Adrian Pidduck
July 2012 (Middle Temple) (previously solicitor admitted 1996)
Date of call
July 2012 (Middle Temple) (previously solicitor admitted 1996)
Adrian has practised in Kent as a specialist in matters relating to children (Public law and Private law) for almost 30 years. He began his career in 1996 as a solicitor, and since 2012 has been a barrister. From 1999 until 2012 he was a member of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Children Panel.
Adrian is currently ranked as a ‘Leading Junior’ for ‘Family: Children’ in the Legal 500 bar guides.
‘Adrian is a very experienced barrister and his thoroughness is a wonderful strength, but his kindness and understanding of clients shines through everything else. Adrian is always willing to provide support and guidance and is happy to talk cases through.’ Legal 500, 2026 guide
‘Adrian has a thorough, pragmatic and analytical approach. He is always on top of his brief.’ Legal 500, 2025 guide
He represents parents, children and other family members in care, adoption and child arrangements order proceedings, and has appeared at all levels of the Family Courts (including the Court of Appeal).
The cases in which he represents and advises clients regularly include matters relating to allegations of the most serious nature; including domestic abuse between parents, significant harm to children (including serious injuries and sexual abuse), parental alienation and issues of substance misuse.
Adrian prides himself on his ability to form a rapport with his clients, and regularly receives warm and positive feedback regarding his approachable, easy-to-work-with manner and client care skills.
Whatever the circumstances of a particular case, Adrian is always acutely aware of the seriousness of matters for his client. He understands that they are likely to be feeling stressed and anxious. Making his client as comfortable as possible with the process, and maximising their emotional wellbeing as best he can is always at the forefront of his mind, however difficult and challenging the circumstances.
Adrian is qualified to undertake Direct Public Access work, and as a former solicitor, has extensive experience of taking instructions directly from the public. He believes strongly in the benefits to the public of being able to instruct barristers directly in appropriate cases, and this commitment, combined with the additional insights which his former role as a solicitor give him, make him a strong choice for Direct Public Access.
Adrian regularly represents parents, children (usually through their Guardians) and relatives in public law proceedings. He has acted in many cases involving very serious injuries to children (including brain injuries, fractures and bruising), and allegations of sexual abuse.
In many cases, the parents he represents have cognitive limitations and significant mental health issues, and he is experienced at explaining court proceedings at every stage, and ensuring that his clients are as comfortable as possible with what is happening.
He has extensive experience of working with intermediaries and representing parents through the Official Solicitor.
Adrian has appeared in cases involving families from other jurisdictions, including a number of reported cases involving Eastern European families, and he is experienced at working with interpreters.
In many cases, the parents he represents have cognitive limitations and significant mental health issues, and he is experienced at explaining court proceedings at every stage, and ensuring that his clients are as comfortable as possible with what is happening.
He has extensive experience of working with intermediaries and representing parents through the Official Solicitor.
Adrian has appeared in cases involving families from other jurisdictions, including a number of reported cases involving Eastern European families, and he is experienced at working with interpreters.
Adrian regularly represents parents in private law proceedings. He has also represented a large number of grandparents and other relatives in respect of applications for child arrangements orders.
He regularly represents children (through their R 16.4 Guardians) in private law proceedings.
He has extensive experience in dealing with cases involving allegations of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. He regularly conducts fact-finding hearings, including cases involving serious allegations between the parents and/or where the children have been alleged to have suffered abuse.
He regularly appears in cases involving allegations of parental alienation, and where all contact has ceased.
He regularly represents children (through their R 16.4 Guardians) in private law proceedings.
He has extensive experience in dealing with cases involving allegations of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. He regularly conducts fact-finding hearings, including cases involving serious allegations between the parents and/or where the children have been alleged to have suffered abuse.
He regularly appears in cases involving allegations of parental alienation, and where all contact has ceased.
"Adrian was amazing!!
When you are in the midst of all the court proceedings it’s overwhelming, Adrian helped me with all my thoughts and fears as I trusted him and his experience to support me through it all. He has been with me since 2022 and he has allowed me to be me, being empathetic to my situation and most of all made me feel like I wasn’t drowning in it all and I was being heard.
Adrian is a credit to your business and if I ever needed anything again he would definitely be my first port of call."
Client instructing Adrian Pidduck through the Direct Access Scheme
“A big thank you for all your support Adrian; best money I have ever spent- I recognise this would be a massive mess and stress without you!”
Client instructing Adrian Pidduck through the Direct Access Scheme
"Adrian was fantastic, as a result of his representation we achieved an outstanding outcome for the client. The client is vulnerable and Adrian was compassionate and mindful of ensuring that the client was aware of the process and everything that was going on."
Solicitor instructing Adrian Pidduck
I cannot sing Adrian’s praises enough. He has a very calm and measured exterior, but that is how he reels individuals in when cross examining – a master at it!
I have instructed Adrian recently on two different private children matters, having not instructed before and he has been brilliant...Adrian is great with the clients and their supporters.
I will definitely be instructing Adrian on any children matters which come my way and end up in court.
Solicitor instructing Adrian Pidduck
It was a fantastic result and I cannot thank you enough for all of your work on this and I am very pleased that you are still on board and are also available for my other children matter in August.
Thank you again Adrian.
Solicitor instructing Adrian Pidduck
“Adrian has been brilliant. His reassuring and clear approach has been invaluable in this emotionally difficult case. Adrian’s drafting is easy to read and extremely persuasive. He has kept me and the client fully up to date throughout. Tactically and from a case management perspective he has had everything covered. I would thoroughly recommend Adrian.”
Solicitor instructing Adrian Pidduck
"Firstly, can I thank you so much for all of your help and guidance today and leading up to today’s hearing. You were incredibly thorough, so kind and always put me at ease. I do not think today would have been as successful without you. Thank you so so much!"
Mr P instructing Adrian Pidduck through the Direct Access Scheme
"Just wanted to thank you again Adrian, i know its just your day to day work but having this granted has made a huge difference on my life now. You've been amazing and made me feel so comfortable throughout and i couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much."
Miss S instructing Adrian Pidduck through the Direct Access Scheme
"Not only have you been an absolute pleasure to instruct but both clients could not speak anymore highly of you."
Miss K from Solicitors, instructing Adrian Pidduck
"I really appreciate and admired the way you have handled everything from day one and especially your diplomacy (at court).
I say this with hand on my heart, you will forever be enshrined in my memory as the person who facilitated mine and my child’s reunion……and I am eternally grateful to you for this."
Mr J instructing Adrian Pidduck through the Direct Access Scheme