Partner
t: 01908 295350
e: vicky.preece@pslawllp.co.uk
Vicky is an expert Children’s lawyer. Vicky qualified as a solicitor in 2002. In 2007 Vicky gained accreditation to the Law Society’s Children’s panel enabling her to take instructions directly from children and represent them in Court. Vicky is cited as a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 in 2021, and is described as a ‘next generation partner’.
Vicky is a member of Resolution and advises and represents parents and family members in Private Law Children Act matters, including complex matters of parental alienation, intractable disputes and international and internal relocation. Vicky adopts a collaborative approach and prides herself on resolving disputes without litigation where possible. She has recently had a number of successes in resolving cases with significant welfare issues, securing appropriate Child Arrangement Orders and providing long term stability to family arrangements. Vicky has also been instructed on Specific Issues matters such as resolving disputes relating to whether a child should be privately educated.
Vicky is a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children and she frequently represents children and other family members in Public Law Care Proceedings. She advises adopter parents in contested applications, and obtaining post adoption support services. Vicky also has first-hand experience in Education Law and particularly assisting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), dealing with obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from the Local Authority, instructing suitable Experts, and facilitating the understanding of the varied needs of children accessing education.
Vicky undertakes much of her own advocacy which provides clients with consistency and added value. Vicky was awarded the prestigious Law Society Excellence Award, ‘Solicitor Advocate of the Year’ in 2017. Her Ladyship, Mrs Justice Pauffley said the following about Vicky in her Judgment following a Fact Finding Hearing in the High Court;
“Lastly, I should pay tribute to Ms Preece who was instructed to represent Mrs C only shortly before the hearing began. It rapidly became apparent that in the time available Ms Preece had mastered and analysed a massive amount of documentary material to good effect. In the questions she asked, Ms Preece demonstrated a shrewd awareness of the most important details as they related to the issues in the case. She played a significant and immensely valuable part in the forensic exercise. I am very grateful to her”
Outside of work Vicky is an active member of her local Parish Church and volunteers for Junior Church. She is also a keen horse rider, having competed in British Eventing competitions at 3 day event level.
