Black History Month 2026 celebrates the achievements, contributions and history of Black people in Britain. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. To mark the event, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola of Trinity Chambers asked colleagues from across the law what BHM means to them. Here she speaks to Andrew Powell KC
Black History Month 2026 celebrates the achievements, contributions and history of Black people in Britain. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. To mark the event, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola of Trinity Chambers asked colleagues from across the law what BHM means to them. Here she speaks to Shakira Maynard-Johnson of KJ Smith Family Law
Black History Month 2026 celebrates the achievements, contributions and history of Black people in Britain. This year's theme is "Honouring Our Communities". To mark the event, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola of Trinity Chambers asked colleagues from across the law what BHM means to them. Here she speaks to barrister, Ruth Reid.
Why do clients change their minds or give instructions that seem at odds with their goals? Elinor Harvey explores how the emotional impact of separation can affect decision-making and offers practical guidance to help family lawyers understand what lies behind difficult instructions, how to support clients through uncertainty and manage their own emotional responses with confidence.
A parliamentary debate on surrogacy law has reignited questions about who should be recognised as a child’s legal parents at birth. Shaili Gohil-Desai considers the case for reform, the safeguards built into the current parenta lorder process, and the Law Commission’s proposed new pathway, asking whether change can better balance the interests of surrogates, intended parents and children.
Family lawyers are professional problem-solvers, but is telling clients what they need to know always the best approach? Jacinta Gallant explores the power of asking rather than telling. She considers how curiosity, careful listening and noticing defensive behaviour can help practitioners understand what really matters to clients – and recognise when it might be time to stop talking and start asking.
PMOS is a lifelong condition that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing, often in ways that are invisible to others. Drawing on her own experience of diagnosis and working in family law, Lucy Gillman explores the realities of managing PMOS alongside a demanding career, and why understanding, flexibility and compassion from colleagues and employers can make a real difference.
The Law Commission is consulting on reform of the law governing kinship care in England and Wales. Safia Yousaf sets out the key proposals, including a new bespoke Kinship Care Order and kinship parental responsibility agreements, alongside possible reforms to existing arrangements. It considers parental responsibility, support, contact and assessment, and encourages Resolution members to respond before the consultation closes.
Coercive control can have a significant impact on financial remedy proceedings, affecting finances, evidence and a client’s ability to engage effectively in the process. Georgina Pearson explores how practitioners can recognise and evidence patterns of coercive and economic abuse, take a trauma-informed approach, and consider how financial orders can be drafted to minimise opportunities for ongoing control and further dispute.
This week's "Ask Elinor" column explores what happens when family lawyers’ empathy and commitment begin to blur professional boundaries. Using the Drama Triangle, Elinor explains how the urge to “rescue” clients can lead to exhaustion and resentment, and offers practical ways to set boundaries, manage client expectations and provide compassionate support without being constantly available.