Saoirse Kerrigan

I am an Associate Solicitor in Irwin Mitchell’s Public Law and Human Rights team and I specialise in civil liberties. I qualified in police and prison law in 2013 and prior to that I worked as an accredited asylum and immigration caseworker. I am passionate about protecting the rights of vulnerable people and challenging abuse of power by the state.

Key highlights

Police

I have acted in a large number of claims and complaints against the police including claims of assault, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution as well as discrimination and Human Rights Act claims. I represent victims of crime in claims against the police and other public bodies for failure to properly investigate and prosecute allegations of rape and sexual abuse and failure to protect victims of trafficking and modern slavery.

Prison

I act for vulnerable and disabled prisoners in Equality Act and Human Rights Act claims arising out of their treatment in prison and have secured the recategorization and compassionate release of vulnerable prisoners by way of Judicial Review.

Inquests

I represent families in inquests into deaths in custody or following contact with the police and secure damages for bereaved families following the conclusion of inquests. I am currently representing families in inquests arising out of death following police restraint and a fatal shooting by the police.

Group claims

I negotiated a compensation scheme allowing for the settlement of a large number of claims of abuse and mistreatment of patients at Hill End Adolescent Psychiatric Unit between 1969 and 1992. I also represented survivors and bereaved families in the negotiation of the Hillsborough Misfeasance Settlement Scheme which compensated over 600 people for loss and damage caused by the cover up and false narrative propagated by South Yorkshire and West Midlands police following the Hillsborough tragedy.

What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?

Working with a supportive team of brilliant lawyers with an enormous breadth of expertise all of whom are motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

Building trust and rapport with clients and empowering them to seek the truth and justice they deserve.

What inspired you to get into law?

I have always been driven by a strong sense of fairness, equality and justice. Before embarking on my legal career, I worked in the voluntary and public sector with marginalised and vulnerable groups. It became clear to me that it was through the legal system that I would be able to make a real difference to these people’s lives.