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 2013 before undertaking my training contract and qualifying with the firm.
I represent vulnerable adults and their families in cases where disputes arise over capacity or best interests, including 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 represent individuals in Judicial Review cases and advise on the duties of local authorities and healthcare providers to carry out assessments and provide care and support. I am a member of Young Legal Aid Lawyers, a group which campaigns for access to justice and promotes increased social mobility and diversity within the legal profession.
I am also a professional mentor for the organisation, ’Aspiring Solicitors’ which provides access to mentoring and career support to students from underrepresented groups.
In July 2020, I was a finalist for the Legal Aid Practitioners Group's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award, in the mental capacity category.
What inspired you to get into law?
I have always loved writing, reading, people and problem solving - and I wanted to change the world!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Being able to offer support to someone when they need it most and helping people to find a solution to their problems is really rewarding.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The people are lovely.
What do you do away from the office?
I am a self-confessed bookworm and love to read a lot. I love music and enjoy going to gigs. I also love anything crafty or creative. Most of all I love to travel.
Testimonials
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with an amazing team at Irwin Mitchell. They are approachable, friendly and hard working. They will strive to get you the best outcome. My main point of contact was Katy Clarke. She has been completely dedicated to my case. She is meticulous and always there to ensure that everything is done right. If you are panicking or worried about something, Katy has a way of putting your mind at ease and sorting out the problems. She knows what needs to be done and won’t stop till it gets done." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I felt fully supported by Irwin Mitchell throughout the whole process. They listened with empathy and understanding to my clients needs, wishes and preferences. They ensured a very just and satisfying outcome for my client and their spouse.
A loving older aged couple had been separated for 4 years with my client being kept in a care home against her will. Irwin Mitchell took the case and this resulted in reuniting this couple and they are living back together in their family home, and still deeply in love.
A true success story which should be an inspiration to any advocate supporting people who have been placed in care against their will." – 5* Trustpilot review
Notable cases
- Basma v Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Anor [2021] EWCA Civ 278 – the Court of Appeal held that decisions made by two doctors not to provide a young girl with a drug to treat a rare condition were unlawful and irrational. The Court held that the decision-makers should take into account all the relevant evidence and not just evidence within clinical records.
- Manchester City Council v LC [2018] EWCOP 30 – Mr Justice Hayden ruled that, in cases where issues arise that may require restrictions in areas where adults have capacity, these should be heard by a High Court Judge in the Court of Protection.
- Elderly woman with dementia reunited with husband at home after four years in a care home
