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.
- ‘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.'
- ‘Quite simply the number one family law firm in the country, delivering a peerless service in the field of children law.’
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
Lawyers
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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