The network, spearheaded by Cerebral Palsy Scotland, brings together legal specialists with expertise in cerebral palsy, birth injury and disability-related law to help families access trusted support from professionals who understand the lifelong impact of the condition.

Founding partners Slater and Gordon Lawyers and Irwin Mitchell will work with the charity over the next year to develop a new model for legal support, informed by the experiences of people with cerebral palsy and their families.

Stephanie Fraser, CEO at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: “People with cerebral palsy and their families often face complex legal issues throughout their lives. By bringing together some of the UK’s leading experts in this field, we’re creating a network built on trust, expertise and shared values. This initiative is about making it easier for families to find the right support, at the right time, from professionals who genuinely understand their experiences.”

As part of the initiative, partners will help develop a code of practice to support best practice when working with clients affected by cerebral palsy. Representatives from both founding law firms welcomed the opportunity to support the initiative.

Derek Couper, principal lawyer, Slater and Gordon, said: “Cerebral Palsy Scotland plays an outstanding role in helping people across the country affected by the condition, and without them, their tailored support would be very hard to access.

“Their own research shows the struggle people experience in finding resources and understanding how to navigate their lives, which makes the support of this charity absolutely invaluable.”

Darren Deery, head of clinical negligence Scotland, Irwin Mitchell: “We are proud to support Cerebral Palsy Scotland in launching this important initiative. Through our work, we see the profound and lasting impact cerebral palsy can have on individuals and their families, and how important it is to have access to clear, specialist legal advice at the right time.

“This network is a positive step towards ensuring families can access trusted expertise in a way that is joined-up, compassionate and focused on their needs. By working in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland and others, we hope to help improve understanding and make it easier for people to access the support and answers they deserve.”