A family lawyer specialising in childcare cases has joined the Bath head office of regional law firm Royds Withy King after almost a decade working for local authorities.
Robert Hearne, pictured, has joined the firm’s growing family team as an associate from Wiltshire Council. He has also worked as a family lawyer for Nottinghamshire County Council and Wolverhampton City Council. 
Robert said: “Having spent my career working for local authorities, I am looking forward to bringing my experience of childcare law to private practice. Disputes and problems concerning the care of children are often the most emotive and upsetting for families.
“My aim is to make the process more understandable and less daunting for those involved by providing sympathetic and common sense advice to parents and families facing childcare proceedings.”
Royds Withy King’s 17-strong family team in Bath has also been bolstered by the return of Tracy McCormack following a five-year career break in South Africa.
Tracy, who has 27 years’ experience, specialises in childcare law including living and contact arrangements, child protection, adoption and special guardianship issues.
Royds Withy King Bath family team head Richard Ellis said: “We are very pleased to welcome Robert to our team and to have Tracy re-join us. Their extensive experience of dealing with all aspects of childcare law will further enhance the breadth and depth of expertise we are able to offer the families we act for.”
