Rachel joins prestigious panel

A Colchester solicitor will now be able to act for children in care proceedings issued by local authorities after being made a member of the prestigious Children’s Panel.

Rachel Earnshaw from leading law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP had to undergo a vigorous assessment procedure by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority which included a three day training course and an interview in London with two assessors, before being invited to join the panel and become what is known as a children representative.

Rachel who has been a solicitor for more than five years and specialises in family law said: “The procedure was tough but definitely worth it. I spend much of my time involved with care proceedings and acting for parents, but now I will be able to work on behalf of both parents and children which will add a new dimension and enable me to understand even better both sides.”

Children representatives act for children in all court proceedings under the 1989 Children Act, as well as the Adoption Act and Adoption and Children Act. Whilst all solicitors can represent parents, grandparents as well as other adults, only members of the Children’s Panel are authorised to act for children where proceedings are underway to take them into the care of a local authority.

Fisher Jones Greenwood has one of the largest family law teams in East Anglia and Rachel is now the fourth member of the team to have been made a children representative.  Senior Partner Tony Fisher said: “Family law is a very important area of expertise for us and we are well-known for offering a caring, friendly and innovative service. It is excellent news that Rachel has become a member of the Children's Panel and her expertise will certainly enhance the service we offer.”

Rachel will be speaking at a free seminar to be held by Fisher Jones Greenwood on Friday April 4, entitled ‘Child Protection: the new world’.  For further information please call 01206 578282.