Children Law Accreditation for Our Very Own Kate Machon
Congratulations are in order for our Care Solicitor, Kate Machon, who has recently completed The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation.
A rigorous process
A recognised quality standard for those who represent minors in child law proceedings, Kate has had to put in considerable work to achieve her accreditation. Even to be eligible for applying, she needed experience in conducting cases and representing parties in these proceedings and carrying out advocacy for clients. At the same time, she had to demonstrate she could work directly with children, understand the various ethical issues that can arise in care cases, and have up-to-date knowledge of guidance, legislation, case law and practice developments.
With such high standards, the Law Society has made the pathway to Children Law Accreditation deliberately demanding. Only those considered to be a fit and proper person, with an impeccable record of professional conduct, as well as having extensive knowledge and experience of children law are permitted to become an accredited member of the scheme.
Kate’s journey involved her having to successfully complete an 18-hour training course; undergo an enhanced disclosure and barring service (EDBS) check; provide a detailed application statement outlining her knowledge and experience, together with supporting evidence; and be formally assessed by an interview panel at the Law Society in London.
We are extremely pleased that as a result of her hard work and determination, Kate’s efforts have been successful. As a result of her accreditation, she is now able to accept instructions from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), to represent children across West Yorkshire.
Kate’s career progression
Starting as a Legal Assistant in Nov 2017, while doing her Legal Practice Course (LPC), Kate’s career has developed quickly at Wilkinson Woodward. Within a year she progressed to being a Trainee Solicitor before qualifying as a Solicitor in October 2020.
Obtaining the Children Law Accreditation is a significant achievement and highlights Kate’s dedication to this essential area of law. An important milestone, it can significantly enhance a legal career and demonstrates Kate’s expertise in handling a wide range of child-related legal matters. Moreover, as a member of the Children's Panel, she is now recognised by the Law Society as a specialist in children law, which is excellent news for clients and continues Wilkinson Woodward’s 138-year record of providing trusted legal expertise for our communities.
Kate is delighted to achieve her accreditation and said: “I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all my friends and colleagues that have supported me through the process, particularly Lynn Crabtree and Shelley McLachlan, who have been with me every step of the way and who inspire me each day, to work hard and be the best Care Solicitor I can be.”
Kate is based in our Huddersfield office and is a solicitor in the Wilkinson Woodward Children and Care Proceedings team alongside Shelley McLachlan, Lynn Crabtree and Robert Scott who are also members of the Law Society’s Children Panel. Olivia Webster has also recently joined the team as a newly qualified solicitor.
The team provides advice and representation to parents, grandparents, other relatives and carers of children where social services are investigating or where the case has been taken to court. As members of the team are on the Children’s Panel, they can also represent children in court proceedings.