Lauren Kershaw

Lauren is a trainee solicitor in the childcare department. She assists partner and Law Society Children Panel member Rachel Pudner with childcare cases.

She assists with public law cases involving the local authority in respect of issues such as care orders and adoptions, representing parents and guardians. These cases are often complex and sensitive in nature and include physical and sexual abuse cases as well as cases involving drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems.

Lauren also helps out with private law cases, representing parents who wish to have contact with their children or who are seeking orders from the court allowing their children to live with them. She drafts court statements and applications and attends meetings with and on behalf of clients, such as Looked After Child meetings and Public Law Outline proceedings.

She has represented clients with learning difficulties, who understandably can find the legal system daunting. She is known for her friendly approach and building a good rapport with people, meaning she can support vulnerable clients and explain complex issues clearly so that they are able to know exactly what is happening and what to expect from the legal process.

Lauren makes sure she is always on hand to deal with queries from clients and she liaises with them daily. Her clients appreciate that she goes above and beyond to help wherever necessary. Her work is exceptionally thorough and she pays great attention to detail.

She has worked closely with Rachel Pudner in very complex High Court matters involving cases where children who are the subject of legal proceedings need protecting, with this protection not possible under the Children Act 1989. These types of cases are often serious and complex.

 

Education

 

Brynteg Comprehensive School; Swansea University LLB First Class Honours; LLM masters degree Legal Practice Course and Advanced Drafting (distinction)

 

Career

 

In 2020, Lauren joined Hutchinson Thomas as a paralegal, commencing a training contract in November 2021.

 

Other information

 

Lauren had a ten-year gymnastics career, representing South Glamorgan in competitions. She coached children’s gymnastics from the age of 15 and throughout her time at school and university, finally retiring when she joined Hutchinson Thomas.

She plays netball in the local Swansea league as well as representing West Glamorgan in annual tournaments.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.