“The situation is as grave as it could be.” Incredible letter of support from HHJ Vincent to family lawyers in response to the legal aid cyber attack. When senior members of the judiciary are writing that this crisis may take a year to begin to resolve we should all be worried.

I work in a Trauma Factory - My latest article for Legal Action Magazine is about how horrendous being in the family court is for both professional and lay parties. ☕️ 🍪 www.lag.org.uk/article/2169...

TW: suicide/self-harm A coroner has warned that overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst records of inmate deaths in the country The report to the Ministry of Justice highlighted a lack of staffing By me, for Private Eye

My client who has been called incapable by people who should know better, in a final hearing all week, took the time to make me these bracelets overnight. They mean “seek happiness” 🥺

Me: I require an urgent court transcription in 48 hours transcriber: kinda busy will get back to you in a month.

My column in @legalactiongroup.bsky.social Magazine is about Love and Desire in the family court. Subscribe now! www.lag.org.uk/magazine

The fact that the LAA debacle isn’t being viewed as a crisis shows how poorly legal aid is treated by Govt. firms, chambers and suppliers will face financial ruin if this goes on for the months it is likely to go on for. CCMS cost tens of millions to create. There should be an inquiry.

Honoured to be featured on Davie’s BBC Scotland podcast “The Cruelty: Stolen Generations” speaking to my work with Traveller families in care proceedings. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Interested if any family justice orgs are conducting research into the effects of KvS on care proceedings. Anecdotally it’s seems we need to accept whatever expert the LA put forward for part 25s…

The LAA portal cost tens of millions to set up and its current frozen status is threatening the entire legal aid sector. Small firms depend on regular payments to stay afloat and serve their communities. The sector was on its knees for years before this. Unsure whether we will all weather it.

Sure Start centres generated £2 of financial benefits for every £1 spent, study finds www.theguardian.com/education/20...

3. Family Legal Aid inc Children's Rights - sponsor Resolution ⭐️Mary Richardson - Miles and Partners ⭐️Beverley Watkins - Watkins Solicitors ⭐️Lynsey Welsh - Cartwright King

Congratulations to all our finalists🥳 Join us on 4 July to hear the winners announced at our #LALY25 ceremony, aka 'the best night out in the legal aid calendar.' Tickets £15-£45 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laly-award...

We are proud to share that our Managing Partner @beverleywatkins.bsky.social, has been shortlisted for the 2025 @lalyawards.bsky.social for her outstanding work in Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights. Read more: www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/wa... Congratulations Beverley!!

We have now sold out of our tickets and the wait list is long.😎 Do reach out if you wish for the conference materials. 📧

Finally read - A LA v X & Y and Others (No4: Welfare and reporting of judgments) [2025] EWFC 126 🤯 Unimaginable cruelty from wealthy professionals who knew the impact of their actions. Abhorrent case. Amazing work from the press.

We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏

We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏

My latest for legal action magazine about why I empathise with my neurodivergent clients. lag.org.uk/article/2167....

Reflections on family law and more: We cannot go on; nor can we quit @oliverconway.bsky.social on why after 10 gruelling years on the child protection frontline, he is facing an impossible dilemma.

We ❤️ legal aid lawyers. Lots of time left to nominate your favourite - but don’t leave it too late - deadline closes 22 April ⬇️

“Under Labour, health is a prerequisite – not for a good life for yourself, but to be a good worker for the nation.” @francesryan.bsky.social on the reported disability cuts: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

3 cheers for the cafe at Portsmouth Combined Court. The Omelette I had was the best i’ve ever eaten anywhere and the whole meal was under a tenner!

Fox and Chave Ebay find 😉

Can someone photoshop a KC lectern into this pic 🤭😹

Really looking forward to speaking at this event today.

'I was walking to a medical appointment when I realised I might have to quit the job that I love' Searing, brave & powerful by @oliverconway.bsky.social #March25LegalActionMag @legalactiongroup.bsky.social

Key insights from solicitor @oliverconway.bsky.social – ICARS Person of the Year 2023 In his latest article, Oliver Conway sheds light on the mounting pressures within family law and the struggle lawyers face in balancing their own well-being with their duty to advocate for clients.

I wrote an article about why I may not have replied to your email. www.lag.org.uk/article/2165...

Some great results for clients this week. Of old it would have been cause for 🍾🥂 However these days I have a yoga and breath-work class booked in to celebrate 🤭😎

Update: over 100 people have now emailed the Ministry of Justice echoing the women’s calls for an investigation. This is what solidarity looks like ❤️

"We kill at every step, not only in wars, riots and executions. We kill when we close our eyes to poverty, suffering and shame. In the same way all disrespect for life, all hard-heartedness, all indifference, all contempt is nothing else than killing." ~ Hermann Hesse

Most anti social behaviour stems from alcohol, drugs, mental health and a totally absence of communal activities. Restore local front line community services instead of making ridiculous laws that just fill our prisons.

A statement from our CEO Moazzam Malik on the news that the government is cutting the UK aid budget to fund an increase in defence spending:

😃With @rightfullives.bsky.social, I'm co-organising an event about learning disability, autism and the #MHBill 📢 Fab speakers, all have experience of MHA detention 📅 Tues 4 March at 6pm 📍At @doughtystreet.bsky.social and on Zoom Register here www.doughtystreet.co.uk/event/deep-d...

Such an important campaign from @birthcompanions.bsky.social Get in touch with your MP today. www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/cal...

This was my client and we cannot let it take place any longer. www.channel4.com/news/new-cla...

I saw my client in shackles last week in hospital. My client was unable to walk due to medical complications following birth but their 3 private prison guards needed the shackles for their own “safety” grotesque.

Pleased to be speaking at this next week about how domestic abuse victims seeking emergency accommodation are often put through intrusive child protection investigations.

Working in legal aid sometimes to paraphrase the words of Dr Maya Angelou is Defeat, after defeat, after defeat, but never being defeated. Nominate a legal aid lawyer/org for a LALY today. Keep them in the fight!

Some news, team! 🎙️ I’m so excited to make my broadcasting debut for BBC Radio 4 next week. ‘You Do Not Have to Say Anything’ is a 10 episode behind-the-scenes peek at (and love letter to) the criminal justice system. Join me, Mon-Fri at 13:45 on BBC Radio 4 & BBC Sounds 🧡

Why as a solicitor you would send a letter stating your client has permanently relocated somewhere with the parties kid and without one parents consent is beyond me.

Councils spend £1.6bn a year on 'temporary accommodation' for homeless families - which includes some of the worst housing conditions in the country. But who is getting the money? A joint investigation between me, Vicky Spratt and @sdelahunty.bsky.social tried to provide an answer...

A great post day. My physical copy of the Legal Workers Inquiry which contains my essay “A Day In The Life of A High Street Legal Aid Lawyer” Only 200 copies exist but it will be freely available online after the launch in May.

Cardiff is actually one of the better ones…which says a lot! @johnhyde.bsky.social www.lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/i...

Great family case law update as ever on Pinktape which I read entirely in the voice of Mrs Whistledown 🤭