I joined Hodge Jones & Allen in 2008 as a trainee solicitor and qualified as a solicitor in 2010.
My main areas of work are defending possession proceedings based on rent arrears and anti-social behaviour, homelessness reviews and appeals and bringing disrepair claims. I have particular experience helping clients with complex needs including mental health and alcohol issues, including cases where clients lack mental capacity. I am always determined to achieve the best possible results for my clients, whether that is securing suitable accommodation, preventing eviction or getting repairs done.
Client comments
- “Thank you so much for all your help over the last 2 years. What would I have done without you”
- “When I think back to this time last year… the general hellishness of my situation, I can honestly say you were a tower of strength and intelligence and support and kindness… you changed my life”
Education
- Politics BA (Hons), University of Nottingham 2:1
- Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, College of Law London
Career
For several years during and after university I worked in various community mental health teams in South London. After completing my legal studies and before joining Hodge Jones & Allen I worked as a paralegal in Mental Health Law, where I advocated for clients in hospital managers’ hearings and tribunals. I also volunteered on the legal advice helpline for the charity Mind.
- Qualified as a solicitor Hodge Jones & Allen, Sept 2010
- Joined Hodge Jones & Allen, Sept 2007
- Archers Solicitors, 2006 – 2007
- MIND, 2005 – 2006
- Toynbee Hall Legal Advice Sessions
Notable cases
- I secured £29,000 in compensation and got the landlord to carry out repairs for a client who had suffered years of severe damp and leaks in her basement home.
- I acted for a client in a homelessness review and appeal concerning the suitability of accommodation offered by the Council. The client had refused an offer of a 13th floor flat because she suffered from claustrophobia following traumatic experiences during wartime in her homeland. As her claustrophobia was undiagnosed the Council believed the accommodation was suitable. I obtained expert medical evidence diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder and claustrophobia and won the appeal at the county court.
- I represented a client in a possession claim based on rent arrears. I identified that the client’s home suffered from serious disrepair including damp and brought a counterclaim for disrepair. The client spoke poor English and was having significant problems with her welfare benefits. I assisted the client in obtaining backdated housing benefit which wiped out her rent arrears. I settled the possession claim with an agreement to carry out repairs and pay compensation.
Membership & Appointments
- Housing Law Practitioners Association
