Biography
I’m the National Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection department and joined the department in 2000, when it was just one team based in Sheffield. Now I’m proud to head a national department with a team in offices that cover the whole country.
The Court of Protection department helps vulnerable people look after their property and financial affairs. We can do this through a variety of mechanisms including a Deputyship, Personal Injury Trust, Enduring Powers of Attorneys and Lasting Powers of Attorneys.
In my role I specialise in advising on the management of personal injury damages, either through the medium of a Court of Protection Deputyship or through trusts.
I’m a member of the Court of Protection Users’ group and I lead the departments, providing leadership and directions. In recent years I’ve seen the introduction of welfare benefits advisors and service leads for a number of different areas like litigation support, statutory Wills and deputyship services.
In addition I provide technical oversight of London, my “home” office, as well as some of our more southern offices – Birmingham, Cambridge and Southampton. I’m also a director of the Irwin Mitchell Trust Corporation and Irwin Mitchell trustees.
Testimonials
"Incredibly down-to-earth, very encouraging and good with her clients." - Chambers & Partners, 2019
"Her knowledge of this area is phenomenal, and she's very supportive and empathetic, but also very clear and direct." - Chambers & Partners, 2015
"A real force of nature; she is like the deputy of deputies. She just knows her stuff inside-out. Others look to her for leadership." - Chambers & Partners, 2014
Julia provides "clear and concise advice" - Legal 500, 2016
"Extremely efficient, and engenders high levels of trust and respect." - Legal 500, 2014
Publications
- Daily Telegraph
- APIL journal
- Gave evidence to the House of Lords select committee on the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Contributor to ‘supporting people to make decisions; applying the Mental Capacity Act’
- Expert witness for the Irish Law Commission in the Magdelena Laundry scandal
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I became a lawyer in local government so that I could make a difference.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The best part of my job is helping people to put their lives back together after an often life changing experience and helping them to use the sums available to them to enhance their quality of life.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell is a large family and I am proud to be a part of that family.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy reading, theatre, fine dining and Scrabble – although not necessarily in that order! If I had to give one piece of advice to anyone reading this it would be to learn from others mistakes, so that you don't have to make them yourself.
