Practice Overview
Colin is a popular and experienced family practitioner, specialising in proceedings concerning children. He practices in both public and private law work with particular emphasis on care proceedings. Colin is well regarded with an established reputation. He is currently recognised by Chambers UK as a notable practitioner.
Colin represents local authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians, children and other members of the extended family at all levels of court and at all stages of proceedings, including finding of fact hearings and final hearings. He has experience in cases concerning serious allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect and often represents vulnerable clients presenting with a variety of personality disorders and learning difficulties.
Colin has strong client-care skills. His manner with clients, both professional and lay, is personable and thorough. Colin endeavours to assist them through court proceedings and hearings with a conscientious and firm representation.
Recommendations
'Colin Douglas is acclaimed for his ability to handle a wide range of children work. His practice encompasses both the private and public law arenas.'
(Chambers UK 2013)
'Colin Douglas draws praise for his childcare work'
(Chambers UK 2012)
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Education
LLB Hons (Cardiff)
LLM (Bristol)
Bar Vocational Course
Notable and Reported cases
Re A (A child) 19/10/06 reported on Lawtel: the role of International Social Services in care cases with a foreign element. Court of Appeal considered Judge ruling out paternal family in Turkey as potential carers for child based on assessments by local authority’s social worker and guardian. Court of Appeal held that international social services should do such an assessment.
● Representing local authorities in cases of (i) serious non-accidental injuries to the children and (ii) sexual abuse of the children
● Represented a mother in care proceedings being accused of knowing and allowing serious sexual abuse of all of her children over numerous years by a number of men
● Represented a father in care proceedings in the High Court being accused of having raped his 16 year old step-daughter who was subject to a Care Order. She conceived as a result of the alleged rape and that baby was also made subject to care proceedings.
● Numerous cases representing parties facing allegations of inflicting serious physical injuries/sexual abuse to children