MSB Solicitors, who operate across three offices in Allerton, Wavertree and Liverpool city centre, have been appointed to the International Child Abduction and Contact Panel by the Official Solicitors Office.
News comes following an intensive application process evidencing considerable experience and expertise in this area. MSB now join around just 40 other firms in the UK – predominantly London-based – and are the only firm in the North West including Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire.
MSB have grown their expertise in the field of international child abduction significantly in recent years. Partner Emma Carey and family solicitor Emma Palmer are both Resolution-accredited specialists in this area, solicitor Eve McGowan is on the Law Society’s advanced specialist panel for child abduction, Kirsty Leather has completed a masters of law in International Law and Wendy Eves has developed an excellent reputation as a specialist, cross-border mediator.
MSB have a strong portfolio of international child abduction work. Family Partner Emma Carey says:
“It really is a very difficult process to even be considered for appointment to the International Child Abduction and Contact Panel and I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of the team at MSB. We have been involved in a number of incoming cases of international child abduction in recent years, which in itself is a feat, as often cases are submitted to solicitors firms already appointed to the panel.
“I was first involved in an international child abduction case eight years ago and I have been resolution accredited for 6 years – this was an area of law I was interested to develop at MSB.
“I am lucky to be supported by a fantastic team who share my passion and their combined experience and commitment has been pivotal to us securing a place on the panel.”
MSB have spent a number of years taking steps to develop not only their experience, but their resources too – and to develop networks in London and across the country in order to carry out international child abduction work effectively.
Emma continues:
“Often this type of work is very niche as it is an incredibly complexed. In many cases solicitors have to act quickly to put measures in place, whether that be to prevent children being removed from the country, or urgent action to establish the return of a child. It is very emotive, time-consuming work and it has taken us a long time to ensure that we are confident in this area of law and that we have an effective support network.
“Legal aid is available for all child abduction matters, in some cases automatically, regardless of a client’s income or capital. MSB prides itself on its very high success rate in obtaining legal aid for clients.”
MSB will be amongst just over 40 firms nationally who will work directly with the International Child Abduction Unit in the UK. Cases are allocated on a rota basis and are usually heard in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The Legal Aid Agency in the UK will also be informed of MSBs appointment to the panel, which provides a green light in terms of MSB obtaining legal aid for international child abduction clients.
MSB are a full service law firm and were established in 1988; now operating from three offices in Allerton, Wavertree and Liverpool city centre.
For more information visit www.msbsolicitors.co.uk or call 0151 281 9040.