Elizabeth Rose Achieves Lawyers for Children Certification

At L&M MediLaw, we believe that when children and young people need legal support, they deserve more than technical expertise—they deserve to be heard, understood, and treated with respect at every stage of the process.

That’s why we are delighted to share that Elizabeth Rose, our Director, has been awarded the Lawyers for Children Certification by the Law Society of Scotland. This important recognition follows specialist training developed by Clan Childlaw, an organisation that has been leading the way in child-centred legal practice since 2008.

What the Lawyers for Children Certification Means

The Lawyers for Children Certification is designed for solicitors who want to work in a way that keeps children’s voices and best interests at the centre of their legal work—no matter the area of law. It is not limited to family law; the principles are equally vital in areas like medical negligence, personal injury, and civil litigation involving children.

Through the programme, Elizabeth received training in:

• Child-centred practice – ensuring that decisions are made with children’s needs and perspectives as the priority

• Trauma-informed communication – understanding how trauma can affect a child’s ability to engage, and developing strategies to build trust and reduce stress

• Effective participation – enabling children to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives

• Policy and rights awareness – including the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law and its implications for legal practice

Why It Matters for Clients

If you are a parent, guardian, or family member seeking legal support for a child, choosing a solicitor with this certification means your child will be represented by someone who understands:

• The emotional impact legal proceedings can have on children

• How to communicate in a way that is clear, age-appropriate, and reassuring

• The importance of creating a safe environment where your child feels able to speak

Children often find legal processes daunting—sometimes frightening. Whether the case involves medical harm, injury, or another sensitive matter, Elizabeth’s approach ensures that your child’s wellbeing remains a priority throughout.

Why It Matters for Referring Solicitors

For fellow solicitors, the Lawyers for Children Certification provides reassurance that referred child cases will be handled with both technical precision and the highest standard of client care.

Elizabeth’s certification strengthens L&M MediLaw’s capacity to take on sensitive instructions involving children, whether as pursuers in medical negligence or personal injury claims, or in other civil matters where specialist representation is needed. We work collaboratively to protect your client relationship while delivering the best possible outcome for the child involved.

A Commitment to Trauma-Aware Practice

One of the core elements of the certification is trauma-informed practice. At L&M MediLaw, this is not a buzzword—it’s part of how we work every day. We know that when children have experienced harm, either directly or indirectly, their interactions with professionals can feel overwhelming. By applying trauma-aware principles, we aim to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and support children in feeling safe and respected.

This includes:

• Listening without rushing

• Allowing space for breaks in difficult conversations

• Being mindful of the emotional impact of legal processes

• Ensuring information is shared in ways the child can understand

Continuing Development

The certification also provides Elizabeth with one year of Lawyers for Children membership through Clan Childlaw, including quarterly CPD sessions and access to a wide range of resources. This ensures our practice remains up-to-date with developments in child law and best practice in working with young clients.

If You Need Support

If your child has been affected by medical negligence, injury, or another legal matter, we are here to help. You can instruct us directly as a parent or guardian, or your solicitor can refer your case to us. Either way, you can be confident that your child will be represented with skill, empathy, and a clear focus on their rights and wellbeing.

📞 Call us in confidence on 0141 471 3078
📧 Email us at hello@landmmedilaw.com

At L&M MediLaw, we understand that the journey to justice following medical negligence is not just about navigating legal complexities—it’s also about addressing the deep emotional impact that often accompanies these cases. Clients come to us during some of the most difficult periods of their lives, and for many, the process of seeking accountability can be re-traumatising. That’s why trauma awareness is at the heart of how we work.

 

What Is Trauma-Informed Practice?

Trauma-informed practice recognises that many people have experienced trauma—whether from a medical incident itself or from the challenges of seeking answers and accountability afterwards. It acknowledges the profound effects trauma can have on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In the legal context, this means understanding how a client’s experiences might shape their ability to engage with the claims process, how they feel about telling their story, and how they react to challenges that arise along the way. Trauma-informed practice requires solicitors to handle each interaction with sensitivity, compassion, and respect—creating a safe and supportive environment for every client.

Our Commitment to Trauma Awareness

To strengthen our trauma-informed approach, L&M MediLaw solicitor Suzanne Williams recently completed the Trauma-Informed Lawyer Certification Course offered by the Law Society of Scotland. Nadine Montgomery will soon undertake this training as well. This certification is designed to help legal professionals develop the skills needed to provide truly empathetic and supportive care for clients who have experienced trauma.

The training covers:
✔️ Understanding what trauma is and how it can manifest
✔️ Recognising signs of trauma in clients
✔️ Adapting communication styles to avoid re-traumatisation
✔️ Providing clear, respectful explanations of the legal process
✔️ Creating a safe space for clients to express their concerns and fears

For our team, this training is not just a professional qualification—it’s a vital part of how we practice law. We know that when clients feel safe, respected, and understood, they are better able to engage in the legal process and share the information we need to build the strongest possible case.

Why It Matters in Medical Negligence Cases

Medical negligence claims can be especially challenging because they often involve re-visiting distressing memories or experiences with the healthcare system. Clients may feel anxiety about speaking up, guilt for what happened, or fear of not being believed. Trauma awareness ensures that we don’t just see clients as legal cases—we see them as people with complex emotions who deserve compassion and dignity.

At L&M MediLaw, we believe that combining trauma-informed practice with our deep expertise in medical negligence law leads to better outcomes for clients. It’s about creating a partnership built on trust, so that clients feel supported and empowered as they seek justice.

Here for You

If you or someone you know has experienced harm due to medical negligence, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to listen, advise, and advocate for you with the utmost care. We’re proud to bring not just legal skill, but also the compassion and sensitivity that trauma awareness requires.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.

At L&M MediLaw, we don’t just represent clients. We are passionate advocates for patient justice. This year marks a significant milestone for patient rights: the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board. This case changed the legal and medical landscape in the UK forever.
But for us, this is more than just a pivotal legal precedent. It’s a story of extraordinary courage, persistence, and purpose—because the pursuer in that case was Nadine Montgomery Allam, now a solicitor at L&M MediLaw.

From Litigant to Lawyer

When Nadine’s son, Sam, was born with cerebral palsy following a traumatic birth, she began a 15-year fight for answers and accountability. At the heart of her case was a vital question: shouldn’t patients have the right to know the risks of medical procedures that may affect them and their families forever?

That question would ultimately reach the UK Supreme Court. In 2015, the Court handed down its historic judgment in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, ruling that care providers must give patients sufficient information to make informed decisions about their medical care. The “doctor knows best” era has been replaced with a principle that centres the patient in every medical decision—the right to informed consent.

A Personal Fight with a National Impact

Nadine shared her powerful story with Hey Legal—the pain, perseverance, and legal battle that took her through the Scottish courts and all the way to the Supreme Court. She reflected on what it meant to be a client navigating the court system and how the victory, while deeply personal, has brought wider change to the UK’s healthcare system.

Her journey is both inspiring and humbling. What began as a mother’s search for justice became a defining moment in medical negligence law, empowering thousands of patients to understand and assert their rights.

And Nadine didn’t stop there. Motivated by her experience, she went on to study law—and today, she is a valued member of the L&M MediLaw team, helping others seek the same justice she fought so long for.

A Lasting Legacy

The Montgomery ruling remains one of the most significant medical negligence decisions in modern UK legal history. It reframed the doctor-patient relationship, placing informed choice and respect for patient autonomy at its core.

At L&M MediLaw, we are proud to have Nadine as a colleague. Her insight, strength, and empathy strengthen everything we do as a firm. As we mark this 10-year anniversary, we remember that change doesn’t just happen in courtrooms—it starts with people—people like Nadine, who refuse to be silent, and people like our clients, whose courage we are privileged to support every single day. To everyone who has supported Nadine’s journey and our work, thank you.

Here’s to the next 10 years of fighting for patient rights and delivering justice where it matters most.