Young Lawyers – Kate Gomery: The Rules of Engagement

Just a couple of days after starting out in publicly funded childcare work I was made aware of a quote attributed to Munby J to the effect that removing a child from his or her parents is the most draconian action the state can take against the individual since the abolition of the death penalty. Unsurprisingly this quote has stayed with me ever since and I try to bear it in mind every day as a powerful reminder of the importance of every aspect of my work.

In public law proceedings however  it can also be said that no matter the quality of the of the lawyer a case can substantially succeed or fail based on the ability of the parent-client to demonstrate to the court via the various agencies required to report back that it is in the best interests of the child(ren) to remain with them. By and large this will be through engaging with the...

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