Lauren Smith

England

Weightmans LLP · Lauren was called to the Bar in 2007 and entered the roll of Solicitors in 2012. She advises and represents clients in the Family Court on a range of matters in private and public law. Lauren currently specialises in childcare and is experienced in all aspects of proceedings including, interim removal, cross-jurisdictional care plans, Finding of Fact hearings and contested Final Hearings. She has represented in the High Court in relation to the Deprivation of Liberty of children. She is the lead advocate in the childcare department and controls a compact caseload of some of the most multifaceted, complex cases within the department. Lauren regularly represents at lengthy hearings with a range of expert, professional and lay evidence in issue. Lauren has an established background in advising on matters under the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act. Lauren has represented clients at Mental Health Tribunals for over 10 years. She specialised in High Security/forensic hospital admissions and was also able to advise on a range of matters under the Care Act. Lauren held the Law Society Mental Health Accreditation for 9 years before moving to Weightmans. Lauren is a dedicated advocate for the Regulatory team occasionally representing in Education and Adult Social Care matters. She works on the Local Government adult and child out of hours’ emergency advice line. She has had notable success representing local authorities at out of hours’ hearings where the Article rights of the parties are engaged.

England