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.
‘Boodle Hatfield has a strong reputation in the marketplace. It is routinely seen as a more boutique option for clients, providing all round robust but sensible advice and reputation. The solicitors at Boodle Hatfield are second to none, and they have a clear approach to strategy in their cases that is thoughtful and pragmatic.’
‘Pippa Cook is a rising star with a good grasp on the detail of her cases and excellent client management skills. Katie O'Callaghan is a respected partner who provides sound and well thought out advice, and works as a talented mediator too. Kate McGirr is diligent with her work and sensitive to her clients needs. She has been excellent at communicating and running strategy past me in a private children case where our client was vulnerable and presentation to the court was a significant aspect of ensuring an effective hearing.’
‘Led by the inspirational Emily Brand, Boodle Hatfield boasts one of the strongest children law teams in the country who are consistently at the cutting edge of family law.’
‘Emily Brand is a quite brilliant family lawyer, very clever and universally respected – an absolute joy to work for.'
- 'William Rollin’s recruitment from Charles Russell Speechlys was a real coup – a very measured and perceptive family law solicitor.'
- 'Katie O’Callaghan is a very shrewd and astute family lawyer.'
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