Brief 16: Professor Jo Delahunty KC on Understanding the Unfamiliar

Professor Jo Delahunty KC was called to the Bar in 1986 and took silk in 2006. She became a Recorder in 2009, was made a Bencher of Middle Temple in 2011, appointed as Gresham College Professor of Law 2016-2020, and made Emeritus Gresham Professor of Law, Gresham Fellow and a Gresham Trustee in 2020.

Jo specialises in contentious cases involving complex medical evidence and catastrophic injuries to/the death of a child, child sex abuse, cases of fabricated or induced injury and ritualised abuse. Jo’s clients often have mental health difficulties or serious learning difficulties and she acts by choice and vocation under legal aid for the most vulnerable members of society.

In March 2019 Jo was named as one of the 100 Women of Distinction to be featured in the Middle Temple celebration marking 100 years of women entering the law. Jo was made a Freeman of the City of London to mark the centenary of 100 years of suffrage in recognition of her contribution to the law. Jo is also a proud ambassador of Bridging the Bar and mentor for the Association of Women Barristers, and is passionate about advancing diversity at the Bar.

Jo is currently writing a book with stories from the frontline and beneath the gown. It will be published by Bristol University Press and available later in 2022 (stay tuned for updates).