Della Phillips
Partner & Branch Manager, Leicester
Practice areas
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What I do
I am the Branch Manager of our Leicester office and am actively involved in the business development of both our private client and commercial services.
I specialise in children matters and regularly act on behalf of parents whose children are subject to local authority care proceedings, representing clients at both court hearings and during negotiations with the local authority pre-proceedings. I deal with complex cases involving non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse and issues of serious neglect and violence. I am also a member of the Law Society Children Panel and frequently represent children who are the subject of court proceedings.
I also have extensive experience in private law children matters and work with parents, grandparents and carers in applications for Child Arrangement Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Special Guardianship Orders.
I have also advised clients during relationship breakdowns and where there are issues of domestic violence and forced marriage. I have experience in obtaining applications for Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders for vulnerable clients.
What I bring to the team
Calm, sensitive and approachable. Always happy to help out members of the team.
Key interests
In my spare time, I am a committed dancer, have a keen interest in fashion and enjoy travelling abroad.
Testimonials
I approached Smith Partnership during the worst time in my life. My husband had died and I had struggled with a lot of things, leading to the point where my children had just been removed by the Local Authority. I was introduced to Della who helped me through this period, which was further worsened by Covid-19. It led to delays in the legal case and difficulties around seeing my children. Throughout the whole time Della was there. Whenever I had a query, she responded quickly and where it was possible for her, she would take action to help. At times where the process was frustrating and seemed endless, Della was there to remind me that I wasn’t alone. She was always prompt and efficient in responding to me. After 18 months it was finally time for the court hearing, and Della and her team continued working to find a resolution agreeable for all parties right up until the last moment. I was very happy with the outcome, especially considering that I believed up until the end that I had absolutely no chance of ever getting my children back. But thanks to Della’s perseverance and hard work we came to a solution that gives me the opportunity to have my children back home with me in the very near future. After having lost my husband, my business, my home and then my children in a very short period of time for each other, I was so close to giving up. I couldn’t see a way where I would ever have a life or be happy again. Della and her team have given me that gift. For the first time in years I have been able to see a future for myself; one with my children in it to share with me. I cannot thank her enough for that and would recommend her to anyone.
Client, Childcare
Della, Thank you for your help and hard work throughout the nightmare time we had as a family. We appreciate everything you did for us and forever grateful. We can move on with a happy life. Thank you again.
Client, Childcare
