Biography
I am a Solicitor in the Cambridge Public Law and Human Rights team, for which I'm joint office manager along with Oliver Studdart. I joined Irwin Mitchell as a trainee in 2016 and qualified into the department in 2018.
I help vulnerable adults and their families resolve health and welfare disputes within the Court of Protection. For example, when the Court is asked to decide what’s in the best interests of someone who lacks the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
I also help people investigate and challenge decisions 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 was shortlisted for the Junior Lawyer of the Year, Cambridgeshire Law Society 2020.
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 people who lack capacity to make such decisions for themselves, be it vulnerable adults or children. My role is particularly rewarding when I can make positive changes in someone's life.
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.
Testimonials
"Emma skilfully fights the corner for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and dementia, many of whom are institutionalised or live in precarious situations. She leaves no stone unturned in her quest to uphold the rights of her vulnerable clients who, without her, might otherwise be voiceless" - Oliver Lewis, counsel at Doughty Street Chambers
