Mills & Reeve LLP’s children law practice is led by Zoe Fleetwood and Joanna Grandfield, 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.
‘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.’
'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.’
- '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.’
‘I have worked with Zoe Fleetwood, whom I consider to be a top expert in children work, and a highly competent advocate. I am happy to discuss complex matters with her and to refer work to her when I can. She is someone who can be trusted, and I regard her as a safe pair of hands.’
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.
Practice head
Joanna Grandfield; Zoe Fleetwood
Other key lawyers
Melissa Lesson; David Hickmott; Katy Fisk; Annie Wogel