RWK Goodman new Head of International Children

RWK Goodman strengthens Family team with the appointment of new Head of International Children.

Kim Lehal joins from Brethertons LLP Solicitors as a Partner in the International Family team, based in their London office.

Kim has been a family lawyer for 14 years, specialising in International Child Abduction and Children Law.

With experience in advising and representing victims of domestic abuse, honour-based violence, FGM and abandoned spouses in foreign jurisdictions as well as specialising in complex family disputes involving international child abduction, relocation, Child Arrangements proceedings and cross-border adoption and surrogacy arrangements.

Kim has been involved in some of the leading cases in this field, some of which have gone to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

This appointment now makes RWK Goodman one of only 48 firms in the UK with an accredited specialist in international child abduction. This accreditation enables RWK Goodman to work directly with the Ministry of Justice via the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU).

Kim Lehal stated: “RWK Goodman have not previously had a presence in the international children world – which is incredibly niche and therefore, I am excited about growing the firm’s reputation in this area of the law.

I am passionate about this area of the law  because I am interested in the human aspect of law and how the law can help people at the some of the most vulnerable times of their lives concerning the most important people in their lives – their children. The work is complex yet interesting, varied and fast-paced, where the stakes are high. The law in this area is also constantly evolving with changes in society.”

Ursula Danagher, Partner and Head of Family (London) commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kim to the firm. She is recognised as a leader in her field, and we look forward to her leading in the growth of the International Children area of family law at RWK Goodman. Kim works closely with charities who specialise in supporting vulnerable people as well as ex pats, parents seeking the return of children,  parents who remove children across borders and are facing legal proceedings and people who are seeking to start a family. She will continue to work closely with these people and organisations at our firm.”

Last month, Derek Parsons, a solicitor formerly at RWK featured on our Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast discussing his experience in child abduction cases. Derek explores the origins and consequences of child abduction cases, the changing nature of the work and the impact of geo-political issues like Brexit and conflict, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Listen here or on your preferred podcast provider.