Fighting for fatherhood: How pro bono collaboration helped a parent reclaim his role - Bryan's story*
*Please note a false name has been chosen to protect the person’s identity.
When Bryan came to Advocate, he was facing every parent’s worst nightmare. A final court order had stripped him of his parental responsibility, changed his child’s surname without his consent, and restricted him to indirect contact only. These drastic steps were taken in the context of safeguarding concerns involving a third party due for release from prison - but for Bryan, the outcome felt devastating and unjust.
He was desperate not to lose his relationship with his child. Alone, and without the means to challenge the decision, Bryan turned to Advocate for help.
Expert pro bono help - every step of the way
Bryan’s case was legally complex and emotionally charged. It required not just skill, but sustained commitment. Advocate brought together a team of exceptional barristers to support him at every key stage.
- Rob George KC of Harcourt Chambers, an Advocate Panel Member, stepped in first. He provided clear, strategic written advice and drafted grounds of appeal. Thanks to Rob’s expert input, Bryan’s appeal was granted on all grounds.
- As the case moved to a remote appeal hearing, Damian Broadbent, also of Harcourt Chambers, volunteered to help Bryan prepare the necessary documents at the judge’s direction, and represented him at the hearing.
- When the matter was listed for a case management hearing in the Family Court, Liam Kelly of Deans Court Chambers prepared a detailed position statement that set out Bryan’s case.
- Finally, Michael Jones KC, also of Deans Court Chambers, appeared for Bryan at the hearing itself - once again, entirely pro bono.
A life-changing outcome
Thanks to the collective efforts of these four barristers, Bryan achieved what had once seemed out of reach: he was granted supervised direct contact with his child, with a plan to move towards unsupervised contact in the near future.
Bryan was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, writing to Advocate to say:
“I’m very happy with the outcome – I can now move forward. Thank you for everything, and also thanks to the barristers you were able to get to help me with my case.”
Why this matters
Without pro bono support, Bryan risked losing all meaningful contact with his child. Instead, thanks to the commitment and collaboration of Advocate Panel Members across multiple chambers and hearings, he was able to protect his relationship and begin rebuilding his role as a father.
Thanks to a few hours of time from each barrister, the course of a child’s future and a parent’s life was changed.
Rob George KC commented: “This case jumped out as a significant injustice, and there’s a real feeling of pride to have been able to help the client and be part of a team that was able to restore his relationship with his child. Without Advocate and the pro bono work of the four barristers involved, it’s hard to see that this result could have been achieved.”
Advocate is deeply grateful to Rob George KC, Damian Broadbent, Liam Kelly, and Michael Jones KC for making this possible.
The need has never been greater
Family and child cases now make up over 30% of Advocate’s caseload - and demand continues to rise. Every year, parents face life-altering hearings without any legal advice or representation, simply because they cannot afford it.
By taking on a pro bono case and supporting access to justice, you could be the difference between a child losing a parent, or keeping one.
Find out how you can make a difference by taking on pro bono work with Advocate today. Read more stories from people we have supported with life-changing cases.