Children's Proceedings

Now recognised as a leading choice in the area of care work, we at Brendan Fleming are proud of our expertise; but we know that the most important thing in nearly all cases is the sensitivity, tact and thoughtfulness we show to the people looking to us for help and guidance.

Our principal, Brendan Fleming, has won a reputation for his innovative approach, spearheading many new ways of securing justice for victims of domestic abuse and violence.

Brendan is currently representing both children and parents caught up in the care work process. He is a member of a select children's panel and, along with Indy Thind and Michael Green, recognised and approved by the Law Society. We are contracted to the Legal Services Commission for this type of work and as of July 2010 we are considered, by them, to be one of the top two Birmingham-based firms for publicly funded services.

What is a child care solicitor?

Filling the role of a child care solicitor requires many different skills. But before we can explain what we are, let us explain what we are not.

We are:

Not a doctor - but we have to be prepared to understand, evaluate and question the opinions of experts in paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology and many other medical fields.

Not a social worker - but we keep up to date with the latest developments and research in social work as well as how the ever-changing social care system operates.

Not a police officer - but we understand laws and procedures governing the most complex police investigations. We are aware of how the police operate, what happens in police stations and how evidence is recorded.

Not a psychologist - but we know about psychological issues such as development and attachment. We keep fully up to date with research into all forms of psychology so we can confidently say that we know what makes a human tick.

Not a diplomat - but we must negotiate with professionals and lay people in intense and emotionally-charged situations to ensure that we get what is best for our clients.

Not a physiologist - but we understand the complex effects of drugs and alcohol in relation to both adults and children.

Not racing drivers or chauffeurs - but we are often required to be at many different places in the same day. We safely negotiate our way between courts, hospitals and prisons to make sure our clients are always represented in the most effective ways possible.

Not a barrister - but we conduct a considerable amount of advocacy in all levels of the court system and regularly work with complex and contentious cases.

Not comedians or entertainers - but we help our clients relax and feel at ease. We must gain the trust of young children giving them the confidence to discuss emotional matters that will cause distress and heartache.

Not a robot -but we have to be ready to put our emotions aside. We also have to be ready to keep working at our very best even at the end of a long, busy and sometime traumatic day.

When it comes to being a child care solicitor we are a jack-of-all-trades in order to be a master of one!