2) [2024] EWHC 17 (Fam), MB v KB & ors [2023] EWHC 3177, OZ V ML & ors [2023] EWHC 2412 (Fam), Re S [2023] EWHC 2717 (Fam) and D v T [2023] EWHC 1247 (Fam). Clients value her support and commitment to their cases and her ability to give clear focused advice. She works in all aspects of children law including:
- Arrangements for children after divorce or separation, including intractable disputes and those involving allegations of violence or abuse;
- Specific issues regarding children’s upbringing, including schooling, medical treatment and change of name;
- Requests to take children abroad, either temporarily or permanently;
- Enforcement of (and changes to) existing orders regarding children, including those made abroad; Children cases with an international dimension, including child abduction.
Professional Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Child Abduction Lawyers Association
Recommendations
“I have had the privilege of instructing Cliona on numerous complex matters over the years including multiple successful Court of Appeal cases and she is simply first rate. Her expertise in international matters and complex private law disputes is renowned, especially those requiring a forensic approach and clear and concise written legal argument. Even when dealing with voluminous paperwork, she never misses a trick and can always spot the winning argument for a client which can turn a case in your client’s favour, often against the odds. She is extremely well respected by the judiciary and across the legal profession. Cliona always strives to achieve the best outcome for her clients and works tirelessly on their behalf. Her breadth of knowledge across her practice , her experience and her advocacy skills mean that she is always in demand and at the cutting edge of legal precedents, particularly in cases with an international element.”
Laura Coyle, Partner, Freemans Solicitors
“I have worked with Cliona Papazian for several years in her capacity as an International Family Law Barrister. I have always found her to be an extremely thorough and tenacious advocate. She is a formidable opponent and shows a genuine interest in every case she is involved in.”
Simon Craddock, Partner, Brethertons Solicitors
“I regularly instruct Cliona in respect of international children cases and complex private law cases. Cliona is always thoroughly prepared and has extensive knowledge and experience in respect of international children law and complex private children matters. Cliona is a gifted advocate and strategically always on point. Cliona is great to work with and has always considered a case from every possible angle.”
Gemma Kelsey, Partner, LDJ Solicitors
“My partner applied to the court for permission to take our two very young boys to New Zealand. I cannot highly enough recommend Cliona; she helped me focus on the key issues throughout and provided guidance on the process, keeping my focus on what was most important. She was excellent in court against a similarly highly experienced barrister, and I have no doubt that her involvement led to a great outcome for me and my boys, where not only was the leave to remove not granted, but my contact was substantially increased. I would have no hesitation in engaging or recommending Cliona; my family and I will be forever grateful to her.”
Direct Access Client
Directories
‘Cliona is a determined advocate who leaves no stone unturned. She is always well-prepared and works incredibly hard.’
Legal 500, 2025