Pearson Solicitors expand Child Care team with new appointments

Posted on January 31, 2025

Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers in Oldham are delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Swindells as a vital addition to their renowned Child Care team. Alex joins as an experienced child care solicitor and an esteemed member of The Children’s Panel, bringing over a decade of expertise from her time at prominent city centre firms.

Alex Swindells - Child Care Solicitor

Alex’s extensive experience includes representing parents in care proceedings and navigating private law cases concerning child arrangements. In her new role, Alex will expand her focus to include guardian work, further broadening the team’s scope.

Reflecting on her role, Alex commented:

“I enjoy working in a role where I can help people. It’s such an important area as people’s children mean so much to them and they want a solicitor who they can trust and feel like they are being listened to which I think that I do. I think I am compassionate and approachable. I like that every day is different, and no case is the same. The best part is seeing children go home and also ensuring children are safeguarded and get better outcomes for their future.”

Rachel Early, Solicitor and Head of the Care Department at Pearson, commented:

"It’s been a busy few months for the Care team since I took on the role of Head of the department in July 2024. The addition of Alex significantly enhances our capabilities, and I am thrilled to have her join us."

Joining Alex is her assistant, Caroline Steel, who has worked alongside her previously, strengthening the team’s collective expertise. Additionally, the team welcomes Grace Healy, a Legal Assistant who graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a 2:1 in law. Grace is now embarking on her journey to qualify as a solicitor, inspired by her upbringing in a foster care environment.

Grace shared her aspirations:

“I have always aspired to become a solicitor within a care department. Growing up my parents were foster carers, and as such, I was inspired by the work my parents undertook as foster carers.”

Child Care Solicitors in Oldham

Over the past six months, Pearson Solicitors Child Care team has experienced remarkable growth, adding five new members. The department now consists of nine team members, including five fee earners and four legal assistants, all dedicated to delivering compassionate and expert legal support in sensitive childcare matters.

Pearson’s Care team is highly regarded for their expertise in handling complex childcare proceedings, often involving serious allegations of abuse, neglect, and substance misuse. The team also represents children in private law cases, collaborating closely with guardians to ensure optimal outcomes. Solicitors Rachel Early, Alex Swindells, and Rebecca Wolfenden are all distinguished members of The Law Society’s Children’s Panel which recognises a quality standard for practitioners representing children in children law proceedings.

How can we help?

If you or a family member is in need of specialist legal advice contact our child care solicitors on today on 0161 785 3500 or email them at enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.