Reimagining Family Justice: Innovation, insight and impact in Children Law

Join leading voices in public and private children law for an interactive day of insight, reform and practical tools. This is not just another day of CPD, it’s a space for collaboration, challenge and change in family justice.

• Hear from researchers and leading family law barristers
• Explore real-world cases and cutting-edge tools
• Gain insights that you can bring into your everyday practice

Explore a day of insight, discussion and practical tools for practitioners working in both public and private children law.

Here are just some of the key sessions planned for Reimagining Family Justice 2025:

Keynote address - Our conference will be opened by the fantastic Rachel Horman-Brown KC (Hon), solicitor and director at Watson Ramsbottom Ltd and chair of Paladin - the National Stalking Advocacy Service. Rachel regularly attends All Party Parliamentary Groups and advises government with regard to issues around coercive control and stalking. She has won a number of different awards for her work in these areas including Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year and the Jordans Family Law Partner of the Year

Hot off the press - Rapid-fire legal updates and case law insights from the Unit team. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest on Section 37 directions, risk assessments and family law developments.

Substance testing on trial: Rethinking evidence in Family Courts – In partnership with our lead sponsor, DNA Legal, this session lifts the lid on how drug and alcohol testing is transforming, and sometimes distorting, decision-making in children cases. From the risks of miscarriage of justice through misunderstood cut-off levels, to emerging tech that distinguishes use from exposure, this is a must-attend for future-focused advocates. Includes practical tools, real-life case insight and an interactive quiz to sharpen your courtroom approach.

Born into care: A conversation with Prof. Karen Broadhurst (OBE) - A powerful fireside chat unpacking the ethics, evidence and emotional impact of pre-birth intervention and repeat care proceedings. What does humane child protection at birth look like and how can legal professionals help break harmful cycles?

Modern trends in online communication for separating families: With Our Family Wizard and the Unit team, this session explores how communication technology is being used to manage risk and support parenting plans in private and public law proceedings.

Headline Session: Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL

Lemn is an internationally acclaimed poet, playwright, memoirist and broadcaster. His bestselling memoir My Name is Why and his powerful public work have made him one of the UK’s most important and inspiring voices. In 2024 he was awarded the Hay Festival Medal for Poetry, and he has read and performed across the globe, from the Library of Congress in Washington, to the National Theatre of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, to London’s Palladium.

Drawing on his lived experience of growing up in care, Lemn will be in conversation with our Head of Chambers, Lisa Edmunds, followed by an audience Q&A, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on:

• The lifelong impact of the care system
• What meaningful support for children in care should look like
• How the family justice system can evolve to ensure children are genuinely heard and prioritised

Lemn’s contribution will be a powerful reminder of the human stories behind policies and practice and why reimagining family justice is more urgent than ever.

Exclusive after party

All conference ticket holders are warmly invited to join us for an exclusive after party at On the Vine, just a short 5-minute walk from the conference venue.

What to expect:

• A complimentary arrival drink
• Reduced-price drinks all evening
• Delicious tapas and nibbles

This is a great opportunity to continue conversations, connect with colleagues, and unwind after a day of thought-provoking sessions.