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 over 25 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 has been ranked as a ‘Leading Junior’ in the Legal 500, 2025 bar guide.
‘Adrian has a thorough, pragmatic and analytical approach. He is always on top of his brief.’ Legal 500
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.
"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
"The client was delighted with Adrian who she felt was well prepared and advanced her position to the best of his ability. She was very pleased with the outcome.
As always, I was able to rely on Adrian for fantastic client care and great communication. We work very well together as a team."
Miss L from Solicitors, instructing Adrian Pidduck
"I am so happy with the outcome of the case. I cannot express my gratitude to you enough."
Miss L-W instructing Adrian Pidduck
Adrian - thank you for your amazing work both in and out of court, you understood this case perfectly and made it happen yesterday, and during breaks thank you for your chats. I was rather nervous about the whole in court experience, and you helped me get through the day.
Ms C Instructing Adrian Pidduck
"Please pass on our sincere gratitude for Adrian's help with this case. He has been brilliant and the client is grateful for all of his time, effort and expertise."
Miss B from Solicitors, instructing Adrian Pidduck- January 24
‘X’ was very impressed with you and the manner in which you conducted the case yesterday. She confirmed that she is keen for you to represent her at the final hearing.
Miss R from Solicitors instructing Adrian Pidduck
Brilliant job today Adrian, client over the moon.
Miss H from solicitors instructing Adrian Pidduck
I wanted to say a very big thankyou to you, for all your hard work and help. I always found you very reassuring, your advice and guidance was very welcome. You listened to me and made me feel like I could trust you, which was particularly difficult during our case. Thanks to you and the efforts of those involved, myself and my children can remain together, for that there are not enough words or gratitude. I will always be so very grateful for all that you did for us.
Ms R Instructing Adrian Pidduck through Solicitors
Thank you so much Adrian …. and thank you for your advice, representation and support throughout. Superb. A very good outcome to a very tricky case.
Miss S from Solicitors instructing Adrian Pidduck