News

The newly launched Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community (FLANC), co-founded by Alia Lewis, will host their inaugural conference at Slaughter & May on 24th April, featuring a keynote speech from President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane.

About Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community

Alia Lewis, Director at Duncan Lewis and Head of the firms’ specialist Autism & ADHD Unit, co-founded FLANC - a ground breaking cross-firm initiative comprising expert family lawyers, all dedicated to ensuring that the neurodivergent community has equal access to justice. The group was established with a mission to dismantle barriers obstructing the neurodivergent community's participation in family proceedings and dispute resolution. FLANC is committed to increasing awareness and driving change through collaboration and education, spanning the legal sector and beyond. The group’s primary mission is to:

• Advocate for compulsory training on neurodivergence for all professionals involved in the family justice system;
• Develop best practice guidance; and
• Implement systemic and practical changes.

Visit the Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community website for more information.

About the Event

Chaired by Jenny Beck KC (Hon), the upcoming conference at Slaughter & May will feature invaluable insights from professionals, practitioners and families immersed in the family justice system. Delving into current barriers, the event aims to underscore the important work being done to drive change and promote best practice to improve the family justice system for neurodivergent individuals.

The conference, which takes place on 24th April, promises a distinguished line-up of expert speakers. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, will deliver a keynote address, setting the tone for insightful discussions. Professor Rob George of UCL will discuss the latest research and best practice, offering valuable insights. Caroline Croft, Barrister from Coram Chambers, will provide a first-hand perspective from the frontline. Sarah Cockburn, CAFCASS Assistant Service Manager and Children’s Guardian, will offer a unique viewpoint from the child's perspective, enriching the conversation by exploring the experiences of neurodivergent children engaged in the family justice system. 

Alia Lewis, Director at Duncan Lewis, together with Paula McGowan OBE, will share her ideas on how the family justice system can be improved to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals. Alia leads a team of Family and Child Care solicitors within Duncan Lewis specialising in representing neurodivergent individuals and their families. She works alongside Sheena Vadher and Fauzia Mumani, who are also co-founders of FLANC, to assist clients in cases involving neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Tourette Syndrome), learning difficulties, learning disabilities and special needs, in addition to assisting clients who are deaf or hearing impaired and children of deaf adults. The team’s sole focus is to advocate for the rights of neurodivergent clients and their families within Public and Private Children Law proceedings including cases that are publicly funded. The expertise of our accomplished team is enriched by both their professional and personal encounters with neurodivergence. Alia's journey as a parent to an autistic child has illuminated areas within the family justice system where change is desperately needed in cases involving neurodivergent individuals. Her passion for safeguarding the rights of neurodivergent individuals has driven her efforts to foster broader awareness and understanding, serving as the impetus for establishing our team.

To find out more about Duncan Lewis’ specialist Autism & ADHD Unit, click here

Event Itinerary – 24th April 2024

16:00 - 18:00 : Speakers and Q&A

18:00 - 20:00 : Drinks and canapé reception

Location: Slaughter and May & Online

To attend the event in person or online please BOOK HERE

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an award-winning law firm renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to social justice. With a history spanning several decades, their team of highly skilled solicitors provides top-tier representation in 25 diverse fields of law, including immigration, family, criminal, employment, and property law. They are recognised for their unwavering dedication to making justice accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Duncan Lewis Solicitors' outstanding reputation, numerous accolades, including being crowned Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis Awards 2024, and commitment to advocating for marginalised individuals firmly establish it as a leading law firm in the UK, consistently delivering excellent legal representation.

Contact

To attend the event in person or online please BOOK HERE

If you require specialist support from our Autism and ADHD Family & Child Care team, please contact Alia Lewis via email at AliaL@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 02031141193