Local Government Lawyer

Trafford Council Director of Legal and Governance

Harry Simons and Alice Needell discuss a key case and share what it tells us about the concept of ‘future risk’ in public law proceedings.

Harry Simons and Alice Needell discuss F (Children: Placement Orders: Proportionality) [2026] EWCA Civ 990, what it tells us about the concept of ‘future risk’ in public law proceedings, and what the court needs to establish about the future risk of harm before that risk can justify removing children permanently from their families.

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About the speakers

42BR Barristers - Alice Needell

 

Alice Needell

Alice welcomes instructions in all Children Act matters, including public and private law proceedings, and in Family Law Act matters. She also undertakes Pro-Bono work, and was included on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List. Alice is regularly re-instructed on cases, and is adept at building trust with her clients.

Before coming to the Bar, Alice was a paralegal in the Childcare Law team at a leading law firm (ranked tier 4 in the Legal 500 and band 2 in Chambers and Partners). She gained experience in public and private family law matters, particularly in care proceedings. She was also part of a team specialising in supporting neurodivergent children and families.

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 42BR Barristers - Harry Simons

 

Harry Simons

Harry practises in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on children work, both private children proceedings and care proceedings.

Before life as a practising barrister, Harry gained invaluable experience as a senior paralegal in the family department of a leading city law firm, consistently ranked No.1 in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

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