Osbornes’ family team is led by Mark Freedman and Maria Kitsiou, with Kitsiou heading the specialist children offering, representing vulnerable individuals in care proceedings and complex public law cases. The team handles a wide range of private and public law work, with an emphasis on international issues, adoption, and surrogacy. Naomi Angell, described by clients as ‘the guru on international adoption law’, remains a leading figure in adoption, surrogacy, and fertility law, particularly concerning LGBT+ matters. Headed by Lauren Hall, the firm’s child abduction practice also includes Simone McGrath and Kesha Parabi, both of whom are recognised for their work in Hague and non-Hague proceedings. Parabi also advises on relocation and international contact under Article 21, and Jonathan Jonas and Yael Selig both advise on cross-border private children disputes. Tom Trim focuses on relocations, allegations of abuse, alienation, and adoption, often in complex fact-finding contexts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tom Trim is developing a strong practice as a go-to solicitor in children cases. Tom is committed to his cases, is a highly skilled lawyer with excellent client communication skills. He is well-placed to take on the most complex of public law cases. He is hardworking, thorough, with a wealth of knowledge. A superb solicitor.’
‘Osbornes has the very best solicitors dealing with children law, with experience of the full spectrum of cases involving children.’
‘Simone McGrath has unrivalled experience and encyclopaedic knowledge of international children cases. Naomi Angell knows everything there is to know about international adoption.'
‘Lauren Hall is a highly astute, sensitive, and well-organised lawyer who is very adept with children cases and has a very good sense of judgment. She has a very strategic eye.’
‘Maria Kitsou is a very knowledgeable lawyer and widely respected and regarded for her children advocacy. She goes above and beyond for her clients and leaves no stone unturned to get the right outcomes for them.'
- 'Jon Jonas is the human equivalent of a legal encyclopedia on children law. He knows everything and for many years if I am stuck, he is the person I will call. He is very technical in his knowledge of the law and a forceful advocate.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mark Freedman; Maria Kitsiou
Other key lawyers
Naomi Angell; Jonathan Jonas; Maeve Lucey; Simone McGrath; Lauren Hall; Kesha Parabi; Yael Selig; Tom Trim; Jessica Moore; Serena Sandhu