Frances Judd QC is shortlisted for QC of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Matthew Stott has joined Harcourt Chambers 

Matthew is a family law specialist with extensive knowledge and experience across all fields of family law. He is regularly involved in complex care cases for local authorities, parents and guardians. He has been involved in cases concerning infant deaths, shaken babies, fabricated illness, serious sexual and physical abuse, honour based violence including attempted assassination, forced marriage, unlawful removal from the jurisdiction, serious neglect and cases involving breaches of Human Rights. 

Matthew’s arrival further strengthens our team of experienced, specialist family practitioners, supporting our growing workload and reputation in the field. 

Somerset County Council v NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group & Ors [2022] EWFC 31

Nick Goodwin QC appeared on behalf of the Applicant, Somerset County Council, and Damian Garrido QC on behalf of the Clinical Commissioning Group for Somerset, in protracted High Court litigation relating to breaches of the Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 (AAR 2005) – specifically a failure by its Agency Decision Maker to adhere to the regulations relating to the provision of medical reports from the Agency Medical Adviser.

In this final judgment, it was decided by the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, that although breaches of AAR 2005, reg 15/17 had occurred, an application for a declaration as to the validity of existing placement orders or adoption orders was not required or appropriate, because (a) such orders…

Rob George appointed as Special Advisor to the House of Lords Committee on the Children and Families Act 2014

Rob George has been appointed as Special Advisor to the House of Lords Committee on the Children and Families Act 2014. Rob’s academic and practice expertise will be used to assist the Committee, which is reviewing the operation of the Act.