Wayne Smith is an experienced family law barrister with over 20 years’ legal experience and a well-established practice in private law children work. Having been called to the Bar in 2004, he brings a depth of insight gained from 14 years working in-house as a civil litigation practitioner before returning to the Bar in chambers practice in 2018.

Wayne’s practice is now predominantly family-focused, with particular expertise in complex private law children matters. He is keen to develop his practice in Manchester and the North West, while continuing to accept instructions across the Midlands and beyond.

Wayne’s experience in-house as a civil litigation practitioner has given him a strong and practical understanding of the realities faced by solicitors and their clients. During this period, he developed extensive experience in:

• Case preparation and litigation strategy

• Procedural and evidential matters

• Drafting pleadings and written advice

• Advisory work and advocacy

In 2018, Wayne joined New Walk Chambers, where his practice initially encompassed civil litigation alongside private law Children Act and domestic abuse work. Over time, his family practice expanded significantly to include public law proceedings, although his preference and principal focus remains private law children work. Wayne is also Direct Access qualified.

Within private law proceedings, Wayne undertakes the full range of work at all stages, including:

• Case management hearings

• Fact-finding hearings

• Final hearings and contested trials

• Appeals

• Drafting and written advice

• Conferences with clients and professionals

He has particular experience in complex and sensitive cases involving:

• Allegations of domestic abuse

• International elements

• Internal and external relocation applications

• Children with additional needs

• Allegations of specific forms of abuse, including:

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

  • Forced marriage

  • Parental alienation

  • Fabricated or induced illness

Wayne intends to expand his practice further into SEND Tribunal work and mediation over the coming year, complementing his existing children law expertise.

Through the Direct Access Scheme, barristers provide tailored expertise at a lower cost due to their self-employed status. Fixed fees are agreed upfront, ensuring budget control.

Barristers’ roles mirror those under solicitor instruction – offering advice, representation and document drafting. Most cases can be managed under this scheme, though some may require solicitor involvement.

Unit Chambers eases the challenges of cases involving children, prioritising clear communication and understanding. While we don’t handle administrative aspects like court document delivery, we guide and support clients. Our fee structure is transparent with upfront agreements.

Get started with a free online consultation to assess direct instruction suitability.

Wayne is regularly instructed by solicitors across the East Midlands, with a strong presence in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Lincoln.  Wayne divides his time between Sheffield and Manchester and has longstanding personal ties to Manchester, where he has lived for approximately 16 years. He is keen to develop a strong and sustained practice in Manchester and the North West.