Emma Cordock

About Emma

Emma Cordock is a Director and the Head of Cartwright King’s Child Care Department in the North of England. She is an experienced solicitor specialising in complex children law matters, with a reputation for combining technical expertise with a compassionate and client-focused approach.

Emma qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2008, and as a solicitor in 2011. She went on to become a Director in 2017 and has since established herself as a recognised leader in children and family law. Under her leadership, family law teams have achieved national recognition, winning prestigious awards including Manchester Law Society’s Family Law Firm of the Year (2020) and the Talk of Manchester Awards (2023).

Emma is a member of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme and specialises in representing children in both public and private law proceedings, either through their appointed guardian or by representing them directly.

She is also a High Court Advocate, holding the Higher Rights of Audience Certificate. This enables her to represent children and clients in complex and sensitive cases, including Deprivation of Liberty Orders and applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction.

Emma plays an active role in shaping family law practice at a national level as a member of Resolution, where she co-chairs the Legal Aid Committee. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving access to justice for vulnerable children and families.

Social Responsibility

Emma is passionate about social responsibility and supporting her wider community. She has contributed to raising thousands of pounds for charities through fundraising, sponsorship, and organising events, while also providing free legal advice clinics for causes closely linked to her work in family law.

She is equally dedicated to developing others within her department and across the firm, encouraging colleagues to achieve their potential and fostering a culture of professional growth and support.

Advises on Following Areas of Law

• Children – public/private
• Adoption
• Deprivation of Liberty Orders

Specific Areas of Expertise

• Representing guardians and children
• Deprivation of Liberty Orders

Serviceable Areas

Emma represents parents, carers, and children across Greater Manchester (A3), Lancashire (A2), and Merseyside & Cheshire (A9). She regularly appears in courts in Manchester, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Preston, and Lancaster, as well as Liverpool, Sefton, Cheshire East, and Cheshire West & Chester. Emma works closely with families to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected throughout care proceedings.

View the full Cafcass map.

Panel Memberships and Accreditations

• Children Law Accredited
• Higher Rights Civil
• Association of Lawyers for Children
• Member of Resolution
• Member of Legal Aid Practitioners Group

Awards and Nominations

• Family Law Firm of the year - Manchester Law Society 2020
• Talk of Manchester Awards 2023
• LAPG Legal Aid Lawyer of the year awards in 2015 Finalist
• Lawyer of the Year - Manchester Resolution Legal Awards 2026

Reported Cases

• Ben Jonas Alcott v Katy Elizabeth Ashworth & Anor [2022] EWHC 3687 (Fam)
• England and Wales High Court (Family Division) Decisions [2021] EWHC 3778 (Fam)

In both cases Emma represented the child via the children’s guardian

Associations/Committees/Rep Groups

Co-Chair of Resolution Legal Aid Committee

Charity Membership/Fundraising Activity/Pro Bono Work and Initiatives

• Child Concern