Biography
I am a specialist Associate Family Law Solicitor advising clients on divorce, the financial consequences of relationship breakdown and private children law. In 2018 I was shortlisted at the Yorkshire Legal Awards as a rising star within the legal profession.
I have experience advising both heterosexual and same-sex couples, whether married or in a civil partnership, on these issues. My clients know from the outset that I'm committed to resolving the issues that they face and I work hard to bring about a positive outcome. My advice is always specific to the context, tactical and grounded in reality.
In respect of children law I advise on domestic and international issues. I have considerable experience in advising on future child arrangements upon relationship breakdown and/or during difficult periods when parents cannot agree a way forward. I have dealt with a variety of complex children law issues and have a particular interest in cases involving:
- Relocation of children – within the UK and internationally
- Child abduction
- Cases involving serious allegations of harm
- Parental alienation
- LGBT+ children law issues – be it LGBT+ parents or children.
I hold a Master’s of Law LL.M degree in International Human Rights Law & Practice. This is invaluable when dealing with complex family issues which have an international element or potentially engage human rights issues.
In respect of financial matters I have particular experience in dealing with medium to high-net-worth individuals. I regularly advise clients with complex financial portfolios with family trusts, pensions, inheritance and business interests. I also advise individuals with modest assets where sensible robust advice is needed. I have advised individuals in England and internationally on these matters.
I am an expert in LGBT+ family law. I regularly advise clients on divorce, dissolution and children matters in this area as well as family creation. I am also published in leading law journals and featured in the national press, radio and lectured on LGBT+ family law and human rights issues.
Before practice I graduated with a First-Class Honours in Law from the University of York. In 2012 I was a Seoul National University Scholar and spent two months in Seoul, South Korea, at the world leading international institute. In 2013-2014 I was a 50th Anniversary Bridge Fund Scholar of Law and obtained by LL.M.
What inspired you to get into law?
I thrive under pressure and wanted to be at the forefront of the profession to be able to influence law reform.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Being a family lawyer is an absolute privilege. I advocate for my clients on a daily basis during one of the most distressing moments in their life. My intervention is often pivotal and will impact on a client’s future success and happiness. The real reward is being the person trusted by a client to drive forward the plan of action.
What do you do away from the office?
On a serious note I continue to be engaged in academic legal issues. I'm published in a range of leading legal journals and commented on law reform issues in the national press and radio. I'm also regularly invited to lecture on family law, LGBT legal issues and human rights. I currently sit as an undergraduate admissions interview tutor at a leading Russell Group university.
On a lighter note I enjoy a good glass of wine with friends at the weekend. I run most evenings and enjoy playing golf in the summer.
Testimonials
Client Recommendations
"Scott goes to the next level when it comes to giving a service to his clients. Scott’s positive attitude and genuine caring nature have really helped me out. There were difficult times when he needed to tell me things straight that I didn’t necessarily want to hear but this was always done in a highly professional way. His knowledge of family law is more befitting of someone who has been in the industry for over 20 years and I would highly recommend his services for anybody wanting to achieve the best possible outcome for themselves in a divorce, especially where there are children involved." – Client
"Scott was amazing throughout my case… answered every question I threw at him and managed to put my mind at ease during what was a very difficult period … and never made me feel as though it was just another case." – Client
Professional Recommendations
"Scott is a pleasure to work with and an excellent family lawyer. He possesses an essential and effective toolkit, combining brilliant client care, diligence and commitment to a case with realistic and practical advice. He goes above and beyond in the work that he does and I would not hesitate to recommend him." – Julia F Townend, Barrister at 4 Papers Buildings, Temple, London
"Scott is a real star… It is a pleasure to work with him as he is insightful and mature beyond his years and always provides very sensible and realistic advice to clients. Scott’s hard working and efficient nature ensures that total trust can be placed in him to get the job done and to go the extra mile in doing so in order to ensure a first-class service. He is charming, extremely well prepared, knowledgeable, and has a keen eye for detail." – Julia Nelson, Barrister at Park Lane Plowden Chambers, Leeds and Newcastle
"I always feel that his clients have been well advised by the time that I meet them, often at Court for the first time, and it is clear that they have trust in his representation. Scott’s dedication to do the best for his clients is evident. He is wonderful to work with." – Emily Ward, Barrister and Deputy Head of Family Law, Broadway House Chambers, Leeds
"Scott is an expert in international children’s cases, especially child abduction. I have worked with him on a number of international cases this year. He is intelligent, great with clients and really understands the strategic points." – Michael Edwards, Barrister 4 Paper Buildings, Temple, London
Publications
“Let children speak to Judges”, The Times Legal Brief, 2017
“Should children be heard in court?, Family Law, 2017
“Surrogacy Law Reform”, Family Law Journal, (2018) 48(2) 229
“Constitutionalising Family Law and Justice: Framing a Role for the Appellate Courts in the Family Jurisdiction” Academia.edu, 2018
“Civil Partnerships, human rights, constitutionalism and the UK Supreme Court” Family Law Journal, (2018) 48(5) 608
“Family: Transgender and the law”, CityWealth, 2018
“Heterosexual civil partnerships, legal hegemony and the future of relationship status” European Convention on Human Rights Sexual Orientation, 2018
“Supreme Court declares Civil Partnership Act incompatible with human rights law” Family Law, 2018
“Civil partnerships could open to all after supreme court rules they are discriminatory” The Daily Telegraph, 2018
“Transgender parents, registration of children at birth and human rights” Family Law, 2018
“The future of Civil Partnerships in an era of human rights incompatibility: An analysis of Steinfeld & Keidan” , Family Law Journal, (2018) 48(8) 942
“An Introduction to the English Legal System” Law Society Gazette, Book Review, 2018
“Family Justice Council Annual Debate 2018: ‘Nothing to hide – what’s wrong with covert recordings?’” Family Law Journal , (2019) 49(2)
“Trans Man Named Mother Of His Child In ‘Breach Of Human Rights’, Experts Say” RightsInfo, 2019
“A High Court Judge Has Ruled That 'Mother' No Longer Means 'Woman' Buzzfeed, 2019
“Trans man who gave birth loses historic court battle to be named his child’s father” PinkNews, 2019
