Boodle Hatfield LLP’s children law team is led by Emily Brand, a mediator and arbitrator with expertise in matters involving addiction, mental health issues and neurodivergency. The team advises on complex child arrangements matters, including those where parents face serious allegations or safeguarding concerns. Katie O’Callaghan, also a mediator, handles sensitive disputes involving coercive control, abduction risk to non-Hague countries, and children with special educational needs, particularly autism and ADHD. William Rollin, who joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in August 2024, represents parents in high-conflict domestic and international disputes, often involving abuse allegations and psychological issues. Other key members of the team include Alexandra Hirst who focuses on relocations, and Pippa Cook, who supports on welfare concerns and modern family structures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A small but highly skilled team who provide such an excellent client service.’
- ‘Emily Brand is a quite brilliant family lawyer, very clever and universally respected – an absolute joy to work for.'
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alexandra Hirst
Practice head
Emily Brand
Other key lawyers
Katie O'Callaghan; William Rollin; Alexandra Hirst; Pippa Cook; Genevieve Smith; Katie Male; Kate McGirr