The International Family Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that iFLG co-founder and partner, Prof David Hodson OBE MCIArb, has today, 22 December 2021, been appointed an Honorary Queen’s Counsel, by Royal prerogative.
Queens Counsel Honoris Causa, or Honorary QC, is an award unique to the legal profession. It recognises those in the profession who have made a major contribution to, and impact on, the law of England and Wales and how it is advanced, outside the courtroom setting. David is a solicitor, mediator, arbitrator, part-time family court judge and Australian solicitor.
David is widely regarded, nationally and internationally, as a leader and innovator for his many contributions to family law. He has sought to encourage resolutions out-of-court, to make the law more accessible and fairer, to share knowledge across the profession, to promote good practice and to find global solutions for international families.
Over several decades working in family law, David has been involved in crucial elements of what is now family law practice. These include:
- Originator and joint creator of family law arbitration, one of the key areas in which family disputes are now resolved, bringing the benefits of civil arbitration to family law and providing resolutions outside the courtroom setting
- A primary instigator of directive mediation, in which a specialist mediator has the authority to give a steer and indication to help a couple settle in mediation, particularly where there are difficult issues
- Joint pioneer of family law accreditation, a badge of expertise to identify specialists
- Co-creator in 1995 of the world’s first metropolitan practice to combine family lawyers, mediators and councillors in a multi-disciplinary law firm; a model much copied around the world
- Co-creator in 2007 of the world’s first law firm specifically to provide services for international families and their children, again copied around the world
- Joint initiator of the family law Code of Practice being put into plain English for the benefit of the public and improving accessibility to the law. Pioneered the creation of individual codes on distinctive aspects of work, to improve standards and commitment to good practice
- Joint creator and one of 4 initial speakers of the family law roadshows in 1988, delivering high quality lectures to regional family law groups, increasing levels of knowledge and more standardisation of practice across the country
- One of the country’s foremost speakers at professional conferences on family law over the last 30 years, to educate the profession and share developments occurring
- Prolific author of articles and books, sharing knowledge of the law and practice with the profession
- Primary practitioner lawyer in early 2000 bringing to the attention of the profession the then imminent EU family law known as Brussels II Regulation
- Joint convenor for the group of family lawyers considering the response to Brexit, regularly meeting with Ministry of Justice officials and recommending vital changes in the law on EU departure. He was then a primary speaker to the profession to inform about the changes on leaving the EU and author of the primary practice guidance book for LEXIS-NEXIS
- Original author and remains editor and primary author of the leading text on international family law, ‘The International Family Law Practice’, LEXIS-NEXIS now in its 6th edition
- A pioneer of practice management for family law, writing in 1992 the first textbook to assist law firms and departments, ‘The Business of Family Law’, LEXIS-NEXIS
- Appointed in 1995 and remains a deputy (part-time) judge at the Principal Registry of the Family Division, now the Central Family Court, dealing with complex cases
- Qualified Australian, NSW, solicitor with a current practising certificate, having worked in Sydney
- Awarded the OBE in 2014 for services to international family law
- Visiting Professor at the University of Law and Honorary Professor at Leicester University, giving regular lectures. He lectures annually on international family law on the International Law Masters course at the University of Queensland
Of these honorary appointments, the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary said: “I want to congratulate all recipients of this title on their forthcoming appointments and awards. The award of QC is highly sought after, and the expertise and the eminence of this year’s pool is testament to the excellence of our world leading legal sector.”
David Hodson said: “I am delighted to receive this honour. I have throughout my career been keen to make the law more accessible, fairer and understandable to all, to keep cases out-of-court wherever possible, to encourage good settlement-orientated practice and to share my knowledge. I’ve had the privilege of working in leading and cutting-edge firms and alongside some incredible colleagues. Family breakdown is dreadful for everyone concerned. Resolving disputes from that breakdown should make it easier for family members with fair solutions, not harder and more painful. I have through many ways tried to bring this about in practice. The vital work continues.”
Please see full MOJ details: Ministry of Justice
Prof David Hodson OBE QC(Hons) MCIArb
[email protected]
The International Family Law Group LLP
www.iflg.uk.com
© December 2021
