Biography
I am an associate solicitor in the Public Law & Human Rights team, specialising in Court of Protection and community care cases. I joined Irwin Mitchell as a paralegal in 2016, before qualifying with the firm.
I represent vulnerable adults and their families in cases where disputes arise over capacity or best interests, including S21A deprivation of liberty challenges.
I act on behalf of the Official Solicitor, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) and family members in Court of Protection cases under the Mental Capacity Act.
I also help to challenge decisions made by public authorities, including local authorities, the NHS, the Home Office and Crown Prosecution Service. This includes challenging cuts to NHS services and the closure of local government services, and working with people who've received unlawful care assessments or inappropriate care packages.
I've also helped refugees and victims of modern slavery with social care needs to access suitable accommodation.
I am shortlisted for the 2021 North West Young Professionals Awards.
Testimonials
"My solicitor Elizabeth Ridley and her team have been fully supportive and so helpful at a time I was unable to find any one else to take on such a legal challenge on my behalf. I would recommend to anyone seeking legal advice, especially involving mental health disputes, that Elizabeth Ridley and her team have been amazing, I can't thank them enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I'm very grateful for the help Elizabeth gave for my mother to get more support package in the community. This is the second time that she has taken my mother’s on. The first time was in 2018, and second time in 2019 and in both occasions, we achieved what my mother needed. She has always kept us up to date with the progress of our case, and replied to the emails I had sent her promptly. I don’t really know how to thank her for what she has done for my mother. She is the best solicitor I have known or heard about from people who have been involved in similar cases." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The team at Irwin Mitchell are fantastic, great advice, friendly and always there to help, they are so understanding and compassionate but also passionate about what they do and achieving the right outcome for you, I would and have recommended them to others already and will continue to do so, Saoirse De Bont and Elizabeth Ridley have been exceptional in our case along with involvement from Mathieu Culverhouse." – Trustpilot client review
"I’m eternally grateful for all the help and support you provided us. It was a challenging time but you made it easier. I would also like to give my special thanks to Miss Elizabeth Ridley. You are a wonderful person, incredibly helpful and extremely supportive." – Trustpilot client review
"Thank you
We received amazing support from Helen Schilizzi and Elizabeth Ridley, representing a young asylum-seeker in hotel with age dispute and successfully ensuring she is taken into care by the social services. The team was very helpful, attentive and sympathetic, and took great care to make sure the young person's needs were accommodated. I highly recommend working with them." - 5* TrustPilot review
Publications
Richard Susskind and the Young Legal Aid Lawyers of the North – Law, Technology and Access to Justice, April 2020
What inspired you to get into law?
Since studying abroad, I've had a keen interest in human rights and using the law to achieve social justice.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
To advise and support clients when they need it most, and help them to achieve a tangible and life changing outcome.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I have a very close knit and supportive team of colleagues, and I enjoy the interesting, ever changing area of work.
What do you do away from the office?
I used to compete in swimming at a national level and so still try to swim and run as much as possible. I also enjoy hiking, baking, reading a good book and catching up with friends.
