CHILDREN’S rights charity NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) has appointed children law specialist Diane Cogan as National Executive Director for Legal Services.

Graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2004 with an LL.B (Hons) degree, Diane went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Chester in 2005. Diane qualified as a solicitor in 2010 having trained within a legal 500 niche family law practice under the guidance of a well-respected children law solicitor, igniting Diane’s passion for Children Law.  

Following her appointment to the Law Society Children Panel in 2013, Diane became an accredited children law specialist, and in the same year was awarded a Master’s degree following her research into the role of the Independent Social Worker in Children Act proceedings. 

Since then, Diane has developed an excellent reputation as a children law solicitor having worked with leading experts in this area of practice in both public and private law proceedings. In her role as National Executive Director, Diane will drive forward the development and delivery of NYAS Legal Services including the expansion of both the public and private law services. 

Diane said:

“It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as National Executive Director for Legal Services, sharing the values that NYAS hold dear in championing children’s rights, and to be part of an organisation that truly makes a difference to the lives of young people and their families.”

Rita Waters, Group CEO of NYAS said:

“I am delighted to welcome Diane to NYAS and onto the executive management team. Diane’s experience and leadership skills will be vital in continuing the strategic development of our legal services and I look forward to working with her to strengthen our established reputation in family law.”