Alex Verdan KC

Practice Areas

Inquests and Inquiries

International Children Law

Private Children Law

Public Children Law

Arbitration

Early Neutral Evaluation

Mediation

Career

Alex specialises in complex and serious children cases, covering private and public law. His expertise includes intractable child arrangements disputes, internal relocations, leave to remove from the jurisdiction, emotional abuse, child fatalities, serious injuries, disputed medical evidence, and cases involving criminal proceedings. He also handles allegations of sexual abuse, including false claims, and factitious illness.

In addition, Alex has extensive experience in Inquiries, both Public and Part 8. He is currently representing Lambeth BC and Leicestershire CC in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). He was counsel to one of the local authorities in the Climbie Inquiry and served as Counsel to the Isle of Man Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People.

Notably, Alex was instructed by children in a landmark care case, reputedly the longest in English legal history, with a threshold hearing lasting five months. He frequently provides policy advice to local authorities.

Alex is a MIAMS trained Mediator and successfully obtained his Arbitrator qualification through CIArb.

Beyond his legal work, Alex advises the media on various family law matters. With over 30 years in practice, he possesses extensive experience in all types of children cases. While primarily based in London, he travels across the country and international jurisdictions.

Alex is a respected lecturer at family law conferences, such as Dartington Hall for Jordans. He conducts seminars and offers training for judges, solicitors, psychiatrists, and social workers. He contributes articles to publications like Family Law Week, Solicitors Journal, and New Law Journal, and currently serves as one of the editors for Butterworths Family Law Service.

Languages Spoken

French

Work Highlights

Deputy High Court Judge 2009

Recorder 2004

Arbitrator 2016

Head of Chambers 2012-2022

Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers 2010-to date

Bar Standards Board Conduct Committee 2004 – 2009

Trustee of the charity Children and Families Across Borders 2008-2012

Family Law Bar Association Committee 2003-2005; 2008-2010

Centre for Child and Family Law Reform 2009 – 2012

Editor Butterworths Family Law Service