Local Authority - Coram Chambers

Coram is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for our clients when it matters most.

Our child protection barristers represent Local Authorities in the most complex cases, bringing legal acumen and skilled advocacy. We approach all cases with professionalism, commitment, and sensitivity. We work closely with local authority solicitors and offer clear advice to social work teams. Our Local Authority team offers specialist child protection barristers, as well as experts in the Court of Protection and Human Rights. We have legal specialists at all levels of seniority (including King’s Counsel), with an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience.

For more information on our members or to discuss a particular case, please contact our clerking team.

Our approach

Our barristers provide a unique mix of robust advocacy, innovative thinking, and a problem-solving approach. We are particularly skilled at identifying creative solutions, including innovative use of the Inherent Jurisdiction, wardship and other legislation. We are vigilant about all aspects of cases, particularly where there is overlap with criminal proceedings and disclosure, or where there are concurrent LADO or SCR investigations.

Our Local Authority team has the capacity to handle hearings at short notice and out of hours, as well as giving telephone and email advice to ensure clients get a swift response to issues as a case develops. We can cover all aspects of a case in-house, from judicial review to arguments on costs.

Areas of expertise

Our team represents local authorities in the most complex cases concerning:

FII complex
Conflicting medical evidence
Multiple NAI
Management of rehabilitation plans in high-risk cases (resolutions framework)
Sexual abuse, including the evaluation of children giving evidence
Parental homicide
Medical issues including appropriateness of treatment
Children with complex needs, including deprivation of liberty of children with learning difficulties
Radicalisation
Cultural and religious considerations, including so-called honour-based violence
FGM
Forced marriage
Vulnerable parties
Designation arguments
International cases where jurisdiction is in issue or where there is placement out of the jurisdiction.

The expertise of several of our members is recognised by the most prominent directories, Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.

Additional services

Coram provides a full and bespoke out of court Dispute Resolution service which utilises the expert skills of our family barristers as mediators, arbitrators and through neutral evaluation (private FDR hearings). The expertise of several of our members is recognised by the most prominent directories, Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.