Gemma Kelsey
Family Partner
Professional Journey & Expertise
Gemma is a highly dynamic and leading family law expert, with a focus on complex, high-stakes, and cross-border family law disputes. She qualified as a family law solicitor in 2008 and has dedicated the last 16 years to children law, establishing herself as a top-tier specialist in international children law.
Prior to joining MSB, Gemma was a Partner at a regional firm in Oxfordshire and also served as Partner and Head of Family at a firm in Warwickshire.
Gemma’s practice is renowned for tackling intricate and high-profile family matters, particularly in the field of international children law. She regularly advises and represents parents in cases involving child abduction, wardship, relocation, and international contact disputes.
Gemma has built a reputation for her expertise in cross-border family cases, frequently collaborating with the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) on incoming child abduction cases and international contact disputes.
Gemma has also acted as an expert on English family law in foreign jurisdictions and has represented clients in several landmark cases up to the Court of Appeal level. Her vast experience in these complex, often protracted proceedings, sets her apart as a go-to specialist for clients facing intricate cross-border family issues.
In addition to international children law, Gemma provides expert advice and representation in private law children matters, including Child Arrangement Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Parental Responsibility Orders, and Special Guardianship Orders. She has significant experience handling complex children matters, particularly those involving children with special educational needs (SEN) and autism.
Gemma is also dedicated to representing victims of domestic abuse, regularly advising on cases where domestic abuse intersects with child custody and family law matters. She undertakes both private and legal aid work, demonstrating a strong commitment to access to justice for all clients.
Gemma holds Resolution Specialist Accreditations in Child Abduction Law, Private Children Law, and Domestic Abuse, and is a trained Domestic Abuse Champion. She has been consistently recognized by Legal 500 (2016-2023) and Chambers & Partners (2016 to date) and was shortlisted as Family Associate of the Year at the 2016 Family Law Awards. She is also a founding member of the Child Abduction Lawyers Association (CALA).
Commitment to Clients
Gemma’s approach combines legal expertise with compassion and patience. She is committed to offering clear, pragmatic advice while being mindful of the emotional complexities that clients face in family law matters.
Her ability to represent clients effectively, even in the most difficult cases, is underpinned by her focus on achieving positive outcomes through collaboration, where possible, and advocating fiercely for her clients when needed.
Professional Involvement
Gemma regularly provides pro-bono advice to charities supporting families involved in international disputes involving children. Her passion for access to justice drives her ongoing involvement in these important causes.
Personal Values & Philosophy
Gemma is a strong believer in hard work, mutual respect, and equality. She ensures that her communication with clients is always thoughtful and tailored to their individual needs. As a mentor, she has supported many trainees and junior staff, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment.
In her practice, Gemma advocates for resolving children disputes amicably when possible but is tenacious and determined in representing clients’ interests. She is mindful that family law often extends beyond court proceedings, and she works with clients to foster lasting, constructive relationships after the legal process concludes.