Year of Call
2020Solicitor
2009“[The social worker] found Darren very professional, courteous, patient and easy going. He picked this case up sharply and handled the parties very well. She said Darren was very observant and diligent with his note taking, and taking instructions. ”
Instructing solicitor
Biography
Darren specialises in family law, particularly public law children cases, and is a pragmatic and determined advocate.
Darren had a successful career as a solicitor specialising in care proceedings before deciding to pursue his passion for advocacy and transferring to the Bar. He worked in private practice for 9 years representing children, their parents and guardians and local authorities before moving in house with local authorities for 4 years. Darren was a member of the Law Society Children Panel from 2013 onwards. He worked for a number of different local authorities so has invaluable experience of their processes which informs his practice, both when he is representing the local authority and when he is against them. He is organised, thorough and good at building effective working relationships.
Darren is regularly asked to provide training sessions on aspects of children law work; legal updates; and specific issues such as Forced Marriage Protection Orders. His knowledge, experience and professional background means that he provides very practical advice, carefully tailored to a solicitor audience.
Children law (public)
Darren has a wealth of experience in public children law cases. He acts in all types of public law proceedings, from Interim Care Orders to complex fact finding hearings and final hearings. He acts for parents, extended family members and local authorities. He brings a calming presence to proceedings, but will fight hard for his clients in court.
Having been a solicitor for 10 years, some of which he spent working within local authorities, he has an exceptional insight into the needs and concerns of those instructing him. Darren is popular with solicitors and clients because he is always well prepared, courteous and on top of his brief.
Children law (private)
Darren acts in private children proceedings representing parties in all hearings relating to Child Arrangements Orders. He is experienced at advising on the possible outcomes of any application, negotiating on behalf of his clients and representing them in court in all types of hearings including FHDRAs, directions appointments, fact finding hearings, DRAs, final hearings and specific issue applications. He is also able to advise on enforcement of orders. Darren acts for parents and extended family members.
Injunctions / Domestic Abuse
Darren accepts instructions in applications for injunctive relief, particularly where there is a risk of harm through domestic abuse or harassment. He represents clients both at the first hearing and the return date. He represents clients seeking orders under the Protection from Harassment Act and the Forced Marriage Protection Act.
Darren also has experience in advising and representing clients in respect of deprivation of liberty safeguarding orders. He acts in cases where applications are being made in respect of children, often those in the care of the local authority, who are considered to be at high risk and in need of various safeguards which might impact on their liberty.
Family finances
Darren accepts instructions in disputes about finances on divorce or dissolution of civil partnerships, and claims for child maintenance. He is able to accept instructions in cases where there are private children law proceedings and associated proceedings for maintenance offering a seamless service to clients.
Publications and seminars
Darren is always willing to provide training to clients, and presented a webinar in June 2021 for the LBLA which was a case update covering recent developments in family law particularly relating to Forced Marriage Protection Orders. Slides are available here. He also presented a seminar on adoption to the London Borough of Ealing in November 2021.
Instruct
To instruct Darren please contact Jay Dorton or Stephen Bush.
Education
- LL.B. (Hons) London Metropolitan University