Lawyers for Children Certification Course
Join this CPD training online at the specified time
15 hours verifiable CPD
Children and young people need lawyers who do things differently - who use their legal skills not just to represent them, but to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are central in every decision that affects them.
This course is designed for all solicitors interested in developing a child-centred approach to legal practice, regardless of their area of specialisation or level of experience. It offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on your own practice and consider how to place children and young people at the heart of every decision made about them.
Developed by Clan Childlaw - who have been leading the way in child-centred legal practice since 2008 - this course draws on their experience and insights to support the wider legal community in working more effectively with children and young people.
You will be receive practical guidance on trauma-informed practice and effective communication with children, helping you to build trust and engage meaningfully with young clients in a way that recognises their experiences and supports their participation.
You will also have the chance to explore and discuss the current policy landscape in Scotland, particularly in relation to the incorporation of the UNCRC, and reflect on how these developments are likely to impact and shape your own legal practice going forward.
By taking this course, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to reflect on your current practice and consider how to align it more closely with a rights-based, child-centred approach. Upon completion, you’ll also receive one year of free access to Clan Childlaw’s Lawyers for Children membership. This includes quarterly CPD sessions and a wide range of exclusive resources designed to build your confidence and skills in representing children and young people.
What will you gain from completing this course?
Completing this course will help you to:
- Understand why children need lawyers and specialised legal representation
- Gain knowledge of the framework of children’s rights in international and domestic law and how the UNCRC has impacted this in Scotland
- Learn to recognise the impact of trauma and child development and how this influences your practice when representing children
- Learn effective strategies for adapting your communication style when representing children
- Learn how to develop your own child-centred practice
Certification process
1. Sign up for the certified course Lawyers for Children
2. Attend the seminars facilitated by Clan Childlaw (10 hours verifiable CPD)
3. Complete the assignment
4. Certification as a Lawyer for Children for 4 years, with use of our marque alongside obtaining a certificate
Speakers
Live Seminar Dates
Date |
Location |
Seminar |
|---|---|---|
Wednesday 9 September 2026 - 10am to 12noon |
Online |
Seminar One: Lawyers for Children |
Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 10am to 12noon |
Online |
Seminar Two: Children’s Rights and the UNCRC |
Monday 21 September 2026 - 10am to 12noon |
Online |
Seminar Three: Trauma and Child Development |
Wednesday 30 September 2026 - 10am to 12noon |
Online |
Seminar Four: Communicating with Children |
Wednesday 7 October 2026 - 10am to 12noon |
Online |
Seminar Five: Practical Tools for Child-Centred Practice |
Course components
Seminar 1: Lawyers for Children
Background of the lawyers for children movement
Why children need lawyers
Balancing a child’s voice with their best interest
Development of children’s rights over time
Seminar 2: Children’s Rights and the UNCRC
The UNCRC framework and its implementation in Scotland
Core principles of children’s rights
Rights in the family
Extra protections for looked after children
Seminar 3: Trauma and Child Development
Led by Kirsty Giles
Understanding childhood trauma
How trauma impacts the developing brain
Attachment – the foundation of connection
Trauma informed – in practice
Seminar 4: Communicating with Children
Led by Kirsty Giles
- Connecting and communicating with children
- Repairing ruptures and empathetic boundaries
- Practical strategies to help us communicate
Seminar 5: Further Practical Tools for Child-Centred Practice
Balancing professional obligations and child-centred practice
Capacity to instruct
Navigating legal aid for a child client
Child Protection
Course assignment
The assignment for this certification course is a reflective log, completed after each session. The log is designed to help you reflect on the course content and materials, and to consider how your learning has informed your practice. Further details and guidance on completing the reflective log will be provided during the course.
What participants have said about this certification course
An excellent course for any lawyer interested in working with children and trauma-informed practice. It has been great to learn from all the trainers and other participants.
Please note there are just 20 spaces on the course.
If you’re not a member, please contact our CPD team to book: [email protected]