2DRJ

Biography

Combining expertise with compassion, Hazel is a trusted advocate and respected in her field. ​ Hazel is a down-to-earth, approachable, and hardworking family law barrister experienced in public and private children’s law. She is a well-rounded lawyer representing local authorities, parents, grandparents, guardians, vulnerable parents via the official solicitor, victims, and alleged perpetrators. ​

Hazel is known for her excellent drafting and knowledge of the law and procedure. She contributes to legal scholarship via publications and webinars on landmark judgments, providing professionals with practical insights that are directly applicable in day-to-day practice. ​

She has a quiet confidence. Colleagues and opponents respect her collaborative, calm, and professional manner, which helps her build relationships and achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Despite her busy practice, she remains dedicated to “Justice For All”, as demonstrated through pro bono work with Advocate. She was shortlisted for the John Collins Pro Bono Award in 2025 and nominated as a Young Pro Bono Barrister in 2024.

Notable Cases

Re A&Others 2025: In a complex care proceeding, Hazel successfully represented a family friend caring for the eldest of four siblings. While the Special Guardianship Order was unopposed, the central issue was preserving essential sibling contact where the Local Authority proposed adoption for the younger children. Through meticulous cross-examination and a compelling closing argument, Hazel secured a Section 26 contact order against the recommendations of both the Local Authority and the Guardian. This outcome, underpinned by strategic use of recent appellate authority, demonstrates a high command of the law in safeguarding fundamental family relationships. Feedback from other side’s client: ‘I wish you had been my barrister, you were just brilliant. Every question and every word was on point Re O (July 2025): Successfully represented a father pro bono at an appeal hearing against final orders made by the magistrates, securing interim contact arrangements pending a retrial. Re L (June 2025): Represented a grandmother in care and placement order proceedings, successfully securing post-adoption sibling contact orders for her grandchildren despite opposition from the local authority and guardian. Re GK (August 2024): Represented a local authority in a complex international case, secured care and placement orders following skilful and effective cross-examination of experts. Re P (December 2024): Successfully argued coercive control as a key factor in care proceedings related to allegations that a mother failed to protect her daughter from sexual abuse. Re S (August 2024) ​ Hazel represented a mother in a private law case before a Recorder at Medway. ​ She secured a section 91(14) order after eliciting the father’s admission of abuse through sensitive cross-examination. LA v L (August 2024): Represented a housing tenant pro bono, successfully preventing homelessness by upholding her right to succeed to the tenancy under Part 4 of the Housing Act 1985 following her mother’s death. A LA v S (July 2024). Represented a local authority in a five-day care and placement order final hearing, securing the orders sought and all the findings sought in respect of the threshold. Re (London Borough of Brent) May 2024: Represented the local authority in a case which highlighted the need for local authorities to support vulnerable families.

Webinars

Assessments of Ethnic Minority Families - When in Rome, do as the Romans do? November 2023 Children in Public Law: Recent Case Developments and Practical Guidance for Family Law Week – April 2025.

Pro Bono Work

Pro Bono recognition list 2024 and 2025 Nominated for Advocate’s Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year Award 2024 Shortlisted for the prestigious John Collins Pro Bono Excellence Award 2025

Public Speaking Engagements

Young Lawyers Event, Pro Bono Week 2024, November 2024 More than the city event at King’s College, February 2025 Black History Month talk to Thames Christian College students: “Reclaiming Narratives”, November 2024

Publications

Numerous case summaries of judgments to the Family Law Week journal Assessments of Ethnic Minority Families - When in Rome, do as the Romans do? January 2024, Published by Lexis Nexis Father’s rights Part 1 - Legal Clarity Achieved: Non-Biological Fathers Cannot Acquire Parental Responsibility, analysis of the recent High Court judgment in the case of KL v BA [2025] EWHC 102 (Fam), Published by Lexis Nexis. Embracing Open Adoption: Navigating the Shift Towards Greater Openness in Adoption Practices, November 2024 Designation revisited, Re G (Designation of Local Authority) [2024] EWCA Civ 1565 December 2024 M (A Child: Intermediaries) – Premature Codification and Its Impact: How High Court Decisions Shaped Legal Guidance on Intermediaries, May 2025 Protection of Children Who Are Seventeen 2020 (Family Law Week) Contact with Children in Care: COVID-19 2020 (Local Government Lawyer) Similar Fact Evidence in Family Proceedings 2020 (Local Government Lawyer)

Testimonials

“Ms Samuriwo has shown herself to be a confident advocate. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues and is always well prepared (both in her written and oral approach). She presents her cases with appropriate robustness whilst maintaining balance and professionalism.” Circuit Judge “We cannot thank you enough for your brilliant work on this difficult international case, lots of glowing and positive praise from all of us here. And what a result!” Local authority solicitor. “When I instruct Hazel on my cases, it is very reassuring as she goes beyond what is usually expected from counsel. Hazel provides support to the client, and she assists in further directions. Hazel is very proactive in her case management.” Local authority solicitor “I want to extend my thanks for your supportive representation in court. Your submissions on behalf of the LA were comprehensive amid the difficulties we faced with the mother’s vulnerable presentation. We are grateful, thanks so much Hazel. You were great.” Team manager for a local authority. “Your representation for the local authority during this trial hearing was so gentle and yet powerful. You will go far in your career.” Opponent, senior counsel. “You represented me amazingly and won me the succession to the tenancy on my family home. For that, I am incredibly grateful.” Pro bono client - Housing case. “Thank you for all your help. We appreciate every second you put towards the case. You helped a father and daughter sustain a beautiful relationship for hopefully years to come, and for that, I am truly grateful. Enjoy the flowers.” Pro bono client, Private family law “Hazel was very friendly and professional throughout. Prior to the return hearing, she arranged a conference call and explained the court process to me. Hazel answered all of my questions and was very positive. On the day of the hearing, Hazel was punctual and encouraging. She made the entire process stress-free by ensuring that my special measures were properly carried out. Hazel also exceeded my expectations and represented me to the highest level.” Pro bono client, Private family law “I cannot thank you enough, Hazel, as you have taken it upon yourself to help me fight this injustice in this appeal hearing. We are already home playing in the park.” A father in a pro bono case - Private family law. “Your closing speech was so powerful and it made me cry”. Mother in care proceedings

Appointments

Hazel is a safeguarding governor at Special Education Needs School. She also sits as a panel member in the school’s disciplinary hearings, including appeal hearings

Interests

Outside of work, Hazel enjoys simple pleasures like park runs, countryside walks, bluebells, playing the piano, visiting museums, and making Seville marmalade each January. She is an active member of her local traditional Baptist church, where she enjoys teaching Sunday school, among other volunteer roles.

Memberships/Grades ​​​

LLB Law, University of Southampton Legal Practice Course, Distinction, College of Law Middle Temple ​​​ Family Law Bar Association Association of Lawyers for Children ​​ South Eastern Circuit ​