Biography
I am a solicitor in the Public Law & Human Rights team, based in our Newcastle office. I was a paralegal in the department for two years prior to completing my solicitor training and qualified into the department in July 2021.
My areas of expertise include:
- Health and welfare cases in the Court of Protection
- Health and social care law
- Medical treatment disputes
- Public law and judicial review
- Inquests, civil liberties and human rights actions.
I specialise in health and welfare cases in the Court of Protection which concern vulnerable adults. I'm instructed by the Official Solicitor, family members and professional advocates in matters such as challenges to deprivations of liberty, disputes about issues such as residence, care and contact, and applications concerning a person’s capacity to marry and to consent to sexual relations.
I advise in relation to the health and social care entitlement of adults and children which might engage issues of dignity and the right to life. I also represent individuals and organisations in judicial review cases concerning the withdrawal or closure of services, policy and consultation challenges.
I advise in relation serious medical treatment cases where there is a dispute between medical professionals and the family or friends of a vulnerable adult or child. These cases often engage fundamental human rights issues and concern questions as to whether providing, withdrawing or withholding treatment is in a person’s best interests.
I also have experience in civil liberties, human rights claims and inquest work. This includes cases such as unlawful deprivation of liberty, false imprisonment, actions against the police and deaths in state detention.
What inspired you to get into law?
I'm passionate about using the law to achieve positive and material change in society, particularly for those most in need.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The work that we do in the Public Law and Human Rights team often concerns the rights and freedoms of disadvantaged people. We work hard as a team to create meaningful change and it is really rewarding when we get a good result.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
It's a privilege to be able to dedicate your working life to helping others, and work alongside many like-minded, talented and inspiring lawyers who all share a common goal.
What do you do away from the office?
Away from the office, I enjoy time with my wife and two young children. We are fortunate to live near the Lake District so I can often be found on top of a fell or on my bike. I am also a governor at Langwathby Primary School and a former Trustee of MIND.
