Meet the Team
HLA Family Law is led by two partners who between them have over 25 years experience in family law. Both are members of the Law Society’s Children Panel, recognising their experience within this area of law.
Ben Harling
Partner
Ben is a partner at HLA Family Law. Ben qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and has specialised in Family Law since qualifying. As a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel Ben advises both parents and children involved in court proceedings.
Ben regularly represents his clients at court and appears in the Magistrates, County and High Court including final hearings and fact finding trials. Ben has a vast experience of representing clients in cases involving complex matters including:
- Non-accidental injuries
- Parental alienation
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Mental health issues
Ben provides practical and straight forward advice and is a determined court advocate.
Francesca Lambert-Amaning
Partner
Francesca is a Partner at HLA Family Law and is on the Law Society accredited Children Panel. Francesca qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and specialises in proceedings brought by social services where she represents parents, other family members and children (either through the Court appointed Childrens Guardian or separately). Francesca also represents clients in relation to Adoption proceedings and Special Guardianship.
Francesca has expertise in cases concerning:
- Non-accidental injury including child death
- Sexual abuse including inter-familial
- Chronic neglect
- Running cases that have a concurrent criminal case
- Factitious and/or induced illness
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Mental health issues
Francesca is a robust and resolute court advocate. She offers sensible, sensitive and straight-forward advice to clients at a time when they may be feeling overwhelmed.
Helen Hewitson
Paralegal
Helen is a paralegal at HLA Family Law. Helen provides paralegal support to the team in court proceedings involving children.
Helen has previously worked as a child care paralegal representing the local authority so brings her experience of working in proceedings from the other side to help parents, other family members, and children.
Helen has a Graduate Diploma in Law and an LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice from The University of Law. Prior to pursuing a career in law, Helen has an extensive administrative background in professional services, so she is an organised and proactive member of the team.
Carly Mitchell
Senior Paralegal
Carly is a Trainee Solicitor at HLA Family Law and previously worked as a Childcare paralegal for seven years.
Carly represents parents and other parties in both the PLO process and care proceedings where the Local Authority has concerns about the children's welfare. Carly is a passionate advocate for her clients. She always works hard to strive for the best result for every client. She is extremely professional, conscientious and compassionate in equal terms which ensures effective representation and great results.
Carly has a Graduate Diploma in Law and is currently studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Notable Cases
- EBY (A Child) (Deprivation of Liberty Order: Jurisdiction) (17-year-old) [2023] EWHC 2494 (Fam)
- Re S (Children: Findings of Fact) [2023] EWCA Civ 1113
- Re D & R (Children) (Fact Finding;Certain and Uncertain Perpetrator) [2023] EWFC 305
- West Northamptonshire Council (acting via Northamptonshire Childrens Trust) v KA (Mother & Anor) (Intermediaries) [2024] EWHC 79 (Fam)
- West Northamptonshire Council vs The Mother – High Court – [2024] EWHC 395
