William Higginson

William is an established family barrister who specialises in public law proceedings. He represents local authorities, parents and Children across the South West. He is very frequently instructed in complex finding of fact hearings involving  non-accidental injury, sexual abuse and allegations of FII.

He believes in early and regular client contact throughout the course of proceedings to ensure the lay client understands the process every step of the way

Recommended by Legal 500 2025 Edition - Family Children and Domestic Violence- Tier 2

‘Bill is an extraordinary advocate. He is compelling, assured, and empathetic. He is composed in difficult circumstances and is a dream to instruct.’

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Children Public Law

In public law, William represents local authorities, parents and guardians in the FPC, County Courts and High Court. William is instructed in a broad range of cases including emergency protection orders, child abduction, care cases, adoption, inter country adoptions and illegal inter country adoptions.

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These cases have as their subject matter all forms of physical harm, emotional harm and mental illness. Many of the cases require an understanding of complex medical evidence both in relation to physical injury (shaken babies, sexual abuse etc) and in relation to mental illness and personality disorders.

While, in care work, representation of parents has tended to predominate - his reputation for thorough cross-examination and robust analysis of the evidence, making him a first choice for solicitors representing clients facing serious allegations - William is also instructed regularly on behalf of Guardians and Local Authorities.

Recommended by Legal 500 2025 Edition - Family Children and Domestic Violence- Tier 2

‘Bill is an extraordinary advocate. He is compelling, assured, and empathetic. He is composed in difficult circumstances and is a dream to instruct.’

The ‘skilful and robust’ William Higginson specialises in public law children work, representing local authorities, parents, and guardians in fact-finding hearings and care proceedings.

Recommended by Legal 500 2024 Edition - Family Children and Domestic Violence- Tier 2

‘Bill is easy to work with, amenable and approachable. He is a good and knowledgeable advocate who is calm and able to focus on the key points quickly. He is also able to establish a good rapport with clients and other professionals.'

William Higginson, who leads the team, is ‘calm and logical even in the most difficult of situations’ - he regularly acts on instructions from children's guardians.

Recommended by Legal 500 2023 Edition - Family Law - Tier 2

'He is a very highly respected barrister in the area of children law work. A junior with a universal charm who is a dream to instruct.'

Recommended by Legal 500 2021 Edition - Family Law - Tier 3

‘He is a go-to counsel for care proceedings.’

Recommended by Legal 500 2020 Edition - Family Law - Tier 3

He treats every case like his only case, and is always well-prepared. ’

Recommended by Legal 500 2019 Edition - Family Law

‘A charming advocate who exudes confidence.’