The ‘absolutely brilliant and very hardworking’ practice at Lyons Davidson is widely praised for its market-leading expertise in child abduction matters, fielding a team of international child law specialists capable of taking on both private and public cases. Cross-border parental abduction disputes represent a particular specialism for practice head Philippa Morgan, who is vastly experienced handling cases under the 1980 Hague Convention, as well as for Joshua Roderick. The team is also very active in handling child and domestic abuse cases, owing to the expertise of Donna Cummins and Iona Phillips in care proceedings and children law matters. Carol Chrisfield is a key contact for financial remedy matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Lyons Davidson has strength in depth across all areas of family law. Their international family law team is unrivalled.’

  • ‘Philippa Morgan is at the very top of her game. She is equal to any international family lawyer in the UK. She is a strategic master and knows how to manage a case.’

  • ‘This firm provides excellent advice and representation in a variety of different areas including international child abduction. ’

  • ‘Philippa Morgan is a truly superb specialist in the field of international child abduction. Her knowledge is second to none and she provides flawless advice. Joshua Roderick is also excellent.’

  • ‘Absolutely brilliant and very hardworking team. They work fantastically together and ensure you get a stellar service as counsel. Very good up-to-date knowledge of new developments in a rapidly evolving legal area. Responsive to requests for further information and willing to try new tactics, innovate with legal theory, and support counsel on some of the most difficult cases in family law. ’

  • ‘Philippa Morgan is a dream partner. She is wholly dedicated, a complete professional, and an incisive legal mind. I feel fully supported as counsel with her instructing me and thoroughly enjoy every case no matter how difficult it may become. I cannot recommend her highly enough.  Joshua Roderick is, likewise, fantastic. He has learnt incredibly quickly and is now at a level far beyond his PQE standing. Available and always ready and willing to help in any way he can. He is brilliant with clients. Calm and focused at all times. I thoroughly recommend him.’

  • ‘The team led by Philippa Morgan is absolutely exceptional. Standout in its field. The knowledge base and breadth of experience is phenomenal.’

  • ‘Joshua Roderick is a capable and talented solicitor with a strong client focus and excellent legal mind. He understands the intricacies and dynamics of complex cases and has an extremely promising career ahead. ’

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Philippa Morgan

Other key lawyers

Donna Cummins, Iona Phillips, Joshua Roderick, Carol Chrisfield