Siobhán is a Senior Associate solicitor in the Abuse team at Bolt Burdon Kemp.
Prior to her arrival, Siobhán worked on behalf of catastrophically injured clients, undertaking work with clients who had suffered brain and spinal injuries. Seeking a new challenge Siobhán joined Bolt Burdon Kemp in January 2013.
Siobhán has been representing survivors of sexual abuse for over 10 years. In that time, she has sued many institutions, taking a particular interest in bringing police forces to account when their officers have abused their position to assault other employees and the public. She has also sued:
- Army, air and sea cadet corps
- State and private schools
- Religious institutions
- Charities
Siobhán has been described in the Legal 500 as “highly dedicated with a strong sense of justice”.
Her commitment to outstanding client care coupled with pragmatism ensures she always gets the best outcome for her clients. Siobhán recognises that the best outcome does not always mean continuing a claim to trial. It means listening to her clients, ensuring that they feel heard throughout the legal process and taking heed of what result they want. This may mean a face to face apology from a representative of an institution, or waiving their anonymity to tell their story in their own words.
Siobhán provides regular training to other lawyers on abuse law to MBL Seminars, marking her out as a specialist in her field. The training is always well received and accessible to those new to this area of law. She has also sat on charity boards, including as Chair.
In October 2022, Siobhán was made a judge. She currently sits on the southeastern circuit as a Deputy District Judge.
Notable Cases
MXX v A Secondary School [2023] EWCA Civ 996 – Changed the law, so that employers are now to blame for abuse carried out by individuals who are on work experience placements.
ERS v KIDS [2023] EWHC 1726 (KB) – Noted by the judge for exemplary client care.
GXG v Saunders – Obtained compensation for excessive money spent on alcohol used by GXG to cope with the abuse he suffered.
Professional memberships
- Former Chair of FGM Charity, 28 Too Many
- Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
- Amnesty International
Media contributions and commentary
Siobhán is media trained and is frequently seen on the BBC and Sky. She also contributes to podcasts and mainstream publications.
- Interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, February 2018 – regarding the release of John Worboys
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Interview on the Vanessa Feltz Show, BBC Radio London, February 2018 – giving her opinion on the release of John Worboys
- Interview with Nick Ferrari on LBC, August 2018 – regarding abuse in the Catholic Church
