News

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is delighted to announce the promotion of Emily Alice Reed to Director of Family and Child Care, based across Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Manchester. Emily’s promotion marks another milestone in the continued growth of our leading Family and Child Care team.

Emily joined Duncan Lewis in 2016 as a caseworker and quickly distinguished herself through her drive, dedication and client-centred approach. She began her training contract in 2017, completing seats in family, childcare, and international child abduction and adoption, before qualifying as a solicitor in January 2019. Her commitment and talent were nationally recognised when she was named a Finalist for Young Solicitor of the Year at the 2021 Family Law Awards.

Over the past nine years, Emily has built a thriving practice handling a wide spectrum of complex family and children matters. Her experience spans cases involving chronic neglect, substance misuse, mental health conditions including personality disorders, non-accidental injuries, and high-risk behaviours such as violence and sexually inappropriate conduct. Emily also regularly represents parents and children in private law proceedings concerning child arrangements, and has expertise in matters where children are joined as parties and represented by a Children’s Guardian.

In her new role as Director, Emily will lead a growing team of solicitors and caseworkers across Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, and Derby from our Stoke-on-Trent serviced office.

With both the Stoke and Derby offices strategically located along the A50 corridor, Emily is well-positioned to provide accessible legal support throughout Staffordshire and Derbyshire, ensuring that vulnerable families across the region receive the high-quality representation they need.

Discussing her promotion, Emily said “I am looking forward to leading a new office in Stoke on Trent and bring the fantastic work that DL do supporting the most vulnerable in society to the region.”

Practice Director Jason Bruce said:

“Emily has been a standout member of our Family and Child Care team from the moment she joined Duncan Lewis. Her progression from caseworker to Director is a testament to her exceptional legal ability, unwavering commitment to her clients, and passion for child protection and family justice. We are incredibly proud to see her take on this new leadership role and have no doubt she will continue to drive excellence and inspire those around her.”

Emily’s promotion reflects not only her exceptional contribution to the firm, but also Duncan Lewis’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Emily now joins a team of 20 Directors of Family and Child Care, many of whom also trained and qualified with the firm and are recognised as leaders in the field.

Duncan Lewis is proud of its diverse and dynamic workforce, with 95% of our Family and Child Care Directors identifying as female, and 58% from ethnic minority backgrounds—a reflection of our commitment to equality, inclusion and serving the communities we represent.

We congratulate Emily on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to her continued success as she takes on this new leadership role.