Emma is a public law and human rights barrister at 36 Public and Human Rights. She has experience across judicial review, immigration, housing, homelessness, education and Court of Protection matters.

Areas of expertise

Emma has extensive experience across immigration law. She is regularly instructed in a broad range of asylum cases, particularly those involving highly vulnerable individuals and victims of gender-based violence.

Emma’s immigration and judicial review practice often sees her working on cases in the Upper Tribunal and the Administrative Court.

She has experience in the following types of cases:

  • Fresh claims
  • Visit visa challenges
  • Unlawful detention
  • Asylum support and Schedule 10
  • Admissibility
  • Certification
  • Sponsorship
  • Modern slavery
  • Public order disqualification matters
  • Family reunification

Emma has a busy housing and homelessness practice. She has experience in the following types of housing cases, acting mainly for tenants and homeless applicants:

  • Possession proceedings, including those raising public law, human rights and Equality Act 2010 issues.
  • Housing allocations and homelessness judicial review claims.
  • Section 204 appeals on a range of issues including priority need, eligibility, suitability, intentional homelessness, and reasonableness to occupy.
  • Succession disputes.
  • Disrepair.

Emma has quickly acquired an excellent reputation advising and acting for local authorities in education law matters. She regularly acts in appeals to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and undertakes work in judicial reviews of local authorities’ failures to provide the Special Educational Needs provision set out in EHCPs.

Emma has delivered training to Local Authorities regarding best practice and case law updates in SEN appeals.

Emma is also a “SEND Hero” at the SEND Dynamic CIC, providing pro bono assistance to parents in the SEND tribunal.

Before joining 36, Emma undertook a secondment at a leading set where she gained experience in Court of Protection matters. She offers representation and advice across a broad range of cases relating to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Further information

Lincoln’s Inn Qualifying Session, “From Legislation to Litigation and Back Again,” alongside Dame Elizabeth Gardiner DCB KC and Treasury Solicitor Susanna McGibbon

Lincoln’s Inn, “Innsight Day” Lecture and Q&A, hosted for students exploring pursuing a career at the Bar

Online training seminar hosted by Kennedy Cater for London Boroughs Legal Alliance members, explaining recent case law concerning Special Educational Needs appeals in England

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Durham University: First Class Honours (placing in the top ten students across five modules)

Master of Jurisprudence, Durham University (Postgraduate Research Degree in Domestic Abuse law)

Bar Practice Course, University of Law, London (VC)

Emma holds a first-class degree and postgraduate research degree from Durham University, with her research concentrating on domestic abuse law. She was awarded a major scholarship and residential scholarships at Lincoln’s Inn.

Emma is a volunteer at Da’aro, a charity which provides support to young refugees from the Horn of Africa.

She attends Islington Legal Advice Centre regularly to assist individuals with advice across a broad spectrum of housing and homelessness issues.

She also volunteers regularly at student events at Lincoln’s Inn, including with the student Moot Club.

Emma is also a “SEND Hero” at the SEND Dynamic CIC, providing pro bono assistance to parents in the SEND tribunal.

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