The Children Panel in Devon

What is the “Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme” also known as “the Children Panel”?

The Law Society answers this question on its website saying that;

“the Children Law Accreditation Scheme covers all types of children law work. Members will have shown, to the satisfaction of the Law Society, that they have and will maintain a high level of knowledge, skills, experience and practice in the area of children law, be that in private practice or working for a local authority”

Membership has to be renewed every 5 years.  I have spent the last couple of weeks preparing a definitive list of members who are based in Devon in consultation with my fellow members and in conjunction with the Committee of the Devon Region of Resolution (of which I am past Chair). The list, which shows geographical location has now been circulated to our Judges, Social Services and CAFCASS. Unfortunately there have been problems with obtaining an up to date list and its circulation.

If you need something done, its sometimes quicker to do it yourself! So I did; not as complicated as founding a Law firm, that’s for sure!

There are 57 members who are based in Devon. There are 7 who go to work each day to office in East Devon. 4 of those are in Exmouth. The other 3 are in Honiton and I am one of them. Following the Legal Aid Tender, Legal Aid cover has been reduced to Honiton and Exmouth only, meaning that there is no Solicitors office in Seaton, Axminster, Seaton, Sidmouth or Ottery St Mary, which is able to offer Family Legal Aid. Good job I opened! If you would like a copy of the children panel list give me a call.