Manchester-based McAlister Family Law owner Amanda McAlister has further boosted her team with the appointment of Chris Fairhurst as partner and Jonathan Casey as solicitor.

The firm, founded only a matter of months ago, has set its sights on being the UK’s ‘go to’ authority on all family law matters, with a mission to provide expert advice and guidance to clients within a framework of empathy and truthfulness.

Fairhurst, 48, an acknowledged expert in the realm of children’s issues, is one of only a small number of dual-qualified Resolution and Children Panel accredited specialists in the country, and a recognised authority in the matter of complex child abduction cases, as well as national and international relocation issues.

He brings to the firm more than two decades of experience, and frequently is called upon by national broadcast and print media to provide expert comment on relevant children’s issues and family law matters.

Prior to joining McAlister Family Law, Fairhurst held positions at Slater and Gordon and Stephensons LLP.

Jonathan Casey, 28, who achieved a First in Law at Liverpool John Moores University, also worked at Slater and Gordon in Manchester, and previously Haworth and Gallagher in Birkenhead.

He has a particular interest in Tolata (Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996) cases, a complicated area of law relating to the ownership of land as it pertains to cohabitees. He also represents parents locked in highly contentious residence and child contact disputes and is experienced in advising parties in intractable and alienated parent cases, some involving allegations of addiction, emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

McAlister said: ’I’m delighted to welcome our new recruits on board. Both bring particular specialisms that complement the already comprehensive offering here at McAlister Family Law, and both are dedicated to delivering a service to our clients that vastly exceeds their expectations.’

Fairhurst said: ’I believe, very strongly, in the culture and ethos of McAlister Family Law, so to be a part of this exciting new firm fits perfectly with my own outlook and ambitions.   I am very much looking forward to our working together to shape, in a positive and holistic fashion, the provision of family law in the UK.’                                                                                                                                                                      

Casey added: ’Joining McAlister Family Law from Slater and Gordon was the opportunity of a lifetime, and one which offers me the chance to focus on some of the most challenging areas of family law. We really are developing into a force to be reckoned with.’

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