Dawson Cornwell LLP is recognised as ‘the best firm for international children work’ and ’a cut above the rest’. The practice is led by market leader in international and domestic children law, Carolina Marín Pedreño, who is described by clients as ‘one of the most well-respected international lawyers’ and advises on abduction, surrogacy, forced marriage, and parentage issues. The wider team, ’brimming full with first-rate lawyers’, includes Forum Shah and Hilka Hollmann, who handles care proceedings involving abuse, radicalisation and jurisdictional issues, and Sulema Jahangir, who is dual-qualified in Pakistan and specialises in forced marriage and wardship. Charlotte Image-Flower and Aysel Akhundova act in cross-border and public law matters, while Floriane Laruelle and Gemma Adams advise on domestic abuse and care proceedings. Sacha Lee, described as ‘a complete star’, advises on both public and private children matters, including international relocation and enforcement.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Carolina Marin Pedreno leads the team with an understated excellence. She is open to discussion and always applies a sensitive and intellectually rigorous approach to complex litigation. Carolina's leadership means there is always openness to explore complex issues as they arise across the team. Aysel Akhundova is a passionate believer in her cases. She will fight hard for her clients and is also realistic and pragmatic. Floriane Laruelle is highly astute and has excellent client relationship skills.’
‘Hilka Hollmann's knowledge of international surrogacy and international adoption law is exceptional. She is respected by judges and opponents alike - often appearing in the high court in her own right.'
‘There is little that Carolina does not know about international children law. I would unhesitatingly recommend her to any prospective client. She is cleverly strategic but also realistic and a tough negotiator. Her technical knowledge is unparalleled and her connections across the world of international children law unrivalled.'
- 'Sulema Jahangir is particularly skilled in international cases involving forced marriage and abandoned spouses. Her cross-border knowledge in cases involving Pakistan makes her the first choice for any client involved in cases involving that jurisdiction. She is caring and empathetic towards clients and always goes the extra mile.'
‘Forum Shah is a stand-out litigator on children issues. She has taken some of the most innovative, important children cases in recent years. She is always popular with clients and speaks with calmness and authority that sets the clients at ease. Forum has an excellent knowledge of international and children's law and procedure that is used both tactically and effectively, and she is quite commanding in the conduct of cases.’
‘Hilka Hollmann continues to have a range and wealth of experience in adoption (international), private law, and public law. She is conscientious, committed, and flexible in her analysis and thinking. Charlotte Image Flower is focused, available and works well in consultation with children's guardians.'
Key clients
- MS (father) - Re R (Child Abduction: Parent’s Refusal to Accompany)
- MAS v ZK & Ors [2024]
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children v Braqi & Ors
- SP (father) – Re N
- Father - S v F & Anor [2025] EWHC 439
- SA (mother) - Samira Addou v Sidali Bennabi
- OE (maternal aunt) - Omay Ali Elhag Elkndo v Elnoaman Gassam Elsyed & Ors
- NG (mother) - NG v CJ [2024]
- Mother - Re A B C and D
- Z (Unlawful Foreign Surrogacy: Adoption) [2025] EWHC 339 (Fam)
- Re, X (Intercountry Adoption: Kafala: Noncompliance s.83 ACA 2002) [2024] EWHC 3198 (Fam)
- Louise Tickle & Anor v The BBC & Ors [2025] EWCA Civ 42
Work highlights
Represented the father pro bono when his child made an application through a solicitor that he be returned to the jurisdiction of England and Wales after taking the father took his teenage son to Ghana due to concern about his welfare in England due to a deterioration in his behaviour.
Acted for the mother opposing the application of GOSH Hospital to withdraw life sustaining treatment for her one-and-a-half-year-old boy suffering from a rare muscular degenerative disease called SMARD1.
Representing the siblings of Sara Sharif, through their children’s guardian, in wardship proceedings in the High Court, including supporting the application by the Local Authority for the siblings’ return to England and Wales.
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.
Practice head
Carolina Marín Pedreño
Other key lawyers
Hilka Hollmann; Sulema Jahangir; Charlotte Image-Flower; Forum Shah; Aysel Akhundova; Floriane Laruelle; Sacha Lee; Gemma Adams