Family/Children Law: Public Law Matters
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
About
Provided by Goodman Ray
Goodman Ray is the boutique children and family firm. The firm has a reputation for excellence in all fields of children and family work.
Goodman Ray is a powerhouse in children public law, representing parents and children through their Children’s Guardians. We have a strong team of accredited lawyers dealing with a wide range of cases including complex medical cases, cases where the effects of undiagnosed medical conditions are confused with signs of abuse, allegations of physical injury, as well as cases involving allegations of sexual and emotional abuse. We have a highly regarded specialist adoption team with a reputation for excellence and renowned name for being at the forefront of cutting-edge law.
In 2022 the firm moved to offices at 9 Gough Square, in the heart of London’s legal center, a stone’s throw away from the Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Family Court. Their new offices provide conference and meeting rooms, suitable for remote Court hearings, meetings, and an open-plan area to host seminars, training events and to encourage collaborative working. Goodman Ray opened a second office in Brighton following a significant increase in work on the South Coast, with a permanent address a few minutes from the Family Court.
Chambers Review
Goodman Ray fields a well-regarded family law practice that frequently represents parents and guardians of children in public law proceedings. The team handles serious cases relating to non-accidental injuries and abuse, often requiring technical medical examination. Lawyers at Goodman Ray also have broader experience in areas such as adoption, wardship and surrogacy and fertility law.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Goodman Ray is one of the leading children law firms in London with an excellent reputation. They attract and retain really good solicitors and it's always a treat to work with them."
"Goodman Ray is one of the leading children law firms in London with an excellent reputation. They attract and retain really good solicitors and it's always a treat to work with them."
Notable Practitioners
Peggy Ray is senior partner and co-founder of Goodman Ray. She is renowned for the wealth of experience she brings to complex and sensitive public law disputes involving the care and welfare of children.
"Peggy is one of the most prominent practitioners in this space."
"Peggy is an excellent child lawyer."
Hannah Perry is recognised for her experience in public law issues. She acts for children and parents in care proceedings including complex cases of abuse and domestic violence.
"Hannah is an exceptional lawyer who is caring, considerate and goes above and beyond."
"Hannah shows huge attention to detail and provides a voice to vulnerable clients."
Emma Sherrington is a public law specialist who has expertise in non-accidental injury, falsely induced illness and sexual abuse allegations. She has experience in representing clients before the High Court.
"Emma always looks for ways to support the client around proceedings, considering all the options to get the best possible outcome for them."
"Emma is dedicated, persistent and a superb solicitor."
"Emma is very experienced, dedicated to her work and knowledgeable."
Kevin Skinner is noted for his significant presence in public law, taking on complex cases such as domestic and cross-border care proceedings involving serious allegations of abuse, criminal behaviour and radicalisation.
"Kevin's written advocacy is absolutely brilliant and on par with leading counsel. He deals with the most complex work and does it brilliantly. He is absolutely magnificent."
"Kevin is a big name in the field and has expertise in more than one heavyweight area of public law."
"Kevin is very popular with clients and really knows this area of law."
Catriona Allan advises clients on a wide variety of public children law matters. Her expertise includes proceedings concerning non-accidental injury, deprivation of liberty and other welfare concerns.
"Catriona Allan is a very experienced solicitor and provides an excellent service to clients."
"I don't know where Catriona finds the time to do the work she does. Her analysis of the evidence and issues is impressive."
"Catriona provides great all-round advice and inspires confidence."
Ranked Lawyers at
Goodman Ray
UK-wide