Mandy is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive Advocate. She worked for a number of years at a firm in West Yorkshire. She qualified as a FILEX in 2011. In 2016 she qualified as an Advocate in family law and was admitted to The Law Society’s Children Law Scheme the same year. Mandy is also a member of Resolution.

Mandy offers down to earth and practical advice within general and complex children disputes. She regularly appears in Family Courts throughout Yorkshire representing parents and children within public law proceedings issued by a local authority.

She is known for her ability to be clear and straightforward in the advice she offers her clients whilst being empathetic and understanding of their circumstances.

Mandy has worked on some interesting cases including a number of high cost cases. One involved historical sexual abuse allegations. The intervenor did not qualify for legal aid and had difficulties with reading and writing. A report was ordered from an intermediary funded by the Court concluding that although he had capacity there needed to be certain adjustments made for him through the court process. Ultimately the Judge persuaded the local authority to fund his representation at the final hearing to ensure that his human rights were not interfered with given the implications of findings against him.

Another case involved parents with learning disabilities. Mandy acted for the mother through the Official Solicitor due to mother’s lack of capacity. The parents were allowed to care for the child in a residential unit then moving into the community with a high level of support. It was then reported that an adult social worker had witnessed the mother shake the baby and the Police used the powers of protection to remove the baby. At a contested hearing it was ultimately discovered that the description of the alleged shake had changed on a number of occasions by the adult social worker and the baby was returned to the parents with no findings made against them. The Judge was emphatic that this incident should not be used against the parents in the future. The matter concluded with the baby remaining in the care of the parents under a Care Order.

Away from work Mandy is an avid fan of rugby league being a season ticket holder for her local club. She also enjoys walking particularly in the Lake District and unwinding with a good book.