Star Individuals
Band 1
About
Provided by Alex Verdan KC
Practice Areas
Inquests and Inquiries
International Children Law
Private Children Law
Public Children Law
Arbitration
Early Neutral Evaluation
Mediation
Career
Alex specialises in complex and serious children cases, covering private and public law. His expertise includes intractable child arrangements disputes, internal relocations, leave to remove from the jurisdiction, emotional abuse, child fatalities, serious injuries, disputed medical evidence, and cases involving criminal proceedings. He also handles allegations of sexual abuse, including false claims, and factitious illness.
In addition, Alex has extensive experience in Inquiries, both Public and Part 8. He is currently representing Lambeth BC and Leicestershire CC in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). He was counsel to one of the local authorities in the Climbie Inquiry and served as Counsel to the Isle of Man Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People.
Notably, Alex was instructed by children in a landmark care case, reputedly the longest in English legal history, with a threshold hearing lasting five months. He frequently provides policy advice to local authorities.
Alex is a MIAMS trained Mediator and successfully obtained his Arbitrator qualification through CIArb.
Beyond his legal work, Alex advises the media on various family law matters. With over 30 years in practice, he possesses extensive experience in all types of children cases. While primarily based in London, he travels across the country and international jurisdictions.
Alex is a respected lecturer at family law conferences, such as Dartington Hall for Jordans. He conducts seminars and offers training for judges, solicitors, psychiatrists, and social workers. He contributes articles to publications like Family Law Week, Solicitors Journal, and New Law Journal, and currently serves as one of the editors for Butterworths Family Law Service.
Languages Spoken
French
Work Highlights
Deputy High Court Judge 2009
Recorder 2004
Arbitrator 2016
Head of Chambers 2012-2022
Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers 2010-to date
Bar Standards Board Conduct Committee 2004 – 2009
Trustee of the charity Children and Families Across Borders 2008-2012
Family Law Bar Association Committee 2003-2005; 2008-2010
Centre for Child and Family Law Reform 2009 – 2012
Editor Butterworths Family Law Service
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Alex Verdan KC is indubitably a force in the field of children law. His caseload sees him handling matters concerning the most severe and complex of children issues. He has expertise in everything from the most serious public law issues to the placement of high-profile people's children.
Alex Verdan KC frequently acts as an arbitrator in private family law disputes. He further receives plaudits for his experience acting as chair in complex, sensitive children mediations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Alex Verdan remains a superstar of the family law world. He never puts a foot wrong."
"An outstanding advocate and a great family lawyer, he is rightly regarded as a leader in private family law matters due to his exceptional experience."
"Calm and strategic in his approach, he is a real presence in the courtroom. Clients feel very reassured by him."
"His reputation precedes him. He's an unstoppable force in the children law world, who turns his hand to ADR with the greatest of ease."
"Alex Verdan remains a superstar of the family law world. He never puts a foot wrong."
"An outstanding advocate and a great family lawyer, he is rightly regarded as a leader in private family law matters due to his exceptional experience."
"Calm and strategic in his approach, he is a real presence in the courtroom. Clients feel very reassured by him."
"His reputation precedes him. He's an unstoppable force in the children law world, who turns his hand to ADR with the greatest of ease."
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