Oliver Conway
@oliverconway.bsky.social
Neurodivergent Solicitor specialising in complex family matters. Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year finalist 2021 & 2024. Lawyers Who Care Champion. #Legalsky #Neurodivergent #Legalaid 🏳️🌈
Pinned
“The situation is as grave as it could be.”
Incredible letter of support from HHJ Vincent to family lawyers in response to the legal aid cyber attack.
When senior members of the judiciary are writing that this crisis may take a year to begin to resolve we should all be worried.
Incredible letter of support from HHJ Vincent to family lawyers in response to the legal aid cyber attack.
When senior members of the judiciary are writing that this crisis may take a year to begin to resolve we should all be worried.
July 21, 2025 at 11:49 AM
“The situation is as grave as it could be.”
Incredible letter of support from HHJ Vincent to family lawyers in response to the legal aid cyber attack.
When senior members of the judiciary are writing that this crisis may take a year to begin to resolve we should all be worried.
Incredible letter of support from HHJ Vincent to family lawyers in response to the legal aid cyber attack.
When senior members of the judiciary are writing that this crisis may take a year to begin to resolve we should all be worried.
I work in a Trauma Factory - My latest article for Legal Action Magazine is about how horrendous being in the family court is for both professional and lay parties.
☕️ 🍪
www.lag.org.uk/article/2169...
☕️ 🍪
www.lag.org.uk/article/2169...
Reflections on family law and more … Entering the trauma factory
Oliver Conway on how to prepare someone you hardly know for one of the most difficult days of their life.
www.lag.org.uk
July 11, 2025 at 9:36 AM
I work in a Trauma Factory - My latest article for Legal Action Magazine is about how horrendous being in the family court is for both professional and lay parties.
☕️ 🍪
www.lag.org.uk/article/2169...
☕️ 🍪
www.lag.org.uk/article/2169...
Reposted by Oliver Conway
TW: suicide/self-harm
A coroner has warned that overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst records of inmate deaths in the country
The report to the Ministry of Justice highlighted a lack of staffing
By me, for Private Eye
A coroner has warned that overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst records of inmate deaths in the country
The report to the Ministry of Justice highlighted a lack of staffing
By me, for Private Eye
![Private Eye article text:
Headline: Failure to ACCT
Article: Overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst death records in the country, a coroner has warned.
HMP Styal in Cheshire has the highest number of deaths of any prison and accounts for almost half the deaths on the female prison estate, a recent inquest into the death of inmate Sarah Boyle in July 2024 heard.
A prevention of future deaths (PFD) report by coroner Victoria Davies to the Ministry of Justice highlights weaknesses in HMP Styal's assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) process - the care planning system for prisoners identified as being at risk of suicide or self-harm. The report also flagged evidence that staff at the prison were alarmingly blasé about the risk of self-harm.
Sarah's death came just months after Davies was assured by the prison service that mental health provision at Styal had been boosted, during the inquest into the suicide of Annelise Sanderson (Eye 1616), who was jailed rather than referred for treatment after assaulting a paramedic who intervened when she drank petrol and threatened to set herself on fire.
"I have heard evidence from a number of..." [article continues in next image]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5pkfx6mzhaq7tatkmj77qg4q/bafkreidmuoavqghuvd7qzlpopatjlutmgxbkxkdhob3ri7sfdmq3n2425e@jpeg)
June 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
TW: suicide/self-harm
A coroner has warned that overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst records of inmate deaths in the country
The report to the Ministry of Justice highlighted a lack of staffing
By me, for Private Eye
A coroner has warned that overstretched prison staff have become "hardened" to incidents of self-harm at a women's prison with one of the worst records of inmate deaths in the country
The report to the Ministry of Justice highlighted a lack of staffing
By me, for Private Eye
My client who has been called incapable by people who should know better, in a final hearing all week, took the time to make me these bracelets overnight.
They mean “seek happiness” 🥺
They mean “seek happiness” 🥺
June 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
My client who has been called incapable by people who should know better, in a final hearing all week, took the time to make me these bracelets overnight.
They mean “seek happiness” 🥺
They mean “seek happiness” 🥺
Me: I require an urgent court transcription in 48 hours
transcriber: kinda busy will get back to you in a month.
transcriber: kinda busy will get back to you in a month.
June 9, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Me: I require an urgent court transcription in 48 hours
transcriber: kinda busy will get back to you in a month.
transcriber: kinda busy will get back to you in a month.
My column in @legalactiongroup.bsky.social Magazine is about Love and Desire in the family court. Subscribe now!
www.lag.org.uk/magazine
www.lag.org.uk/magazine
Legal Action magazine
The multi award-winning magazine for legal aid lawyers. Print and online with 20-year archive of issues.
www.lag.org.uk
June 5, 2025 at 12:52 PM
My column in @legalactiongroup.bsky.social Magazine is about Love and Desire in the family court. Subscribe now!
www.lag.org.uk/magazine
www.lag.org.uk/magazine
The fact that the LAA debacle isn’t being viewed as a crisis shows how poorly legal aid is treated by Govt.
firms, chambers and suppliers will face financial ruin if this goes on for the months it is likely to go on for.
CCMS cost tens of millions to create. There should be an inquiry.
firms, chambers and suppliers will face financial ruin if this goes on for the months it is likely to go on for.
CCMS cost tens of millions to create. There should be an inquiry.
June 5, 2025 at 11:25 AM
The fact that the LAA debacle isn’t being viewed as a crisis shows how poorly legal aid is treated by Govt.
firms, chambers and suppliers will face financial ruin if this goes on for the months it is likely to go on for.
CCMS cost tens of millions to create. There should be an inquiry.
firms, chambers and suppliers will face financial ruin if this goes on for the months it is likely to go on for.
CCMS cost tens of millions to create. There should be an inquiry.
Honoured to be featured on Davie’s BBC Scotland podcast “The Cruelty: Stolen Generations” speaking to my work with Traveller families in care proceedings.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Cruelty - Stolen Generations - 5. Cutting the Roots - BBC Sounds
Davie meets Bella to discover how the state treat Traveller families today.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Honoured to be featured on Davie’s BBC Scotland podcast “The Cruelty: Stolen Generations” speaking to my work with Traveller families in care proceedings.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Interested if any family justice orgs are conducting research into the effects of KvS on care proceedings.
Anecdotally it’s seems we need to accept whatever expert the LA put forward for part 25s…
Anecdotally it’s seems we need to accept whatever expert the LA put forward for part 25s…
May 27, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Interested if any family justice orgs are conducting research into the effects of KvS on care proceedings.
Anecdotally it’s seems we need to accept whatever expert the LA put forward for part 25s…
Anecdotally it’s seems we need to accept whatever expert the LA put forward for part 25s…
The LAA portal cost tens of millions to set up and its current frozen status is threatening the entire legal
aid sector.
Small firms depend on regular payments to stay afloat and serve their communities.
The sector was on its knees for years before this. Unsure whether we will all weather it.
aid sector.
Small firms depend on regular payments to stay afloat and serve their communities.
The sector was on its knees for years before this. Unsure whether we will all weather it.
May 23, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The LAA portal cost tens of millions to set up and its current frozen status is threatening the entire legal
aid sector.
Small firms depend on regular payments to stay afloat and serve their communities.
The sector was on its knees for years before this. Unsure whether we will all weather it.
aid sector.
Small firms depend on regular payments to stay afloat and serve their communities.
The sector was on its knees for years before this. Unsure whether we will all weather it.
Reposted by Oliver Conway
Sure Start centres generated £2 of financial benefits for every £1 spent, study finds
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Sure Start centres generated £2 of financial benefits for every £1 spent, study finds
New Labour initiative created ‘remarkably long-lasting’ health and education improvements, says report
www.theguardian.com
May 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Sure Start centres generated £2 of financial benefits for every £1 spent, study finds
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Oliver Conway
3. Family Legal Aid inc Children's Rights - sponsor Resolution
⭐️Mary Richardson - Miles and Partners
⭐️Beverley Watkins - Watkins Solicitors
⭐️Lynsey Welsh - Cartwright King
⭐️Mary Richardson - Miles and Partners
⭐️Beverley Watkins - Watkins Solicitors
⭐️Lynsey Welsh - Cartwright King
May 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
3. Family Legal Aid inc Children's Rights - sponsor Resolution
⭐️Mary Richardson - Miles and Partners
⭐️Beverley Watkins - Watkins Solicitors
⭐️Lynsey Welsh - Cartwright King
⭐️Mary Richardson - Miles and Partners
⭐️Beverley Watkins - Watkins Solicitors
⭐️Lynsey Welsh - Cartwright King
Reposted by Oliver Conway
Congratulations to all our finalists🥳 Join us on 4 July to hear the winners announced at our #LALY25 ceremony, aka 'the best night out in the legal aid calendar.' Tickets £15-£45
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laly-award...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laly-award...
LALY Awards 2025 - General Admission Ticket
Join us for the 23rd Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, or LALYs, organised by Legal Aid Practitioners Group on a not-for-profit basis.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Congratulations to all our finalists🥳 Join us on 4 July to hear the winners announced at our #LALY25 ceremony, aka 'the best night out in the legal aid calendar.' Tickets £15-£45
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laly-award...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laly-award...
Reposted by Oliver Conway
We are proud to share that our Managing Partner @beverleywatkins.bsky.social, has been shortlisted for the 2025 @lalyawards.bsky.social for her outstanding work in Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights.
Read more: www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/wa...
Congratulations Beverley!!
Read more: www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/wa...
Congratulations Beverley!!
Watkins Solicitors Managing Partner Beverley Watkins Recognised for Excellence in Legal Aid: Shortlisted for the 2025 LALY Awards - Watkins Solicitors
Watkins Solicitors is proud to announce that Managing Partner Beverley Watkins has been shortlisted for the 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards in...
www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 4:58 PM
We are proud to share that our Managing Partner @beverleywatkins.bsky.social, has been shortlisted for the 2025 @lalyawards.bsky.social for her outstanding work in Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights.
Read more: www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/wa...
Congratulations Beverley!!
Read more: www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/wa...
Congratulations Beverley!!
We have now sold out of our tickets and the wait list is long.😎
Do reach out if you wish for the conference materials. 📧
Do reach out if you wish for the conference materials. 📧
📢 Traveller Families & Care Proceedings Conference
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
May 22, 2025 at 4:15 PM
We have now sold out of our tickets and the wait list is long.😎
Do reach out if you wish for the conference materials. 📧
Do reach out if you wish for the conference materials. 📧
Finally read - A LA v X & Y and Others (No4: Welfare and reporting of judgments) [2025] EWFC 126 🤯
Unimaginable cruelty from wealthy professionals who knew the impact of their actions.
Abhorrent case. Amazing work from the press.
Unimaginable cruelty from wealthy professionals who knew the impact of their actions.
Abhorrent case. Amazing work from the press.
Thanks @theguardian.com for partnering with us @tbij.bsky.social on my latest family court story. These parents - whose adopted sons were subjected to physical, emotional & racial abuse - applied to exclude me from court to prevent me making arguments for naming them in the public interest.
Teacher and barrister who ran abusive home cannot be identified, high court rules
May 22, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Finally read - A LA v X & Y and Others (No4: Welfare and reporting of judgments) [2025] EWFC 126 🤯
Unimaginable cruelty from wealthy professionals who knew the impact of their actions.
Abhorrent case. Amazing work from the press.
Unimaginable cruelty from wealthy professionals who knew the impact of their actions.
Abhorrent case. Amazing work from the press.
Reposted by Oliver Conway
We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏
📢 Traveller Families & Care Proceedings Conference
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
May 12, 2025 at 1:11 PM
We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏
We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏
📢 Traveller Families & Care Proceedings Conference
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
📅 4 June 2025, 12pm
Hosted by Margaret Clitherow Trust, Oliver Fisher Solicitors & Garden Court Chambers, this conference tackles the overrepresentation of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children in care proceedings. ⚖️
🎟️Book & info🔽
tinyurl.com/25u94f73
May 12, 2025 at 1:11 PM
We have very few tickets left. Do let me know if you can make it. 🙏
My latest for legal action magazine about why I empathise with my neurodivergent clients.
lag.org.uk/article/2167....
lag.org.uk/article/2167....
Reflections on family law and more … Why I empathise with my...
My own neurodivergence helps me with my work, says Oliver Conway, but too many clients are still being failed by a system designed for neurotypical people.
lag.org.uk
May 12, 2025 at 1:10 PM
My latest for legal action magazine about why I empathise with my neurodivergent clients.
lag.org.uk/article/2167....
lag.org.uk/article/2167....
Reposted by Oliver Conway
Reflections on family law and more: We cannot go on; nor can we quit
@oliverconway.bsky.social on why after 10 gruelling years on the child protection frontline, he is facing an impossible dilemma.
@oliverconway.bsky.social on why after 10 gruelling years on the child protection frontline, he is facing an impossible dilemma.
Reflections on family law and more … We cannot go on; nor can we quit
If burned-out lawyers start to prioritise their own mental and physical health, who will step in to protect their clients, asks Oliver Conway.
swiy.co
March 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Reflections on family law and more: We cannot go on; nor can we quit
@oliverconway.bsky.social on why after 10 gruelling years on the child protection frontline, he is facing an impossible dilemma.
@oliverconway.bsky.social on why after 10 gruelling years on the child protection frontline, he is facing an impossible dilemma.
Reposted by Oliver Conway
We ❤️ legal aid lawyers.
Lots of time left to nominate your favourite - but don’t leave it too late - deadline closes 22 April ⬇️
Lots of time left to nominate your favourite - but don’t leave it too late - deadline closes 22 April ⬇️
The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards, organised by @wearelapg.bsky.social, are the only non-profit-making celebration of the work of those on the social justice frontline. Deadline 22 April, so get working on those nominations now!
lapg.co.uk/wp-content/u...
#LALY25
lapg.co.uk/wp-content/u...
#LALY25
lapg.co.uk
March 11, 2025 at 8:28 AM
We ❤️ legal aid lawyers.
Lots of time left to nominate your favourite - but don’t leave it too late - deadline closes 22 April ⬇️
Lots of time left to nominate your favourite - but don’t leave it too late - deadline closes 22 April ⬇️
Reposted by Oliver Conway
“Under Labour, health is a prerequisite – not for a good life for yourself, but to be a good worker for the nation.” @francesryan.bsky.social on the reported disability cuts: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is a shameful tradition of demonising disabled people. Why is Labour reigniting it? | Frances Ryan
Ministers run away from a wealth tax and then concoct a punitive benefits system. They have made that choice and it’s immoral, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
March 11, 2025 at 9:19 AM
“Under Labour, health is a prerequisite – not for a good life for yourself, but to be a good worker for the nation.” @francesryan.bsky.social on the reported disability cuts: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
3 cheers for the cafe at Portsmouth Combined Court. The Omelette I had was the best i’ve ever eaten anywhere and the whole meal was under a tenner!
March 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM
3 cheers for the cafe at Portsmouth Combined Court. The Omelette I had was the best i’ve ever eaten anywhere and the whole meal was under a tenner!
Fox and Chave Ebay find 😉
Shoutout to @oliverconway.bsky.social wearing a fabulous tie this morning!
March 10, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Fox and Chave Ebay find 😉