Family: Children

Parklane Plowden acts for a range of clients, including local authorities, parents and guardians, in a variety of children law proceedings. The cases undertaken by the barristers often involve serious abuse and injuries, as well as complex issues such as international abduction, relocations and parental neglect. The set is a first port of call for instructing solicitors handling care proceedings. The set also possesses impressive strength in financial remedy cases, and the barristers are equipped to handle cohabitation disputes and cases involving complex assets. Market commentators note that Parklane Plowden contains "many excellent advocates who will often go above and beyond to assist both the instructing solicitor and the client."

"The clerks respond immediately and make what can be a stressful job much less so."

"The clerking has always been first class."

"The clerking team is fantasticl."

"Parklane Plowden's team are prompt to reply and approachable, run great training events, and are an all-round fabulous set."

Clare Garnham undertakes advocacy in a range of family-related public law cases. She predominantly acts for local authorities, as well as parents, on child protection matters relating to serious matters such as abuse, injury and neglect. She is also noted for her ability to handle international issues. "An experienced barrister with excellent advocacy skills and a very pragmatic approach." "She puts the clients at ease, has a wealth of knowledge and is a strong advocate." "Clare's work ethic is second to none. She is very well respected by her peers and the judiciary alike."

Louise McCallum is a highly regarded family law specialist with extensive experience of children matters, especially those involving highly complex medical evidence. She is widely respected for her prowess in handling sexual abuse, child fatality and illnesses cases, and acts on behalf of children and local authorities across various courts, including the High Court. "Louise is clearly respected among her peers and is utterly calm in high-pressure situations." "She is fastidious and knows the facts of cases inside out. Her advocacy skills are exceptional and she always makes time to talk things through." "She is an excellent barrister to work with. She balances excellent advocacy skills and taking a case apart with a high level of empathy." "She is a dream with clients. They find her straightforward and easy to deal with and will always make herself available to speak to clients if needed."

Sara Anning has considerable experience representing children, parents and local authorities in highly complex children cases. She is recognised for her ability to handle the full breadth of children law, including adoptions, serious abuse allegations and fabricated illness cases. "Sara is a phenomenal lawyer, both in court and out." "A very skilful, able and polished advocate with great attention to detail." "Sara Anning's forensic legal skills and advocacy are excellent."

Alex Taylor is a children law specialist with a strong reputation for handling complex cases. He is instructed by local authorities, as well as parents and on behalf of children, and is regularly called on to assist with injury and abuse matters, as well as foster- and adoption-related cases. "He is one of the cleverest lawyers practising in the field on this circuit and is a very effective cross-examiner." "A very intelligent, skilful and forceful advocate." "Alex has a technical legal mind and is always able to provide the answer to complex legal questions and queries."

Iain Hutchinson is a child law specialist who acts for local authorities, parents and children on serious cases regarding issues such as sexual abuse, serious injury, induced illness and care proceedings. "An exceptionally good barrister. He is dedicated and hard-working and has excellent communication skills. He has a very high level of knowledge and expertise and relishes challenges." "A skilful and diligent advocate." "Iain is an excellent advocate and provides an exceptional level of client service."

Julia Nelson is well versed in handling a broad spectrum of family law matters, with particular expertise in children cases. She advises on internal relocations and residence disputes, as well as other highly contentious children issues. She also has experience in financial provision cases. "She is simply superb. You know that when Julia is instructed your client will have the very best chance of success." "Her advocacy in court is excellent." "Her bedside manner with clients is fantastic, but she's a real fighter at the same time."

Simon Wilkinson is well regarded for public children work involving serious allegations of abuse and complexities around evidence. He is particularly noted for representing local authorities in cases concerning sexual abuse, serious injuries and induced illness. He has experience acting in the High Court and Court of Appeal. "An able and skilful performer with a pleasant and practical approach." "Simon is always well prepared and extremely knowledgeable. He puts clients at ease and is always on hand to provide guidance and advice." "He has excellent advocacy, drafting, presentation and communication skills."

Maxine Best has a growing reputation as an expert in children law matters. She regularly acts for children, parents and local authorities on a variety of issues, ranging from serious physical and emotional abuse allegations to child neglect. "An excellent all-rounder who is very good with clients."

Nathaniel Garner is a highly respected children law specialist with experience handling public and private law cases. He has particular experience of representing vulnerable clients. "The quality of his written work is exceptional and he's incredibly intelligent. He's very easy to work with and very good on his feet." "He is very well prepared, an excellent advocate, forensic and serious in court."