Praised for its ‘unparalleled reputation in family law’, Dawson Cornwell LLP houses a specialist children team advising in the full spectrum of matters, including international abductions, adoptions, and child arrangement cases. Practice head Carolina Marín Pedreño represents high-net-worth individuals, NGOs and publicly funded clients in a wealth of children matters. Hilka Hollmann has extensive experience in cases involving relocations, allegations of abuse and non-accidental injuries, while Forum Shah acts for applicants and respondents in cases concerning the 1980 Hague Convention. Charlotte Image-Flower has experience representing both parents and children with complex health needs and medical conditions, while Sulema Jahangir is a key contact for matters related to forced marriages and honour-based violence. Other key members of the team include Aysel Akhundova; Floriane Laruelle; and Sacha Lee. The practice was further strengthened by the arrival of Naomi Angell in 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- TT v Poland
- S (Wardship: Removal to Ghana rehearing)
- B v B & Ors (Step-Parent Adoption)
- Re C (A Child: Summary Return to Pakistan)
- ALC
- WX v YZ
- NG (A Child)
- In re HMP
- B (Child Abduction: Settlement)
- A, B, C and D
- RT v GT
- Y (Child Abduction; Habitual Residence; Grave Risk; Ukraine)
- A v B & Ors [2025] EWHC 3370
- Re K and Re S (Legal Aid: Experts’ Fees) [2025] EWFC 100
Work highlights
Successfully represented a father before the European Court of Human Rights in the case against the Government of Poland.
Represented the child in a case where the court for the first time read down statute to disapply section 83 restriction in international step-parent adoption cases, thereby paving the way for step-parents being able to adopt within an international context without breaching section 83 which is a criminal offence.
Represented the respondent mother in a 1980 Hague Convention case concerning the father’s application for the return of a young child to Ukraine.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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; Forum Shah; Charlotte Image Flower; Sulema Jahangir; Aysel Akhundova; Floriane Laruelle; Sacha Lee