Risks and responsibilities - the role of the local authority lawyer in child care cases [2004] CFLQ 17

This article presents findings from a study of how local authority social workers and their solicitors work together in child care cases. It discusses a number of key sticking points in their relationship, and sheds light on why such conflicts may arise by specifying five crucial and sometimes contradictory aspects of the lawyers' responsibilities. Awareness of these multiple responsibilities, and the ability to communicate and discuss them, will assist lawyers and social services staff to understand and successfully manage their inter-professional relationship in child care cases.