Adam Smith

Children (Public Law)

Adam represents local authorities, parents, children and interveners on the most serious and complex cases.

Selected Cases

• Re : W (2023-2024) : In a consolidated case involving two sets of children, a previous hearing found the stepmother responsible for bruising a three-year-old child (child A). After separating from the father, she gave birth to another child (child B), who was placed with the father. Within 10 days, child B presented with multiple fractures. The stepmother sought to reopen the findings, leading to new fact-finding hearings for both children. The father’s counsel argued that child B’s injuries were due to premature bone fragility, requiring medical expert analysis. Forensic phone analysis revealed dishonesty and attempts to pervert justice by the parents and family members. The court’s extensive judgment concluded that both parents were potential perpetrators of the injuries to both children.

• Re : E (2019- 2022): Leading Junior in an extremely long running and complex case, hearing over 25 days, including appeal. Instructed by the local authority in which findings of sexual abuse, (involving transmission of HPV),  and failure to protect made. Multiple experts with conflicting opinions.

• Re FT (2020): Representing a very vulnerable mother with significant learning and communication needs in a tragic child death case in The High Court. Led By Alison Grief QC. Client wholly exonerated from responsibility for her babies’ death, or any failure to protect.

• Re LB ( 2016): Representing father accused of killing his child with horrific multiple injuries. Led by Paul Storey QC in the High Court. Clint completely exonerated and as a result protected in the subsequent criminal proceedings.

• Re: A County Council v KO & RL & ML & MML (by their guardian) [2018] EWFC 21: Acted for the second respondent in an application for care orders relating to two children.

• Re G (A Child) (CA) [2012] EWCA Civ 1377.

• A County Council v K, C & T (CA) [2011] 2 FLR 817.

• Re H (Care proceedings: Disclosure) (CA) [2009] 2 FLR 1531.

• Re F [2008] (Judicial Review). A high profile matter attracting media attention.

• Re W (Contact: Joining child as a party) [CA] (2003) 1 FLR 681.