I specialise in Care proceedings and Child protection issues ranging from matters involving drugs and alcohol, Factitious and Induced Illness (FII), Non Accidental Injuries (NAI) and neglect. I am lucky enough to be doing the job I have always wanted to do and being able to help people facing what is often the most difficult time of their lives, is a privilege.
Assisting parents, grandparents and other family members through the often complex and always emotional proceedings is not just about explaining the legal process, but helping them feel they have been heard.
I hold Children Law Accreditation with the Law Society which means I am qualified to act for children in both Care proceedings, and in Private Law Children Act Proceedings. I have developed a practice in supporting parents with learning disabilities or those who may have vulnerabilities which mean they need extra time spent with them. I work with local agencies who support those parents who are classed as vulnerable witnesses and together help these people to have the best possible opportunity to care for their children.
I deal with all areas of Children law that touch child protection, Pre proceedings (PLO), Proceedings, Adoption and Special Guardianship. Always 16.4 Guardian work within Private Law proceedings.
I am also active within the Worcestershire Law Society, and am currently the President. I am The Law Society Council Member for Warwickshire and Worcestershire which I consider a great honour. I am very proud to be a Solicitor and want to be able to support all those solicitors, not just in the field of family law, who spend their lives wanting to make others’ lives better, in any way I can. I am passionate about supporting the Junior Lawyers, mentoring them and making sure that they become the very best lawyers they can be.
Outside of Law, I bake a mean chocolate cake and love a good murder mystery. I have the most awful sense of humour and my secret ambition is to own an old VW Beetle.
FAQs from Elizabeth
Why did you join Greens?
I wanted to work in a firm that was as passionate about legal aid as I am. People who are at their most vulnerable need our help the most, and I wanted to work in an environment where my passion and commitment would be supported, not frowned upon.
What do you like working here?
The amazing supportive atmosphere. We are a team. There is always someone you can turn to if you aren’t sure about something. If you have a very difficult case, there is someone you can offload to so you do not ‘take your work home’. We all have our difficult days, but some how, the sense of humour keeps us going.
Why do you work in your department?
I went through an adoption process (pre Children Act) when I was 9 years old and I had a terrible experience. I made the decision there and then that no child would go through what I did. I do that every single day, not just for children, but for parents, grandparents and other family members.
What are the most important things you look to deliver to your clients?
I strive to make sure I listen to them and clearly communicate to other professionals and the Court what they want to be heard. I strive to explain clearly to my clients what is happening so they do not feel lost, scared or worried.
Why should people come to you and Greens?
Because at the heart of everything I do, every single day is to make each and every client feel important. I know their case and what is happening in their life. I will be totally honest with them, even when the advice I have to give is not what they want to hear. But I will remain with them through the process. The team here is not here to judge. We are here to listen, provide advice and guide you through the process.
What are your tips for your clients when leading them through the legal process you deliver?
Be honest. If you are not honest with yourself, the professionals, or me, nothing will change. I cannot help you to get the outcome you want if you hide anything, even the bad stuff. If you tell the truth, even if you think its going to go against you, we can work with that.
How do you differ in your delivery of your services?
Because I genuinely care. I will tell you if you are going the wrong way and how to get back on track. I will not tell you everything is going well if it isn’t. If you need guidance I will spend the time. This is not just a job to me.
Why do your clients enjoy working with you?
Many clients comment that I am not what they expected a Solicitor to be. I don’t use long words and I give them permission to tell
me if I use jargon by accident. Each client is different so I work with them at the start of their case to find out what works best for them – short meetings, Teams, their favourite biscuit, whatever puts them at their ease.
What are your passions in delivering legal advice?
Making sure the client feels heard. I deal with very vulnerable clients who often feel ignored or unsupported and I ensure that I always give my all to every case so that my clients feel they have done all they can for their children. No matter the outcome. I know
that resources are limited, but that doesn’t stop me from asking for support for families and children.
How would you describe yourself as a solicitor?
Not your typical solicitor! I pride myself on being approachable, easy to work with, a sense of humour in difficult times and an ability to tailor my advice to client’s individual needs.
