I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Child Care Department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. I started my training contract in January 2023, but I have worked at Duncan Lewis since August 2021. I work with a team of committed and passionate solicitors, caseworkers and trainees in the City office. I work under the supervision of solicitor Fauzia Mumani and Director, Alia Lewis.
I assist parents in public law proceedings initiated by social services. I have undertaken advocacy for clients in care proceedings before magistrates, district judges and circuit judges. I have represented clients in applications for Care and Supervision Orders, Deprivation of Liberty Orders and Special Guardianship Orders. I have also assisted parents in the pre-proceedings process, including public law outline (PLO) meetings and child protection conferences. I have experience assisting clients in private law proceedings, such as child arrangements orders.
As part of my role as a trainee solicitor I advise clients, progress their cases, prepare legal documents such as statements and applications and I also deal with third party correspondence. I advise and support clients through their legal matter and refer them to other departments at the firm if required, to ensure they receive a holistic service. I am committed to ensuring that the client is supported throughout their legal matter, I am empathetic and I pride myself on my excellent client care skills.
I have experience in dealing with a variety of child care matters involving issues such as domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health issues. I have also assisted on cases concerning non-accidental injuries and secure accommodation orders. I am passionate and committed to providing extensive support to vulnerable clients with learning difficulties / mental health difficulties / victims of domestic abuse through a very stressful and frightening time of their lives.
My team and I specialise in working with neurodiverse clients to assist and support them through their legal matter. We are working towards making changes to the family court system to ensure that legal advice and representation is more accessible for clients with hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD. The aim is to ensure that neurodiverse clients are fully supported in their journey through the family justice system.