Emma Dewhurst 

Senior Associate Solicitor

Emma qualified as a solicitor in July 2017 after completing her training contract in a large national firm before joining Hall Brown Family Law in January 2018.

She obtained a 1st class degree in Law at the University of Liverpool, before completing the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Manchester where she was awarded a Distinction.

Emma now forms part of the children team in Manchester and London, specialising in complex child arrangement disputes, domestic and international relocation, abduction, domestic abuse, surrogacy, adoption and other atypical family scenarios. Emma has a particular interest in surrogacy which is a growing and complex area of law where it is vital for intended parents seek specialist legal advice as early as possible. She can assist at all stages of the process. Emma is also passionate about international children law and working with lawyers overseas. She is experienced with representing clients facing involvement from the Local Authority and navigating complex issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and drug and/or alcohol misuse.

She is committed to meticulously preparing her cases to ensure the best possible results for her clients and has been described as “fighting their corner” and she prides herself on being approachable and empathetic, and wherever possible adopting an amicable and non-confrontational approach.

Emma also advises and represents clients on all aspects of divorce and dissolution, associated financial settlement and cohabitation disputes.

She has written for various legal journals, including the Resolution Review and the Family Law Journal. Outside of work Emma enjoys taking part in charity work, volunteering for Shelter UK and raising money for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. She is passionate about dance and other performing arts, and enjoys growing her own fruit and vegetables on her allotment plot in her spare time.

Emma acted for the Applicants in the reported case of Re: Z (Foreign Surrogacy) [2024] EWFC 2690 (Fam), a complex international surrogacy case.

She has sat on the JCI board as a Charity Director, where she has organised events and fundraising activities to support Anxiety UK and Invisible Manchester.

 Accreditations