Solicitor to represent children in cases following accreditation

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 13 November 2018

UPDATED: 13 November 2018

Specialist family law associate and solicitor Gareth Protheroe has become a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation scheme – a recognised quality standard for practitioners representing children in legal proceedings.

Gareth, who qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and joined Derby-based law firm Nelsons in 2016, had to show an exceptional level of competence and knowledge in family law and the representation of children in children law proceedings to achieve the accreditation.

Gareth said: “Cases involving children require a special level of sensitivity and specific expertise, so I am really proud to have qualified as a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation.

“Being a member of this allows me to represent children in cases – something solicitors without the certification are prohibited from doing.

“The accreditation recognises my specialism in working out arrangements for children and also promoting their direct interests in court proceedings, including private parental disputes, local authority intervention and the adoption process.”

In order to achieve membership, Gareth had to complete a three-day training course alongside a formal application showing his in-depth knowledge and experience in children act proceedings, including representing parents and clients in contested hearings.

Gareth then had to attend an assessment day and interview at the Law Society in London.

He said: “The accreditation confirms my expertise in representing children and also allows me to be instructed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

“The process is very thorough but one that ensures that clients can feel confident with my proven competency when it comes to representing children in legal proceedings.”

For more information on Nelsons’ children law services, please visit www.nelsonslaw.co.uk/children-law or call 0115 958 6262.

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