Name: Backhouse Solicitors
Price range: $$$

I am a qualified Chartered Legal Executive, having qualified as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2001 and as a Fellow of CILEX in 2003, specialised in family law.

I was brought up near Southend and attended Eastwood High School. I initially sought a career as a legal secretary when I left school, but soon realised that I wanted to actually pursue a career in law itself and thereafter began studying on a part time basis.

I have always worked in the Essex area, both representing clients who are privately paying and those who were entitled to legal aid.

Prior to a short career break, I was a member of the Family Law Panel and the Advanced Panel (children and domestic abuse). Having now returned to Family Law, I have reapplied for my accreditations.

Outside of work, I am a Guide Leader, assisting in the running of a unit in Eastwood and have attended at the Essex Jamboree on a number of occasions. I am also involved in running a youth group at a local church near to where I live and relax by either reading crime/adventure novels or in the countryside walking the dog.

How I can help

I have a passion for helping people make the best out of an unfortunate situation that they often find themselves in and trying to resolve matters fairly and with the minimum of upheaval and disruption for the children involved. I understand that in some situations it is not possible to reach an agreement especially where a person or a child may be experiencing harm, and in such circumstances, I can adapt to deal with the matter in the appropriate way. I generally attend at court with clients to conduct their case, if the matter does proceed to court.

I can assist in breakdown of relationships; issues involving children and where they should live and when they should see the other party, if appropriate; resolving finances resulting from the breakdown of a relationship; and attending at court, even just for one hearing if necessary.