Emma Young
Partner
Family | Children Disputes | Domestic Abuse | Injunctions and Emergency Remedies | International Family
About Emma
Emma leads the Bath and Bristol Care Team, and has over 20 years' experience of working in child protection law, with an in-depth knowledge of the pre proceedings process and care proceedings.
Emma has a detailed knowledge of Local Authorities’ duties and their powers, meaning that she is able to offer clear and robust advice, while ensuring that the correct process is being followed.
She has regularly dealt with highly complex matters including cases where allegations have been made of serious inflicted injury, child death, gang violence, sexual abuse, international elements and where one parent has murdered another. Emma conducts her own advocacy where possible.
Specialising in representing children in care proceedings, either through their children’s guardians or direct – Emma is regularly instructed to act for children in secure accommodation and DOLs cases.
Identified as “undoubtedly one to watch” by The Legal 500 UK, who also recognise her as “very personable and a delight to work with”, and “absolutely diligent in terms of her case preparation”.
Specialisms:
- Representing parents during the pre proceedings process under the Public Law Outline
- Representing parents, children (both through their Children’s Guardian and direct) and other family members in care proceedings where the local authority has made an application to court
- Representing parents in respect of various issues, including obtaining parental responsibility, contact disputes and determining where a child should live
- Special guardianship matters
- Adoption and step parent adoption
- Domestic violence matters
Awards:
2025 | Winner of The Lexis Nexis Family Law Partner of the Year 2025 at the Family Law Awards
Emma is ranked as Band 2 in Chambers and Partners, with the following testimonials:
“Her ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy while offering clear and strategic legal advice earns her the respect of clients, colleagues and opposing parties alike”
“She is outstanding in the field”
“Emma is the person you want to work with in complex care proceedings”
"I came to RWK Goodman solicitors after having a less than satisfactory service elsewhere. I immediately connected with Emma and felt that she had a real passion for what she was doing. She has always been the perfect balance of professional and friendly, which left me feeling in very safe hands. Emma is very approachable and never made me feel like an inconvenience for taking up her time. She's intelligent and knows everything needed for meetings and court dates. She always has my best interests at heart and most importantly, she works hard to get the best result."
Memberships:
- Resolution
- Association of Lawyers for Children
- Accredited Children’s Representative with the Law Society
