Sian Popplewell

Siân is a solicitor in the family law department with a passion for advocating for vulnerable clients and achieving the best outcomes for children and families. She qualified in August 2023 and has been a valued member of the firm since September 2019.

With a strong focus on both public and private children law matters, Siân has extensive experience working on complex cases including those involving issues of domestic violence, parental alienation and non-accidental injuries to children. Her experience also extends to cases with international elements. She understands that these cases can be emotionally challenging for parents and she is committed to providing compassionate and strategic legal advice throughout the process.

As well as representing her clients in court proceedings, Siân advises parents about the Public Law Outline (PLO) process with the aim of addressing any safeguarding concerns without the need for court proceedings where possible. Siân also advises prospective special guardians to ensure that they receive the bespoke package of support necessary to allow them to meet the child’s needs in the long term.

Siân has a particular expertise in supporting vulnerable clients, including those with learning disabilities and mental health concerns. She is passionate about ensuring that her clients’ voices are heard and their rights are protected.
In addition to her expertise in children matters, Siân also advises clients on non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Her approach is both empathetic and thorough, ensuring that every client feels supported and informed at every stage of their case.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Siân completed the Bar Professional Training Course at City Law School, where she had the opportunity to hone her advocacy skills. Siân regularly undertakes her own advocacy in court and has represented clients in the High Court.

Notable cases

• A Local Authority v Mother & Ors [2024] EWFC 431 (B) – a reported case concerning a complex fracture injury to a baby
• Representing a mother seeking an FGM Protection Order against her own child, in circumstances where the Local Authority declined to act to protect the child.
• Representing a mother in care proceedings, in circumstances where the mother had been trafficked into the UK from abroad and therefore required significant support.
• Representing a father in private children proceedings where parental alienation had been raised as a issue by a number of professionals, and ensuring that contact was restablished between the father and his child.
• Representing an Applicant in NMO proceedings and securing a zonal order to prevent the Respondent from attending the Applicant’s home, her place of work, her gym and her local coffee shop.
• Assisted on C (Children: Covid-19: Representation) [2020] EWCA Civ 734 – a reported case concerning the right to a fair trial in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote hearings
• Assisted on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v NM & Ors [2024] EWFC 48 – a reported case concerning the proportionality of a fact finding exercise in circumstances where serious allegations had been made against the allocated social worker.

Associations/committees

• Young Legal Aid Lawyers.
• Association of Lawyers for Children

Awards

Sian was awarded the Robert Garraway Rice Scholarship by Middle Temple in May 2018.

Recommendations