Forum Shah

Senior Associate

"Very bright. She is always one step ahead in litigation."Legal 500 2022

Profile

Described by sources as an “outstanding” associate who provides “a first class service” Forum is ranked as an “Associate to Watch” by Chambers 2023 and a “Rising Star” by The Legal 500 2023. She has practised family law exclusively since qualifying as a solicitor in 2014 and joined Dawson Cornwell in 2020. She is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Child Abduction and Domestic Abuse.

Forum specialises in private and public children law, with particular expertise in international child abduction and relocation. She receives instructions directly from the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU). She acts for both Applicants and Respondents in cases concerning the 1980 Hague Convention, as well as the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court/wardship and non Hague Convention countries.

Forum also acts for parents and other family members in care proceedings (her expertise in international children law means she is often chosen by parents residing abroad who are seeking their child to be placed with them), in living and contact arrangements, applications to relocate abroad and cases involving allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and parental alienation.

She is an elected member of the Executive Committee of both the Child Abduction Lawyers Association (CALA) and the Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC). She is a member of Resolution, the Young Legal Aid Lawyers and The Family Law Panel. As a skilled advocate she often undertakes her own advocacy.

Forum has volunteered for various organisations over the years including the One Stop Shop in Tower Hamlets and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau at the Central Family Court.

Forum speaks fluent Gujarati and basic Hindi.

Awards & Recognitions

Shortlisted for the Family Law Awards 2019 Young Solicitor of the Year

Rankings

Associate to Watch
Forum Shah is noted for her growing children law practice that sees her represent clients in complex cross-border cases. "Forum is very approachable, incredibly thorough and is good at finding solutions. Her clients feel at ease with her." "She has a quietly self-assured manner, is tactically very astute and very detailed. Her case management is second to none and she leaves no stone unturned." "Forum has got a very quick mind, understands the law and is extremely affable. She is accessible, straight-talking and manages expectations very well." "She works extremely hard for her client and is motivated to secure the right outcome for them. Forum is tenacious and produces good quality work." "She is very client-focused and practical in her approach."
Chambers UK 2023

Rising Star
“Forum Shah is a fantastic children’s lawyer. She has vast experience representing children and young people in complex proceedings within the private, public and international arena”.
Legal 500 2023

Rising Star
“Forum Shah: Very bright. She is always one step ahead in litigation. She has represented a number of young people in difficult private law proceedings”
Legal 500 2022

Forum Shah was named as a Recommended Lawyer
Legal 500 2021

"an exceptional associate who has carved out a niche for herself in child abduction law"
Legal 500 2020

"streets ahead of others particularly in relation to child abduction"
Legal 500 2019

"way ahead of her peers with her level of knowledge and expertise"
Legal 500 2018

Reported Cases

2023