Kennedy Aldsworth

Kennedy is completing her family focussed pupillage under the supervision of Louise Harrison.

During her second six, Kennedy will be accepting instructions in all children matters.

Kennedy has a particular interest in Family Law proceedings issued under the Children Act, particularly matters involving complex safeguarding concerns. Throughout her first six, Kennedy has been involved in a variety of private law children matters, many of which have included issues such as alienating behaviours, parental conflict and domestic abuse.

Kennedy has also observed and assisted in a range of public law children matters including those involving severe child neglect and serious sexual abuse.  She has drafted documents such as legal arguments on jurisdictional issues, position statements and orders.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Kennedy worked as Fee Earner within a Family Law department. She represented clients in a broad range of private law children matters including all forms of Child Arrangements Orders and complex fact-finding cases involving significant Police disclosure and adverse costs orders.

This experience has confirmed to Kennedy that she has an aptitude for representing vulnerable clients and dealing with particularly sensitive issues. Kennedy’s work in this role has resulted in extensive praise from both lay and professional clients who have labelled Kennedy as ‘efficient’, ‘approachable’ and ‘dedicated’. Kennedy’s work as a Paralegal has provided her with invaluable insight and practical experience in Family Law matters. She is keen to apply this knowledge during her second six.

During her second six, Kennedy will be accepting instructions in all family finance matters.

Kennedy has obtained significant experience in Financial Remedy Proceedings. She has played an active role in cases involving considerable assets and complexities, preparing cases for the First Appointment, FDR and Final Hearing. This has involved Kennedy instructing experts such as pension analysts and drafting key documents including Form ES1s and ES2s, Form Es and any questionnaires raised upon these. Kennedy has also been involved in drafting advice for clients in respect of the making of appropriate offers.

The experience obtained by Kennedy in this area means she is able to accurately apply the Law to matters of this nature and analytically consider significant volumes of information.

Kennedy also has experience in cohabitee disputes and applications brought under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (‘TOLATA’). In her earlier paralegal role, Kennedy advised clients on the merits of their case brought under TOLATA and has also represented clients in relief from sanctions hearings.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Kennedy acted as a County Court Advocate undertaking a variety of civil work on the North Eastern Circuit. This included successfully representing clients in Mortgage Possessions, Landlord and Tenant disputes and Return of Goods proceedings. This experience inevitably developed Kennedy’s advocacy skills and ability to make cogent submissions whilst under pressure.

Kennedy is keen to develop her practice in Court of Protection work and welcomes instructions in such matters.

Throughout her first six, Kennedy has observed a range of work at all stages of proceedings including round table meetings, final hearings and appeals. She has also been involved in the drafting of legal facts and grounds in respect of s. 21(A) challenges which has equipped her with a firm understanding of common issues which arise in such matters.

In her earlier role as a pastoral mentor within a secondary school, Kennedy developed her ability to work with and support vulnerable individuals, many of which had SEN needs. Kennedy also supported vulnerable witnesses in her volunteering role with the witness support service. She is keen to bring this practical experience and down-to-earth approach to her Court of Protection work and form meaningful relationships with clients from all backgrounds.