Tell us about yourself
I am a solicitor who qualified in 1994 and joined Atkins Hope in 2012.
What’s your expertise?
I have 20 years' experience in family law and offer specialist expertise in residence and contact cases, local authority care proceedings and domestic violence cases.
What do you offer clients of Atkins Hope Solicitors?
The long term experience I believe counts for a lot: I’ve represented clients facing a very broad spectrum of issues over the years, which allows me to prepare the way for an efficient and smooth running case, even in the most highly charged of matters. Wherever possible I look to represent my clients in Court too, which means everything is fully streamlined and consistent.
Demonstrating patience and a true understanding of the pressures faced are very important to me when dealing with my clients.
What else would you like to tell us about your role?
Backing a client all the way through a case is incredibly important to me; perhaps they’ve come up against barriers in the past and felt they were hitting a brick wall in trying to make progress with their issues. I give everyone a fair hearing and my service comes without prejudices or preconceived views.
Specialist Panel and Association Membership shows you have reached a notable level of expertise and experience in your specialist area of law. Do you belong to any of these?
The Law Society's Children Panel is a select panel whose members are allowed to represent children, and I’ve been a member since January 2011. I have been on the Law Society’s Family Panel since 2000, and an Accredited Specialist with Resolution in the areas of private law children work and domestic abuse since 2001.
Could you give us a quote?
“I find one of the most important things is to put everything I’ve got behind a case: experience, expertise and energy. My clients get nothing less than 100% backing from me.”
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
My inspiration for becoming a lawyer dates back to my childhood: whilst other youngsters off sick from school were glued to Mr Benn and Pipkins, I was watching ITV’s Crown Court – I found it far more fascinating!
Do you have something intriguing to leave us with?
At the moment, no! Outside of work, and enjoying watching my young son growing up, there isn’t much time for anything else, although one day I hope to make more use of my piano, saxophone, clarinet and guitar playing skills, which at the moment are mostly used for playing Old MacDonald!
