Lauren joined the crime department as a paralegal in August 2008 and became a trainee solicitor in November 2008.  She worked in the Crime Department until December 2009.  She continued her training contract in the Mental Health Department unitil September 2010 where she re-joined the criminal department as an assistant solicitor.

Experience & Areas of Expertise:

She achieved a degree in Law with European Legal Studies at King's College London in 2006.  During her four year law degree, Lauren spent a year studying international and european law at the University of Uppsala in Sweden achieving a diploma.  She then undertook a Masters in Criminology & Criminal Justice at King's College London obtaining a Distinction in 2007.  Lauren then completed the LPC (Public Legal Services route) in 2008 at the College of Law having been granted a scholarship from the Law Society. 

In addition to her studies, Lauren has undertaken voluntary work at the Prisoners' Advice Service, the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau and PACT, and she has worked at various law firms as an outdoor clerk.  Furthermore, Lauren has written an article on the impact of overcrowding on self-harm and suicide among women prisoners which has recently been accepted for publication in The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice.  Lauren joined Edwards Duthie Solicitors in August 2008 and became a fully accredited police station representative in November 2008.  She advises clients at the police station in a wide range of criminal cases and assists solicitors in the running of magistrates and crown court cases.  Lauren also has involvement in complaints against the police.

Lauren currently represents clients who are detained under the Mental Health Act and those who are subject to a Community Treatment Order.  She regularly attends hospitals and represents clients at Tribunal hearings and Hospital Managers' Hearings.

Panel Membership

Lauren is member of the Young Legal Aid Lawyers.