What can I do for you?
As part of our public law and regulatory team, I advise our education and public sector clients on contentious issues, including court claims, governance and constitutional matters.
I really enjoy the variety of my work, with no day being typical. For example, I assist clients on managing issues like allegations of breach of contract and unlawful discrimination, responding to student complaints and representation at internal disciplinary and fitness to practise hearings.
I also undertake advocacy on behalf of clients in the courts and help them meet their data protection/freedom of information and "Tier 4" non-EEA student sponsorship/immigration duties.
Supporting my clients’ objectives
A real highlight has been assisting various clients to settle litigation through mediation. Although mediations take a good deal of preparation on both sides and are at times testing in patience, I am always really pleased when a client can conclude a dispute on terms that are acceptable to them. This will often involve minimising the risk of publicity and stress that court proceedings can bring.
What do others say?
I genuinely enjoy getting to know clients and finding out the best way I can help them on an individual basis. It is always rewarding to receive feedback from our clients like:
"… [Emma] is such a competent performer that we now naturally look to her for legal advice on student related matters. Her abilities and professionalism make her the perfect ambassador for Mills & Reeve, you should all be very proud of her."
What else should you know?
In addition to speaking at seminars and client training events, I also regularly attend external conferences to ensure that I have a good grasp of sector issues affecting our clients. For example, in the past I have attended a number of annual conferences of the Academic Registrars’ Council.