Emma Earnshaw

Biography

I am a Solicitor in the Public Law and Human Rights team in the Cambridge office. I joined Irwin Mitchell as a trainee in 2016 and qualified in 2018. 
 
I represent vulnerable adults and their families in health and welfare disputes within the Court of Protection. As many of my clients lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, I act for them in cases where the Court needs to consider their best interests.

I specialise in administrative and public law, which largely relates to investigating or challenging decisions which have been made by public bodies. I also have some experience with judicial reviews  examining decisions made by local authorities or government policies or statutory guidance, where these appear to be unlawful or discriminatory.

I have some experience in education law and my team and I act in disputes about what education provision, including challenges to education provision for children with Special Educational Needs.

What Inspired You To Get Into The Law?

I was inspired to get into law initially having completed various vacation schemes throughout school and university; this gave me a great insight into the challenging and rewarding aspects of a career in law. I particularly enjoyed the client interaction and problem-solving involved. I studied Law at undergraduate level at university where I became heavily involved in the role of the Court of Protection and the cases passing through it. This led me to pursue a career in the field of Public Law and Human Rights.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Role?

My key motivation for working in this field of law is to offer legal and professional guidance to those individuals who lack capacity to make such decisions for themselves, be it vulnerable adults or children. My role is particularly rewarding when I am able to effect positive changes in the individual’s lives and to reach satisfactory outcomes for my clients.

What Do You Like About Working at Irwin Mitchell?

Irwin Mitchell is a leader in the sphere of Public Law and Human Rights work; I thoroughly enjoy the variety of cases that I can get involved in as a result. I also value the friendly and approachable nature of my department and wider colleagues who I work with on a day to day basis.

What Do You Do Away From the Office?

Outside of work I enjoy playing netball and hockey, as well as travelling.