Profile / Experience
I am a Supervising Solicitor in the Family and Child Care Department.
My caseload from the start of my career at Duncan Lewis has mainly consisted of public law children matters working alongside panel solicitors and children's guardians in cases involving multiple complex elements which I have had conduct of including child sexual exploitation, secure accommodation orders, non-accidental injuries, physical and sexual abuse, and mental health issues. I also have had conduct of matters that have involved domestic violence and drug and alcohol misuse. I have the added advantage of having completed a seat in mental health before qualifying, and I have a passion for assisting vulnerable and legally aided clients. I conduct my own advocacy, and I represent Guardians in care proceedings and also on rule 16.4 matters. I also have considerable experience representing parents and other family members in care proceedings as well as dealing with wardship matters.
I additionally undertake all forms of private law children work, including residence, contact, and disputes over issues such as schooling and medical treatment. I deal sensitively with the often difficult circumstances of such applications as well as offering realistic and practical advice. I have experience of representing those who have numerous contested applications in private family law, including non molestation orders, occupation orders, child arrangements orders, and a transfer of tenancy. I have also recently successfully made an application for a S91 (14) Children Act 1989 – a barring act – a draconian order prohibiting the Applicant Father from making repeated and unreasonable applications for contact without seeking the court’s permission.
I am an accredited Law Society Children Panel Member.
I am actively involved in the local area have set up a number of free legal surgeries working with vulnerable clients and service providers. Prior to joining Duncan Lewis I undertook pro-bono work as a volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau Specialist Family Advice Centre, based at the Royal Courts of Justice.
I am fluent in Amharic.