London law firm Osbornes Law has hired child abduction lawyer Lauren Hall as partner and head of its international children team.

Hall, who joins the firm from Russell Cooke, specialises in international child abduction and is among a small number of experts instructed to act in High Court cases by the government’s International Child Abduction and Contact Unit.

She is also a trained mediator and founder member of the Child Abduction Lawyers Association.

Hall commented: 'I’m thrilled to have been given this fantastic opportunity to grow the practice in such a fascinating area of law, one in which you genuinely feel you are helping people and making a difference.'

The firm has promoted Lisa Pepper to head of family finance and Joanne Westcott to head of operations, while Maria Kitsiou was recently promoted from senior associate to partner and head of domestic children.

Osbornes' family team is led by Mark Freedman, who celebrates his 30th anniversary with the firm next year. He replaces former head of department Bridget Thompson, who has retired from the partnership but remains at Osbornes as a consultant.

Freedman commented: 'Law firms are often known for their high turnover of staff, but the fact that I have spent my whole career at Osbornes speaks volumes about what a great place it is to work.

'We have built an exceptional family team and I am pleased and proud to be leading it into the future, which I’m sure will see further growth and continued success.'

 

Pictured above (L-R): Joanne Wescott, Lauren Hall, Lisa Pepper and Maria Kitsiou

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