A COLCHESTER solicitor will now be able to act for children in court after being made a member of the prestigious Children's Panel.Rachel Earnshaw from law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood, underwent a rigorous assessment procedure by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority which included a three-day training course and an interview in London with two assessors before being invited to join the panel and become a children representative.

A COLCHESTER solicitor will now be able to act for children in court after being made a member of the prestigious Children's Panel.

Rachel Earnshaw from law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood, underwent a rigorous assessment procedure by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority which included a three-day training course and an interview in London with two assessors before being invited to join the panel and become a children representative.

Ms Earnshaw, who has been a solicitor for more than five years, specialises in family law.

“The procedure was tough but definitely worth it,” she said.

“I spend much of my time involved with care proceedings and acting for parents, but now I will be able to work on behalf of both parents and children which will add a new dimension and enable me to understand even better both sides.”

Senior partner Tony Fisher described her new status as “excellent news”.