Who? Mike Tait, 51-year-old family specialist and partner at Powell Spencer & Partners in London.

Why is he in the news? Acted for Bertram Byfield, the convicted crack dealer with whom seven-year-old Toni-Ann Byfield was staying in a north London bedsit when they were both shot and killed in what police believe was a drugs dispute.

An inquiry into Toni-Ann's death prompted strong criticism of the government agencies responsible for her placement.

Mr Tait was acting for Byfield in trying to win custody of Toni-Ann.

Byfield believed she was his biological daughter, but a post-mortem examination proved otherwise.

Background: Graduated with a degree in history and economics at Oxford in 1974, followed by the conversion course at the College of Law in London.

Articles at Ossenbach & Co in London, qualifying in 1982.

Moved to Clinton Davies Cushing & Kelly in London for 18 months then joined Powell Spencer & Partners.

Promoted to partner in 1987.

Route to the case: The firm had previously acted for other family members.

Thoughts on the case: 'The inquiry into Toni-Ann's death did not take up my offer to speak to them - but I would have wanted to point out that Mr Byfield was not as bad as was being made out.

He was very committed to caring for Toni-Ann, travelling up to Birmingham every week for contact with her.

I don't know whether he was still a crack dealer or not - but if the police really believed he was, why hadn't they arrested him for it? The whole system of childcare is in a terrible crisis because of lack of resources, and I have the impression that many judges in the family division are deeply concerned about this.

It is a pity that those who see the consequences on a day-to-day basis are not more able to speak out.'

Dealing with the media: 'I made a decision to write a letter to the Independent [which generated further press coverage] because I felt the media seemed to be happy to present my client in a totally negative light, which was not fair to him.

When it comes to black men in trouble, it is assumed that there are no redeeming qualities.'

Rachel Rothwell