Goodman Ray remains a standout boutique family firm known for its wide-ranging children law expertise, led by Peggy Ray, Jemma Dally and Kevin Skinner. Their work spans both public and private law, with a strong focus on modern family structures, international surrogacy and adoption, fertility law, and complex abuse-related proceedings. Ray’s practice includes acting for children and parents in serious care cases and adoption matters. ‘Legal genius’ Jemma Dally is particularly strong on international adoption and surrogacy, and Kevin Skinner combines public law expertise with international children work, and is frequently appointed as a solicitor guardian in Hague proceedings. The ’fantastic’ Hannah Perry, Emma Sherrington and Catriona Allan further strengthen the team’s public law work, particularly in cases involving serious abuse, non-accidental injury, deprivation of liberty and coercive control.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rachel Browne is exceptional and a tactical genius when it comes to public law children proceedings. She has more experience than most and is client friendly. Kevin Skinner has decades of experience in international cases and knows the law better than most. Clients adore his can-do attitude and he finds flexible solutions. Ann Thompson is simply unbeatable. She advises across the range of family law cases and offers the complete service to her clients.’
‘Hannah Perry is fantastic. She is a first-rate lawyer, very hardworking and really on top of her game. When I am instructed by her, I know that the case will be in great shape and perfectly prepared.'
‘One of the best law firms for children work in the country.’
‘Emma Sherrington is one of the best children lawyers around. Jemma Dally has fantastic work and is just such a clever lawyer.'
‘Catriona Allen is an extremely good children lawyer with great instincts. Her ability to identify and focus on the key issues in a case is second to none.’
‘Hannah Perry is one of the best public law children lawyers there is. A first choice and a reliable choice. Hannah is technically brilliant with a fine attention to detail. Hannah is a charismatic and persuasive advocate and a tremendous lateral thinker. Hannah is extremely good at negotiation. She is always popular with clients and speaks with calmness and authority that sets the clients at ease. Hannah has an excellent knowledge of children's law and procedure that is used both tactically and effectively and she is quite commanding in the courtroom and excellent at cross-examination.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Catriona Allan
Hannah Perry
Emma Sherrington
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Janet Broadley
Practice head
Peggy Ray; Jemma Dally; Kevin Skinner
Other key lawyers
Catriona Allan; Hannah Perry; Emma Sherrington; Janet Broadley; Edward Nicklin; Rachel Browne