Solicitor at Colchester's Fisher Jones Greenwood appointed to Children Panel

A solicitor at Colchester-based Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP has been appointed to the Children Panel, enabling her to represent children in family proceedings.

Family lawyer Natasha Cooper who currently specialises in all aspects of children’s law, is joining the panel to expand her expertise. The law has changed in recent years to require more focus on the wishes and feelings of young people when decisions are being made about them.

She will join four of her colleagues from Fisher Jones Greenwood, Chris Graves, Nigel Humphries, Simone Surgenor and Rachel Earnshaw, who are already members of the national panel of 1200 specialist professionals.

In order to become a children’s representative, you must have at least three years experience as a solicitor, attend a three day training course and submit an application covering all aspects of children’s law and practice.  Representatives are also interviewed by two independent assessors and must pass a Criminal Records Bureau check.   

Natasha said: “Most family cases involve a child in one way or another and the law recognises this, placing a growing emphasis on the voice of the child.  This appointment means that I will be able to represent that voice.”

Encouraging lawyers to join the children panel is just one aspect the ways in which Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP support young people in the region.    

The company has also been associated with the Youth Enquiry Scheme (YES) since 1996. YES is charity established to promote the physical and mental health and social development of young people aged 11-25, providing them with counselling, advice and information. Natasha, as well as joining the Children Panel is a Trustee of YES.

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP celebrated its twenty fifth year in the town this year, and holds the prestigious Lexcel Law Society quality mark. It has also won the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award and Business in the Community East of England Leadership Award for Pro Bono Company of the Year. Fisher Jones Greenwood is both a commercial and family law firm, but is one of very few suppliers in East Anglia that provides social welfare law services.