Joanne Soar

I am an Senior Solicitor in the Family Department here at Brethertons. I am a member of the Law Society Children’s Panel and I advise on all aspects of Children Law. I primarily practice in the area of Public Law representing both parents and children in Public Law proceedings.

I have been involved in Public Law cases where the following issues have been significant:

• Child deaths.
• Complex Finding of Fact Hearings.
• Unexplained injuries.
• Fictitious illness.
• Sexual abuse.
• Gang related violence.
• Radicalisation.

I started my career in the late 1980’s as a Social Worker qualifying in Birmingham and working in the area of child protection throughout the West Midlands for over 13 years. This background in social work has given me a particular advantage in representing parents and children in Public Law proceedings.

Experience and Accreditations

Notable cases I have been involved in:

1. E (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 473 (19 May 2016)
2. AT v SS [2015] EWHC 2703 (Fam) (29 September 2015)

• Qualified as a solicitor in 2004.
• Studied at the University of Coventry graduating in 2000.
• Completed the Legal Practice course at the College of Law in Birmingham.
• Member of the Law Society Children’s Panel.