After nine years of service to the family justice system, Adam Smith has stepped down from his role as co-chair of the Sussex Family Justice Board. He was thanked by the Board and the Senior Judiciary for his commitment to improving family justice both locally and nationally.
Adam introduced the expert pilot project (with Natasha Watson) which was the forerunner of how experts are now approved and funded in the Family Court, he was responsible for the development of a website and also a programme of training – including the annual conferences which attract 200+ practitioners and are amongst the busiest in the Country. It was under his watch that five years ago, the Family Justice Quality Circle was set up and he ensured its recommendations were brought to the Board and debated/approved.
Natasha Watson paid tribute to him at the end of his last annual training event at the Grand Hotel Brighton – noting how it was believed that the Family Justice Board in Sussex is the most active in the country.
The new Chairs of the Sussex Family Justice Board, Alice Smith (Cafcass) and Kathy Marriott (ESCC) will preside over their first Board meeting in December.
Adam Smith has been a family law specialist for over 30 years, and is head of the family team in Brighton.
