Child Law
Overview
Several of our barristers specialise in the law relating to children. The list of cases in which members of Chambers have appeared speaks for itself of the role we have played in developing the fast-moving areas of human rights, best interests work, embryology and social care. Essentially, if there is a legal issue over any aspect of a child’s up-bringing, we are able to deal with it. That is a bold claim, but the experience we have in so many areas justifies it.
In addition to mainstream Children Act proceedings, we are also frequently involved in the wider legal issues which arise increasingly often now, such as the treatment of children and vulnerable adults, regulation of those who work with children, the full range of challenges relating to reproductive medicine and the family dynamics it creates and assessment of needs and funding of services for disabled and vulnerable children. In public law proceedings we represent local authorities and guardians, but especially parents. We act regularly for claimants abused in local authority care, schools, clubs and religious institutions as well as for vulnerable adults abused in long term care. We are also instructed in judicial review proceedings where the conduct of local authorities in particular in meeting children’s needs is under scrutiny.
We are very conscious of the difficulties or disadvantages facing many of our lay clients. We take great professional satisfaction from addressing these. Nothing is too much trouble, we will always travel to see the client if that is better for them.
Our aim is to win cases, no matter how difficult an objective that may seem. We will always try to find the different approach that might be the key to success.
Areas of expertise
- Assessment of needs and funding
- Best interests cases
- Education law
- Embryology
- Human rights
- Medical law and ethics
- Regulation of children’s homes and childminders
- Safeguarding
- Social and community care
- Special needs
For further information, contact:
Stephen Somerville, Senior Team Leader, 020 7353 6381
Track record and prominent cases
- Stored embryos – appeared for Natallie Evans in her fight for the use of her stored embryos.
- The Leeds hospital embryology case – represented one of the couples in this embryology “mix-up” case.
- Review on the use of special advocates in suspected honour killing case
- Application of Article 5 where child kept locked in room overnight for safety – acted for Guardian
- “The baby C case” – acted for the parents of baby C.
- Baby RB – acted for mother in dispute between parent over whether ventilator should be switched off
- False diagnosis of abuse – acted for Tim Williams in successful battle for the return of his three children following false diagnosis of abuse.
- Appeal against baby shaking decision – acted for the B family in their successful appeal against the finding that they shook their baby.
- Children’s human rights – represented the mother in Re C when the Court of Appeal examined damages for breach of human rights in children’s cases.
Our clients
We represent a wide range of clients in this area of law, including local authorities, guardians and, in particular, parents. We have wide experience of litigation involving children, often representing them via a guardian from the CAFCASS Legal High Court team.
What the directories say
Susan Freeborn of Outer Temple Chambers is another popular choice for public children work. Chambers and Partners 2011
Memberships and involvement
Our barristers frequently give lectures and contribute to many of the leading publications in this field.
Tags: Child Law
Related barristers
Will Young
