‘Well-respected within the local legal profession’, Abingdon-based Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne is noted for its wide-ranging, deep expertise in public children law, including high complexity care proceedings. Emily Boardman is a go-to for adoption work, with ’considerable experience’ acting for prospective adopters and agencies, and handling post-adoption contact applications. Ruth Hawkins is known for her complex children work and mediation: Carrie Rudge also offers mediation. Irena Osborne often takes on cases involving international relocation, and has expertise regarding domestic abuse. The private matrimonial team is headed by Helen Bishop, who has deep experience in cases involving children with complex needs, and business assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘There is a real focus on client care from the entire team - they each take time with their clients in a way that other firms don't. There is an individualised focus to that which is personal to each client.'
‘Emily Boardman is a stand-out partner. Anything she doesn't know about adoption proceedings is not worth knowing. She is a leader in the field in that area. Likewise her work in non-accidental injury cases. She has a no-nonsense, but empathetic approach.'
‘Client care is excellent and it is obvious that clients are well prepared and properly advised before court hearings. The team is well-respected within the local legal profession having good working relations with other solicitors and the judiciary, vital for the amount of work now done outside of court hearings.'
‘Emily Boardman, from personal experience, is one of the most ‘hands-on’ and available solicitors around, ensuring that communication is prompt and in accordance with the needs of the particular client. She has considerable expertise in the areas she practices in and any client of hers is in safe hands.’
‘Founding partners Emily Boardman and Ruth Hawkins are extremely well versed in the law and diligent on behalf of their clients. Emily Boardman is second to none in going out of her way to listen to, understand and advise especially vulnerable clients with no nonsense, plain advice and direction.'
‘Helen Bishop is a very competent solicitor. She provides an excellent service to her clients, in terms of advice, the standard of documents that she produces and her skills in negotiation.’
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Emily Boardman; Ruth Hawkins; Irena Osborne; Helen Bishop
Other key lawyers
Carrie Rudge