I would like to recognise, Louise Cannell-Mirza, Nev Zaki, Louise Moorcroft as team members who’s work stands out. Louise and Nev have a level of expertise and deep seated interest in children and family law. Nev has covered cases in Louise absence and her preparation is second to none.
Louise has been providing advice on all aspects of family law including divorce, finance and children disputes for over 11 years at Ward Hadaway.
Louise’s focus is now on children issues only and she specialises in providing advice on all matters relating to children in both the private and public law arenas.
Louise has extensive experience advising in private family matters such as contact between separated parents, residence disputes, contact with grandparents and disputes surrounding schooling and health decisions for children. She also has a wealth of experience advising in circumstances where allegations have been made between parents or wider family members that impacts on the care and contact arrangements for children.
She has also advised in matters concerning international relocation of children, adoption including international adoption, Child Support Agency and Child Maintenance Service issues.
She also acts in public law care proceedings and was accredited as a Member of the Law Society Children Panel in 2012.
Louise acts on behalf of parents, extended family members and children, through their CAFCASS Guardians when Local Authorities intervene with families due to child protection concerns. Louise’s experience includes representing parties at all tiers of the family court including the High Court.
Louise’s practice also extends to the public sector, providing advice and training in relation to safeguarding children. This includes advising a number of NHS Trusts and Academies on bespoke issues that arise in their settings, to delivering regular training to ensure such agencies are compliant in meeting their safeguarding responsibilities.
Louise was the Chair of Young Resolution North East, the organisation of junior family lawyers in the region for over 5 years and is recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ in the 2020 Legal 500 publication.
Louise is a Trustee and Governor at Talbot House School and Residential Home in Newcastle.