Reena specialises predominately in proceedings concerning children, both in private and public law matters but has experience in all aspects of family law.
Reena joined Venters in June 2015 having trained and qualified in a firm in South London.
Since joining Venters, Reena has continued to do work predominantly in private and public law cases, but also deals with many cases involving domestic abuse.
She is really passionate about this work and ensuring there is access to justice in such difficult and complex cases. Reena has worked with vulnerable parents in many of these cases, which requires patience, sensitivity and compassion.
Reena is dedicated to her work and clients, to ensure they receive the best service possible and she is there to assist and guide them when working on their cases.
Reena has progressed through the firm since joining becoming an Associate solicitor in April 2019 and then a Partner on the 1 March 2021.
She was shortlisted for Mentor of the Year at the Women, Influence and Power in the Law UK Award 2023.
In 2024 Venters Solicitors became supporters of the CLOCK scheme, helping to mentor the students of Surrey Law Society. Reena and Partner, Helena Aiyudubia have been supporting the scheme by presenting to the students and sharing their expertise on key legal topics. To read more about the scheme click here.
Reena has been ranked as a Notable Practitioner for the second time in the 2027 Chambers & Partners Family and Children Law UK rankings.
The Chambers 2027 directory states;
“Reena’s inclusive and patient approach towards clients sets her apart, supporting clients to understand the process, feel included and make difficult decisions.”
The 2026 directory said:
“Reena is an exceptional Lawyer with an incredible eye for detail that no one can get past.”
“Reena’s empathy is second to none, as is her ability to see what a client needs. She is absolutely fantastic when it comes to dealing with vulnerable clients.”
Reena has also been ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2027, 2026 and 2024 UK Legal 500 directories, who state that;
"Reena Patel - I have worked with Reena for a number of years and consider her to be one of the best solicitors I work with. Her patience with often vulnerable clients is unparalleled and means that she consistently gets excellent results for her clients. Reena's attention to detail is very helpful when briefing me and means that I do not have to worry about not knowing anything about the case. I wish all my solicitors were like Reena!
"Reena Patel is hard-working and really goes above and beyond for her clients. Reena is an expert at dealing with the complexities of representing a local authority as she is at representing a parent. Reena is knowledgeable, helpful and a pleasure to work with."
Reena Patel ‘is a tactically excellent solicitor’ and has experience supporting clients who have additional needs.
LLB (Hons) Law - 2007
Legal Practice Course - 2008
Reena conducts both private and public law children’s cases and also injunctions in respect of cases involving domestic abuse. Her work areas include: -
Public Law Proceedings
- Pre-Proceedings – representing and advising clients during the pre-proceeding process which involves attending public law outline meetings.
- Care proceedings - acting for the Local Authority, parents, family members joined to proceedings and interveners.
- Special Guardianship Orders – advising potential Special Guardians and assisting with making applications to the Court for such orders.
Private Law Family Proceedings
Domestic Abuse & Injunctions
Reena is currently the Partner on the Venters Events Committee which was recently set up to organise the firm’s social events throughout the year. This is important as Venters are a great team and it ensures they are able to meet up regularly for social events.
Member of Resolution
Accredited Specialist in Private Law Children Matters and Public Law Children Matters.
Recommended Lawyer Legal 500 2024 and 2026
Notable Practitioner in the UK Wide rankings for Family/Children Law (Chambers & Partners 2026)
Re: London Borough of X v JM & Anor [2025] EWFC 149 (B)
Reena represented one of the adoptive fathers in the care proceedings issued concerning his two teenage children following an acrimonious breakdown of the relationship between him and the other adoptive father. The court was asked to determine whether the children should be removed from the care of the other adoptive father and placed in foster care in circumstances where the children had expressed clear wishes not to be removed or permit them to remain with the other adoptive father notwithstanding significant and on-going substance misuse and safeguarding concerns. The court determined this was a “highly exceptional” case and determined the children remain with the other adoptive father, but under a Care Order with a clear safety plan to be put in place to mitigate the on-going risks to the children.
Read the full judgment London-Borough-of-X-v-JM--Anor
R (Children) [2018] EWCA Civ 198
