Payne Hicks Beach LLP’s children practice is headed by the ‘supremely intelligent’ Nick Manners, whose work spans leave to remove, contested child arrangements, and abduction cases, often involving schooling and welfare issues. The ’incredible’ Fiona Shackleton continues to act in complex, high-profile, and confidential children matters involving public interest immunity, allegations of harm, and coercive control. The team also includes Harriet Errington, noted for her international relocation and surrogacy work and for acting in cases involving abuse, parental alienation, and children with additional needs. Other key lawyers include Matthew Booth, Charlotte Skea-Strachan, Camellia Buckmaster, and Katie Parkes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Nick Manners is a very assured lawyer who brings a calm confidence to his advice. He immediately captures the trust of clients. He is a very careful thinker and leads his team from the front. Fiona Shackleton continues to attract high-profile clients to the firm. They know that they will be in good hands. She has an unparalleled ability to give confidence to her clients. Her astute assessment of a case and strategic awareness is sought after and trusted. Katie Parkes is always on top of every detail of her cases. She is a wonderful person to have on your team as she is so dedicated to achieving the best for her clients. Luke Scarratt is definitely a name to watch for the future. He is a very effective and well-informed lawyer.'
‘Ben Parry-Smith is at his best when drawing on his exceptional network of counsel, solicitor colleagues and experts. He heads up his teams on individual cases with charisma and keen intellect.'
‘Baroness Shackleton is simply incredible. Her strategic vision for a case is second to none. Her incredible understanding of the law and client care cannot be faulted. She is the best family lawyer out there.'
‘Harriet Errington is one of the most diligent solicitors I know. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she always goes the extra mile for her clients. She really fights their corner!’
‘Quite simply the number one family law firm in the country, delivering a peerless service in the field of children law.’
‘Choosing Harriet Errington was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. I was going through a deeply painful and uncertain time. From our very first conversation, I felt a sense of safety and clarity I had not felt in months.'
Key clients
- Y v Z [2024] EWFC 4
- Prospective Adopters v London Borough of Ealing (1), SK (2), NS (3), and E (by the children’s Guardian AS (4) [2023] EWFC 294
- HO and TL [2023] EWFC 215
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Practice head
Nick Manners
Other key lawyers
Baroness Shackleton; Harriet Errington; Charlotte Skea-Strachan; Camellia Buckmaster; Katie Parkes; Laura Hallahan; Aoife Devereaux; Evelyn Collins; Rachel Tiffen; Luke Scarratt; Matthew Booth