What can I do for you
Emma has specialised in defending claims against legal professionals for over 14 years. She primarily advises law firms, barristers and their insurers in relation to claims arising from a wide range of underlying matters, as well as disciplinary investigations by the SRA and BSB. She also deals with claims against firms which have been intervened in by the SRA, including claims relating to the misappropriation of client money, and she advises insurers in relation to coverage issues.
Emma has significant experience of dealing with claims at both the pre-action stage and in proceedings. She has successfully defended clients at trial, including in the reported cases of Torrance v Bradberry [2020] EWHC 3260 (QB), and Israel Russell v Barry Coulter [2025] EWHC 493 (KB). She has experience representing barristers in disciplinary matters before the Bar Tribunal, and frequently acts for solicitors and barristers in matters involving wasted costs applications.
Supporting your ambitions
Emma understands the pressures on insured firms and individuals when claims or regulatory issues arise, including the reputational, operational and financial consequences. She has significant experience of helping clients to navigate those issues.
She recognises the current and emerging risk trends facing legal professionals, including the use of AI (both by firms and claimants), cyber and data breach exposures, issues relating to the conduct of litigation, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. She is able to draw on the fact that Mills & Reeve is a full-service law firm and frequently works with colleagues across the firm to advise in relation to specific claims and wider risk trends arising from corporate transactions, commercial drafting, employment matters, private client and matrimonial matters, real estate matters, and criminal matters.
What do others say
Emma is named as a Leading Associate by Legal 500 for professional indemnity in the North West and was nominated as Insurance Leading Associate of the Year in the 2026 Northern Powerhouse Awards.
One of Emma's clients recently provided the following feedback: “I have been overwhelmed by the support provided. I do not believe any client I’ve ever had has been given the depth or breadth of support that I have received. And I am certain that no client I’ve ever had has had the quality of service given to me, it has been extraordinary.”
What else should you know
Emma has developed a wide network of claims handlers, underwriters, brokers and risk managers within law firms. She has established a successful Women in Insurance Network to bring together the growing female representation in the north-west insurance industry. Those relationships give Emma valuable insight into the different perspectives of the various stakeholders involved in dealing with professional indemnity matters.