Tell us about yourself
I am the firm’s Managing Partner and I’ve been here since I qualified as a solicitor in 1984.
What’s your Expertise?
Throughout my 25 years in law, I’ve worked on some highly sensitive, complex cases concerning children.
My specialist expertise lies in:
Child Care Proceedings
Child Protection
Parental disputes over children
For clients, my extensive experience allows me to offer an insight into a variety of issues; knowing the themes that arise, I can pre-empt problems and plan ahead for a smoother case.
What do you offer clients of Atkins Hope Solicitors?
I am acutely aware of the difficulties clients face and always take time to help them prepare for court so they can handle the experience with confidence.
Sometimes law can be very complex and therefore I do my best to translate these complexities into everyday language. Clients will always receive honest and straightforward advice. If a case is not strong enough, I will offer an honest opinion and advise how to present the case in the best possible way.
What else would you like to tell us about your role?
As the Managing Partner, I work hard to ensure the entire firm represents clients properly and works efficiently. I want clients to feel they can approach their solicitor without feeling any trepidation so they feel at ease when they talk to us.
I’ve written on the subject of children’s law for some leading legal journals and have been quoted in the Association of Lawyers for Children newsletter. My experience has been called upon by the Law Society Children’s Panel to interview potential new members, and I also sit on one of the committees of the Legal Services Commission, the body that runs the Legal Aid Scheme.
Specialist Panel and Association Membership show you have reached a notable level of expertise and experience in your specialist area of law. Do you belong to any of these?
I belong to The Law Society Children Panel, a select panel with few members. Membership of this panel means you are able to represent children. I also belong to The Association of Lawyers for Children and Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to dealing with family problems in a non-confrontational manner.
Could you give us a quote?
“Here at Atkins Hope, we truly believe that children need strong, powerful advocates working on their behalf.”
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m married with two teenage children and am very much a family person. I take great interest in the work of the Who Cares Trust and have organised fund raising events to help promote their work with children in the care system.
Do you have something intriguing to leave us with?
I’m a professional singer.
