This session is designed to equip private law practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively when Local Authority involvement arises, exploring why and how a Local Authority may become involved in private children proceedings, including common triggers for referral and the legal routes by which the court may invite or require intervention.
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Session 5 overview – When private law turns public – what private law practitioners need to know
Local Authority involvement can significantly change the landscape of a private law children cases, often at short notice and with far‑reaching consequences.
This session is designed to equip private law practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively when Local Authority involvement arises, exploring why and how a Local Authority may become involved in private children proceedings, including common triggers for referral and the legal routes by which the court may invite or require intervention.
The presentation will provide a practical overview of the different types of assessments and investigations a Local Authority may undertake in a private law context, such as section 37 investigations, child in need assessments, and safeguarding enquiries. It will also consider what practitioners should be alert to when Local Authority involvement is anticipated or underway, including issues around disclosure, delay, proportionality, and case management.
We will examine the range of possible outcomes at the conclusion of Local Authority involvement and the potential ramifications for ongoing private law proceedings, including escalation into public law, changes to interim arrangements, and the impact on final orders.
The session will also cover common public law terminology, helping practitioners confidently navigate unfamiliar language and processes. A series of practical tips will be shared for managing private law cases where the Local Authority becomes involved, with a focus on effective communication, client management, and strategic decision‑making.
What Attendees Will Gain
- Gain an understanding of the role of Local Authority within proceedings.
- The session is designed to give practitioners legal knowledge and practical tips about Local Authority involvement with a family at all stages.
Who is this session for?
- Family solicitors
- Mediators
- This session is aimed at those who specialise in private law children
Meet the presenter:
Victoria Halsall is a specialist family law barrister, with a growing and busy practice in all areas. She has been second junior in several cases involving multiple KCs, including cases in the High Court stemming from previous Hague proceedings.
In children’s cases, she regularly acts alone in public and private law proceedings, representing vulnerable clients and taking on complex cases with allegations of alcohol/ drug misuse, alienating behaviours, domestic abuse, sexual abuse of minors, and international dimensions (including in the High Court). Victoria is particularly highly regarded for her confident and robust cross-examination of experts and lay witnesses.
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