Muctar Johal
Partner & Head of Childcare
Practice areas
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What I do
I qualified as a Solicitor in 1991 and joined Smith Partnership in 1999, having spent 10 years working for local authorities. I have over 28 years of experience in practising almost exclusively children's law.
I set up the Childcare Law department in 2002, and was made a Partner in 2006. In the same year I qualified as a Solicitor Advocate (Civil) and in 2013 I became the Client Care Partner at our head office. My team and I specialise in all areas of childcare law, but in particular public children's law where the state, through the guise of the local authority, has intervened in private family life due to allegations of child abuse or neglect. I conduct all my own advocacy, including against nationally-renowned silks and leading junior counsel, predominantly in the County and High Court. I am regularly instructed by CAFCASS, children and parents in the most legally- and factually-complex child abuse cases involving child deaths, serious head injuries, other serious non-accidental injuries and allegations involving serious sexual abuse. A number of the cases I have been involved in have been reported, including:
- M v Derbyshire County Council and others [2018] EWHC 3734 (Fam)
- Re Z (A Child - Care Proceedings - Separate Representation) [2018] EWFC B57
- Re O (Fact Finding Hearing - Parents Refusing to Participate) [2018] EWFC 48, [2018] All ER (D) 91 (Jul)
I have also been instructed by CAFCASS in cases involving disputes between parents as to childhood immunisation — such as Re B (A Child - Immunisation) [2018] EWFC 56, 168 NLJ 7808, [2018] All ER (D) 11 (Sep) — as well as contested surrogacy cases, disputes regarding children from same-sex relationships, and for leave to remove from the jurisdiction.
I have lectured for many years on the subject of public childcare law on CPD-accredited courses around the country, and have delivered papers in a number of national conferences. I have also taught childcare law on the Social Work Masters at the University of Leicester.
I was formerly a member of the Family Justice Council in Derby and a former chair of its Expert and Disclosure Subcommittees for a number of years.
Accreditations:
- Member of the Law Society Children Panel
- Solicitor Advocate (Civil) with Higher Court Rights with the SRA
Qualification year:
Admitted to the roll of Solicitor on 15th November 1991.
Supervisor:
What I bring to the team
I am a Partner and Head of the Childcare team, and therefore responsible for the work of all our Childcare and Social Services Solicitors and staff. I bring my 27 years of post-qualification experience and expertise in leading the team and driving forward our agenda to provide the highest possible level of service and representation to our clients involved in public childcare law proceedings brought by Local Authorities/Social Services involving their children.
I spearhead the drive to ensure that not only do we provide advice and assistance leading up to any proceedings, but that we offer continuity through representing our clients at most, if not all of the court hearings.
Key interests
I am married with 3 children who take up most of my time. For better or for worse, I am a follower of Liverpool FC.
Testimonials
Extremely compelling advocate' and head of childcare Muctar Johal 'is highly respected in the field of child protection.
The Legal 500, 2019
Effective advocate" (...) "adept at handling the most complex cases involving children" (...) "skilled and subtle negotiator.
The Legal 500, 2017
An excellent advocate.
The Legal 500, 2015
The legal knowledge and advice that is given – especially by Muctar Johal – is superior to advice from other legal firms.
The Legal 500, 2019
At Smith Partnership, Muctar Johal ‘leads his team by example’ and is a renowned figure in children law.
The Legal 500, 2023
Muctar Johal leads his team by example. His advocacy is exceptional. He is calm and unflappable. His ability to digest complicated medical reports is phenomenal.
The Legal 500, 2023
The breadth of experience and knowledge within the family team make it the go to firm within the area for advice on complex legal issues.
The Legal 500, 2023
Muctar Johal is quite simply exceptional. On the very rare occasions he does not have the answer to a complex legal issue, he will undertake thorough research and you can be sure you are getting the best advice.
The Legal 500, 2023
Praised for ‘providing the best public service to its clients’, Smith Partnership has a highly specialist childcare offering, alongside its expertise in private family law matters. Commended by clients as a ’brilliant lawyer and advocate’, Muctar Johal co-leads the practice, with expertise in childcare matters involving complex and sensitive medical and care proceedings.
‘This is an exceptional firm, providing the best public service to its clients. I have seen first-hand how their teams operate, supporting each other. They have a terrific breadth of experience and enthusiasm for the work, which can be so challenging.’
‘The partner I know well is Muctar Johal. He has a superhuman ability to juggle a huge caseload, be an excellent advocate at court and yet finds time for his extremely vulnerable clients, to engage with them and gain their confidence. He is a brilliant lawyer and advocate.’
The Legal 500, 2026
Smith Partnership is best known for its expertise in public childcare law, with the team handling matters ranging from care and supervision orders, wardship proceedings in the High Court and placement and adoption orders. Derby-based Muctar Johal leads the team with significant expertise in representing a wide range of individuals such as guardians, parents and carers in care proceedings.
'An exceptional family team comprised of dedicated, approachable people willing to go the extra mile for their clients. Muctar Johal, partner and Head of Child Care, is an extremely knowledgeable and effective advocate who has a superb manner with lay clients, which enables them to feel relaxed and confident when talking to him about difficult issues. He works in partnership with advocates to achieve the best possible outcome in the most complex cases and is a trusted presence in the courtroom.'
The Legal 500, 2027
