Mills & Reeve LLP’s children law practice is led by Zoe Fleetwood, Joanna Grandfield and Colin Rogerson, with Fleetwood heading the national children law team and Rogerson leading on fertility and surrogacy matters. Fleetwood is widely recognised for her specialist work in high-conflict and sensitive children cases, including international abduction, domestic abuse, forced marriage, public law proceedings, and complex cross-border kinship placements. She regularly represents competent children and is experienced in matters involving serious allegations such as non-accidental injury and human trafficking. Rogerson is a national leader in surrogacy and fertility law, including international arrangements, donor conception disputes, and declarations of parentage and wardship. Melissa Lesson brings a strong international focus to the team, joining from Mishcon de Reya LLP in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Colin Rogerson is the go-to solicitor for complex surrogacy cases and complicated parenthood issues related to fertility treatment. He is am excellent litigator and is always one step ahead. Judges respect and listen to him.’
‘Zoe Fleetwood and Colin Rogerson provide an excellent service to clients in private law disputes, cross border matters including child abduction and, particularly for Colin, complicated cases arising from international surrogacy and other parenting arrangements. They are both excellent - leaders in their fields.’
‘Colin Rogerson is a standout star. He has the depth of knowledge to challenge any silk, and his advocacy is flawless.’
'An excellent children department. They have recently obtained a legal aid contract so they can do complex international child abduction cases, which is innovative for a department that serves a high-net-worth client base.’
‘Colin Rogerson is the country’s leading expert on the law surrounding fertility and parentage. He is simply outstanding. He conducts much of his own advocacy and is more knowledgeable than counsel on the law surrounding parentage. He has a full and diverse surrogacy practice, encompassing incredibly complex international arrangements. He is also a compassionate and humble lawyer.
- 'Zoe Fleetwood is a strategic presence and a go-to for complex private law. Her background in care work gives her the edge over competitors.’
Key clients
- Re AB (A Child) [2024] EWHC (Fam) 586
- C v M (A Child) (Abduction: Representation of Child Party) [2023] EWCA Civ 1449
- [2024] EWHC 2802 (Fam) [2024] EWHC 2802 (fam)
- F v J & Ors [2024] EWHC 2802 (Fam)
- R & Anor v A & Anor [2024] EWFC 341
Work highlights
Represented the applicants in R v Anor v A v Anor [2024] which considered whether a respondent to a parental order application was “capable” of giving agreement.
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.
Practice head
Joanna Grandfield; Zoe Fleetwood; Colin Rogerson
Other key lawyers
Melissa Lesson; David Hickmott; Katy Fisk; Annie Wogel