Laura Garside
Personal Profile
Laura is a solicitor at Hogans and was admitted to the Law Society Children Panel in November 2011.
"I completed my legal training at a general practice in Liverpool, undertaking work in civil litigation, employment and family law.
"I qualified as a solicitor on 1st January 2007 and was offered a position at Hogans Solicitors. For the first two years of my qualified life I was based in the Mental Health Department. During this time I mainly represented patients detained under section at Mental Health Review Tribunals. This would often require the cross examination of consultant psychiatrists and senior social workers.
"The time I spent doing mental health work gave me the opportunity to gain a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. I also gained valuable experience of representing some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
"In January 2009 I was given the opportunity to join Hogans Family Department. Sticking with my mental health roots I began to represent parents with mental health issues and parents with learning disabilities. I get most of my referrals from mental health professionals working in the local area whom I have good working relationships with. I also receive regular instructions from the Official Solicitor to represent parents who are incapacitated.
"I feel very privileged to be a part of the Hogans team and to be working alongside some of the most highly regarded professionals in the industry. At Hogans we share a vision which is to offer the highest quality legal services to those who need it most, whether that be vulnerable adults or children themselves.
"Each and every member of this firm is a vital cog in a well-oiled machine. Hogans is a 'family' firm in the truest sense of the word. It is an incredible place to practice where I am able to learn from the very best".
