-
I am an associate and experienced court advocate in the Health & Care Regulatory team with a special interest in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. I have been a member of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme since 2002 and have extensive experience of representing children, family members and other interested parties in the family court on a wide range of issues including non-accidental injury, forced marriage and deprivation of liberty.
My current practice is informed by my experience in associated areas of law including mental health, court of protection, criminal and immigration law. I have previously been a member of The Law Society Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel representing patients across the North of England and running hospital advice clinics.
In addition to my legal career I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist (non-practising). I sought this qualification as a result of my interest in how different therapeutic approaches could benefit children and adults subject to court proceedings. I subsequently developed a specialism in working with children and young people in a variety of educational settings. This experience gave me an additional insight into the overlapping services available to families.
Prior to joining Bevan Brittan I was primarily based at a large Leeds legal aid firm for over twenty years where I spent the majority of my time as a partner. I was actively involved in managing on a departmental and firm wide practice management level.
-
- I am an experienced court advocate who has represented children, family members, CAFCASS officers, the Local Authority and the Official Solicitor before the court.
- I have a wide range of experience in all areas of family law work.
- I have over 27 years’ experience of care proceedings.
- I have been a member of The Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme since 2002.
- I have previously been a member of The Law Society Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel.
- I have delivered training in a wide range of family law and practice issues.