Bill qualified in 1992 joining the family team in the firm’s Exeter office in 1993 and becoming a partner in 2000. Bill has been a member of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel since 1998. He specialises in all aspects of children and child care law. A significant proportion of his work involves the representation of children in both public and private law proceedings instructed by CAFCASS throughout the South West and occasionally beyond.
Bill frequently appears as an advocate in complex care proceedings and private law proceedings.
He has regularly been involved in cases involving issues such as wardship, international/jurisdictional issues, alleged non-accidental injury cases, secure accommodation, domestic and international relocation.
Bill’s personal testimonials:
Chambers and Partners (2024) – “He is excellent and the best in the market for public law children work.”
Chambers and Partners (2023) – “He provides very safe, knowledgeable and trustworthy legal advice.”
Chambers and Partners (2022) – “Bill Wilkins is brilliant. He is extremely efficient at preparing briefs, everything is just there.”
Chambers and Partners (2021) – is well placed to advise on public and private law children cases, with experience handling cases involving multiple jurisdictions. His experience also includes representing children in care proceedings.
Chambers and Partners (2020) – highly respected for his work handling both public and private law proceedings. One source says: “I can’t think of enough superlatives to describe Bill and his work – he is the model of what a children’s solicitor should be.”
Chambers and Partners (2019) – “measured, clear and focused” approach. He undertakes children law matters involving care proceedings, and also advises on non-accidental injury and wardship cases.
Chambers and Partners (2018) – “efficient, knowledgeable, supportive and giving clear advice with extensive understanding of childcare law.”
Legal 500 (2018) – “vastly experienced in care proceedings and skilled in case management”.
Outside of work Bill enjoys swimming, running and walking.
