Colin Douglas

Practice Overview

Colin is a popular and experienced family practitioner, specialising in proceedings concerning children. He practices in both public and private law work with particular emphasis on care proceedings. Colin is well regarded with an established reputation. He is currently recognised by Chambers UK as a notable practitioner.

Colin represents local authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians, children and other members of the extended family at all court levels and at all stages of proceedings, including finding of fact hearings and final hearings. He has experience in cases concerning serious allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect and often represents vulnerable clients presenting with a variety of personality disorders and learning difficulties.

Colin has strong client-care skills. His manner with clients, both professional and lay, is personable and thorough. Colin endeavours to assist them through court proceedings and hearings with conscientious and firm representation.

Notable and Reported cases

• Family and Child Care

  Re A (A child) 19/10/06 reported on Lawtel: the role of International Social Services in care cases with a foreign element. Court of Appeal considered Judge ruling out paternal family in Turkey as potential carers for child based on assessments by local authority’s social worker and guardian. Court of Appeal held that international social services should do such an assessment.
  ● Representing local authorities in cases of (i) serious non-accidental injuries to the children and (ii) sexual abuse of the children
  ● Represented a mother in care proceedings being accused of knowing and allowing serious sexual abuse of all of her children over numerous years by a number of men
  ● Represented a father in care proceedings in the High Court being accused of having raped his 16 year old step-daughter who was subject to a Care Order. She conceived as a result of the alleged rape and that baby was also made subject to care proceedings.
  ● Numerous cases representing parties facing allegations of inflicting serious physical injuries/sexual abuse to children

• Recommendations

  • "Colin is very thorough and clients and fellow advocates find him very approachable." (Chambers & Partners 2025 - Family: Children)

  • Colin Douglas handles public and private law cases involving children, with a particular emphasis on care matters. He has extensive experience of representing vulnerable clients in cases of serious physical, sexual and emotional abuse. "Colin always gives very clear advice, his advocacy is very good and he is a very experienced barrister." "Colin has a strong attention to detail." (Chambers & Partners 2024, Family: Children)

  • “Colin gets great results for his clients, and is collaborative and unflappable.” “Colin provides excellent client care and preparation.” (Chambers UK, 2023 - Family: Children)
  • "Colin is a quiet assassin of the highest order. He is unflappable and engenders confidence." (Chambers UK, 2022)
  • "Highly experienced and knowledgeable." (Chambers UK, 2021)
  • 'He is excellent counsel and has a brilliant relationship with clients.' (Chambers UK, 2020)
  • 'He builds a very good and quick rapport with clients and puts them at ease. He is very attentive.' (Chambers UK, 2019)
  • 'Meticulous approach to preparation and his attention to detail is outstanding. Exceptional work ethic and is only too happy to go above and beyond to assist those instructing. A clear analytical thinker able to respond robustly under pressure.' (Chambers UK, 2018)
  • Handles public and private law cases involving children, with a particular emphasis on care matters. He has extensive experience of representing vulnerable clients in cases of serious physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Strengths: "He is very good and does well on children matters." (Chambers UK 2017)
  • 'Concentrates his practice on public and private law proceedings concerning children. Acts for a wide range of clients, such as children, guardians and parents, in a variety of cases, including claims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.' (Chambers UK 2016)
  • 'Demonstrates considerable expertise in children law, specifically within care cases. He is often instructed on sensitive children's proceedings, typically involving inter-familial abuse and neglect. He has a wealth of experience in interacting with vulnerable and challenging clients, and is lauded for his client care skills.' (Chambers UK 2015)
  • 'Praised for his meticulous approach to his cases and for his approachable nature. He acts on both public and private children matters, but is most noted for his work acting in complicated care proceedings. 'He likes to get to grips with things early beforehand and prepare together for the cases. This is a much stronger, proactive approach.'  (Chambers UK 2014)
  • 'Colin Douglas is acclaimed for his ability to handle a wide range of children work. His practice encompasses both the private and public law arenas.' (Chambers UK 2013)
  • 'Colin Douglas draws praise for his childcare work'  (Chambers UK 2012)
• Education & Qualification
  • LLB Hons (Cardiff)
  • LLM (Bristol)
  • Bar Vocational Course
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