Public Children: Shaping New Law into Solution-Focused Advice for Your Clients

DOL

Drawing on recent and live cases, what counts and would move a court when making a Deprivation of Liberty application?

Answered by: Mark Twomey QC

Mark acted for the appellant in the 2021 Supreme Court deprivation of liberty litigation, In the matter of T (A Child). "He is incredibly clever and leaves no stone unturned."

Placements

How are the courts practically dealing with unregistered and unregulated placements in light of recent legal developments?

Answered by: Amanda Weston QC

Amanda is “well-known for her work on safeguarding and is able to handle the most highly emotional cases. She is shortlisted for 'Human Rights & Public Law Silk of the Year' 2021.

Fact-Finding

How should you be approaching domestic violence, honour-based violence and coercive control in a fact-finding?

Answered by: Tina Cook QC

Tina is "a leading light, incredibly astute: a real star who is utterly dedicated to her cases". She is highly experienced in handling cases involving non-accidental and fatal injury.

Allegations

How do you handle allegations made by children if there is no supporting evidence or the allegation is not repeated?

Answered by: Hannah Markham QC

Hannah is "like an encyclopaedia for children work" - "truly exceptional" - "at the very top of her game" - "unrivalled in her strategic thinking." She is Vice-Chair of the FLBA.

Intermediaries

How do you overcome and manage difficulties in working with an intermediary in family cases?

Answered by: Elizabeth Isaacs QC

Elizabeth is "a titan for children's work." "A QC of choice for cases which challenge the law." She radiates creative energy and sits as a Deputy High Court Judge.

Adoption

How willing is the court to allow wider family members to intervene late, challenge assessments and oppose an adoption order being made?

Answered by: Damian Woodward-Carlton QC

Damian is "an exceptional advocate - incredibly robust and persuasive." Recent cases include allegations of supporting terrorism and family members travelling to Syria.

Evidence

What tips the balance over a young person giving evidence and instructing solicitors?

What if there are younger siblings?

Answered by: Cleo Perry QC

Cleo is "absolutely spectacular in children law." "Her advice is clear and practical and she achieves results for her clients that are going to be workable and meaningful.”

Experts

How do you persuade a court to allow an expert witness to be called?

How do you select the right expert, and what questions do you pose?

Answered by: Gillian Irving QC​

Gillian "is always the best prepared advocate in court, fierce in cross-examination, and at least two steps ahead of everyone else." "She knows children law inside out."