Summary
Carla is a highly experienced legal professional with a multidisciplinary background spanning family law, criminal law, prison law, judicial review, and human rights. Dual-qualified as a solicitor, she brings almost two decades of post qualification experience to complex and sensitive legal matters.
Carla has completed the Public Access Course and accepts Direct Access instructions. She has also undertaken Advocacy and the Vulnerable training, reflecting her longstanding commitment to representing vulnerable individuals and communities. With a particular interest in mental health, psychology, and neurodiversity, her approach combines rigorous legal analysis with compassion and sensitivity. She is known for being a measured yet powerful advocate for the most marginalised.
In 2010, Carla was awarded Young Solicitor of the Year by the Leicestershire Law Society in recognition of her pro bono work on behalf of British prisoners detained in Thailand. As result of her commitment to this work, she was thereafter engaged by the British Embassy, Bangkok.
Carla previously worked at Nottingham City Council and Cheshire East Council, where she gained extensive experience in safeguarding children across a wide spectrum of cases. Her work includes:
- Section 31 Care Proceedings
- Discharge of Care Orders
- Injunctions
- Adoption and post-adoption contact
- Cases involving neglect, injury, and abuse
Carla continues to represent local authorities, as well as parents and children’s guardians.
Carla frequently represents parents in private law proceedings to secure appropriate arrangements for children. Her work includes:
- Finding of fact hearings, particularly in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse
- Representation of children’s guardians appointed under Rule 16.4
Carla has substantial expertise in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards involving children. She regularly appears before the Family Division of the Royal Court of Justice and the Court of Protection in matters concerning deprivation of liberty.
Carla regularly represents both applicants and respondents in proceedings relating to:
- Non-Molestation Orders
- Occupation Orders
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders
