Practice Profile
Ben deals with complex and challenging public law proceedings and acts for Local Authorities, parents and Children's Guardians. His cases include: serious injuries, historical child death, complex international elements, difficult expert evidence and human rights claims.
Ben undertakes private children matters and acts for parents and r16.4 Guardians.
He is well regarded for his command of the brief, determined negotiation and effective advocacy.
Testimonials
Work Undertaken
- Public Law Children (Care, adoption and human rights)
- Private Law Children
- International Children
- Modern Families
- Court of Protection
Appointments & Memberships
- Inner Temple
- Family Law Bar Association
- Midland Circuit
- Deputy Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board, Education and Training sub-committee
Notable Cases
LCC v P (2016)
High Court - complex case involving international placement under an interim care order in the USA.
LCC v N (2016)
High Court - contested adoption
LCC v R (2015)
High Court - involving historical culpable death of a baby
LCC v S (2015)
High Court - long running international wardship case involving an abducted child in India.
Re: F [2012] EWCA Civ 1770
Court of Appeal: an appeal in relation to no order being made for contact to Father at the end of lengthy care proceedings involving the Official Solicitor.
H (A Minor) v Northamptonshire County Council & Anor [2017] EWHC 282 (Fam)
Keehan J made a third party costs order against the Legal Aid Agency in care and Human Rights proceedings, and gave detailed guidance as to procedure in Human Rights cases, and made an invitation to the Lord Chancellor to amend the statutory charge recoupment regulations.
Education and Qualifications
Nottingham Law School, Bar Course - very competent
Nottingham Law School, Graduate Diploma in Law - commendation
London School of Economics - International Relations and History - 2:1 joint honours