Family Law expert David Kendall explains how the Children Panel list of solicitors is not just another document handed out routinely to parents whose children are threatened with removal by the state- far from it!

The list is a guarantee.

The lawyers who have been included on that list are bona fide experts in their field and are all elite individuals, and professionally recognised as such by the Law Society. By choosing your legal representative from the list you will be choosing a specialist family lawyer who is dedicated to the highest standards and the finest principles. That at the very least is your guarantee.

In addition, those who make the list do so because of their personal dedication to children law and family law, their individual experience in conducting all aspects of their own cases and their professional determination to providing a top-drawer legal service at all stages of the case they conduct.

If it sounds like I am a huge fan of the list – well yes, I am. It’s a bit like googling a restaurant for reviews ahead of booking your meal. Except that there are no reviews this time- instead you have the cast iron assurance that no-one should be on that list unless they fully deserve to be. And many solicitors (many who practice children/family law) are not!

Acceptance onto the list is a true test. Staying on the list requires the ultimate approach and professionalism. And, frankly, so it should! Those on the list are more likely than not to be chosen to represent the wishes and feelings of children young and old. This privilege however comes with conditions.

All candidates must take and pass an exacting set of undertakings: an intense and highly specific professional course where standards, values, knowledge, and application are fully tested; the preparation of a portfolio of real-world cases to demonstrate experience; the passing of an examination to show professional knowledge and practical skill and then last but by no means least -the interview! I recall that part well. It was held at the headquarters of the Law Society in Chancery Lane, London. My interviewers were a Cafcass officer and social worker of 50 years’ experience and a high-profile solicitor and member of the Children panel for nearly 30 years. Needless to say, I was delighted and relieved to pass the various stages. My reward? My name on the next updated list.

Such is the importance of being included on the list I know of practitioners who having taken career breaks (and having dropped off the list) and are working all hours to gain re-admission. I know of one highly experienced member who administratively left the list and had to re-apply- with no exceptions and much personal (and professional) inconvenience as well- to be allowed back on it. There is no doubt amongst those that are listed, that it is a clear professional highlight to be on, and to remain on, the Children Panel list.

So as a “tool” to assist the many parents who need require specialism and high standards the Children Panel is a proper starting point. If you need one, they can be supplied free of charge from any local authority or from a solicitor’s own practice.

​How we can help

At Wollens we are proud of our Children Panel representatives and would be very happy to send the latest list to you.

Speak to David Kendall

David is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact David via email david.kendall@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 225134.

You can also complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available.