Our pupils are on their feet
Congratulations to our seven pupils who have successfully entered their second six and are now accepting instructions in their own cases. Hasham Sarwar is...
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Adam is undertaking a family law pupillage under the supervision of Neil Owen-Casey. He welcomes instructions in family law cases across all areas.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Adam worked as a social welfare paralegal at boutique law firms, managing a busy caseload of Court of Protection (Health and Welfare), Mental Health, Community Care and Housing cases. Alongside his caseload, Adam closely supported solicitors on complex cases involving closed proceedings, fluctuating capacity, covert medication and hoarding. He was entrusted with managing these cases during solicitors’ absences, advising the Official Solicitor, and visiting the protected party to take their wishes and feelings.
Notably, Adam assisted solicitors in the following reported cases:
- A Local Authority v X [2023] EWCOP 64
- E (vaccine) v LB Hammersmith and Fulham and W [2021] EWCOP 7
- DP v Hillingdon [2020] EWCOP 45
In addition, as a member of The Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme, Adam represented exceptionally vulnerable children and adults detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings, successfully securing multiple hospital discharges.
Adam has successfully secured welfare benefits for vulnerable individuals in the First Tier Tribunal (Social Security) while volunteering with the Free Representation Unit (FRU). His work was recognised with testimonials from FRU and a client. FRU highlighted how Adam had gone “above and beyond” while his client felt that Adam had reassured her “every step of the way” and made her feel she had someone in her corner.
Adam’s collected, approachable manner helps him quickly build trust with vulnerable clients and navigate challenging situations with sensitivity and focus.
Children (Public and Private law)
During his first-six, Adam observed a broad range of private and public children law cases, including complex cases involving non-accidental injuries and cross-jurisdictional issues. He is keen to build a practice in these areas.
Public Children
Adam has observed barristers representing local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, and third-party intervenors in hearings at all stages of care proceedings. With guidance from Neil Owen-Casey, he has developed a solid foundation and understanding of how to conduct cases. Throughout his first-six, he regularly drafted case summaries, orders, and advice on complex issues alongside barristers, which were used in the cases he observed.
During his second-six, Adam has represented local authorities, parents and children’s guardians in a range of cases, including:
- Emergency interim removal hearings at short notice
- Urgent interim care order applications
- Case management and issues resolution hearings
- Contested Part 25 applications for residential and expert assessments
- Private law proceedings which have developed into care proceedings
- Hearings involving overlap with the Mental Health Act 1983, and concerns in relation to litigation capacity
- An application to the High Court to deprive the liberty of a child under the inherent jurisdiction
- Cases involving non-accidental injuries
Adam has experience working with and building positive relationships with clients with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health issues in Mental Health Tribunals and in the Court of Protection. He also has experience working with the Official Solicitor.
Private Children
Adam has observed hearings at all stages under barristers representing parents and children’s guardians. He has observed a broad spectrum of cases, including cases involving local authority intervention, education disputes and the Pathfinder Pilot.
During his second six, Adam has represented parents in a range of applications, including:
- FHDRA and final hearings
- The making and variation of child arrangement orders
- Determination of findings of facts hearings
- Specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders
- Non-molestation orders and occupation orders
- Domestic abuse protection orders
Family finance
Adam has observed several FDRs under Timothy Shortt and Daniel Currie and has drafted position statements, receiving positive feedback.
He has observed cases involving legally aided clients and understands the need to ring-fence limited assets to protect welfare benefits. He is keen to accept instructions for hearings at all stages in financial remedy proceedings.
Education
- Bar Course, Inns of Court, College of Advocacy (2024)
- Law LLB, University of Surrey (2021)
Awards
- Paul Methven Scholar, Inner Temple (2023)
- Exhibition Scholar, Inner Temple (2023)
Memberships
- The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
