University of Kent (1984) English Literature

Leicester Polytechnic (1989) Certificate of Qualification in Social Work

De Montfort University (2001) PgDL

Nottingham Law School (2002) BVC

Taylor Prize (Nottingham Law School) 2002

Crystal Macmillan Prize (Middle Temple) 2002

Helen acts for Local Authorities, parents and the children in Private and Public Law proceedings. She was a Local Authority Social Worker for 12 years so has a particular interest in and knowledge of childcare work. Helen has a sensitive approach with vulnerable clients and is experienced in advising and representing clients in complex cases involving:

• Domestic violence
• Forced marriage
• Honour-based violence
• Human rights
• Incest
• International law
• Intractable contact / residence disputes
• Mental health
• Non accidental injuries
• Official solicitor
• Placement outside the jurisdication
• Parallel criminal proceedings
• Sexual abuse
• Substance abuse

Helen also appears in the Court of Protection.

Conversational  German

Helen is an experienced trainer who has devised and delivered seminars on a range of subjects to family solicitors, local authority solicitors and social workers.  The training has been arranged through chambers' seminars, in partnership with Jordan's Family Law Week and includes bespoke training for local authority solicitors and social workers.

LLBC v TG, JG and KR [2007] EWHC 2640 (Fam), in which McFarlane J gave guidance in the developing area of the law concerning the protection of vulnerable adults.

Cumbria County Council v Dow and ors (No 1) [2008] IRLR 91 and Cumbria County Council v Dow and ors (No 2) [2008] IRLR 109.  Multiple application equal pay case, (employment law)