Fiona joined GT Stewart in January 2025 as a Senior Solicitor and heads up the Civil Liberties team at the London office. She has 24 years of experience which has included handling personal injury, abuse claims including historic abuse claims, claims against local authorities, family law matters (divorce and public law matters), actions against the police and public authorities, contentious Probate claims, immigration and employment law claims. She has experience of claims in the County Court, High Court, Court of Protection, Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.
Fiona has a particular interest in abuse cases and obtaining redress for survivors of abuse. She also has a special interest in cases against local authorities where the young and vulnerable have been placed at risk.
She is dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all and is a strong legal aid practitioner. Her clients often commend her dedication and commitment.
Education and Qualifications
- BA Honours Law degree from University of Kent at Canterbury
- Legal Practice Course at Guildford
Notable Experience or Interests outside of Law
Fiona's interests include long distance running, salsa dancing, travel, reading and attending the theatre.
APIL, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
ACAL, Association of Child Abuse Lawyers
PALG, Police Action Lawyers Group, and
ILG, Inquest Lawyers Group.
Judicial review application - Civil claim for negligence and breach of human rights.
The deceased died of malnutrition whilst under the care of an NHS psychiatric hospital. In this case, Fiona was instructed very last minute in an inquest which was listed for ½ day where the Coroner refused to adjourn the matter. She secured an adjournment on the first day of the inquest which led to the preparation and disclosure of additional documentation.
The inquest lasted 4 days and the coroner refused to put a verdict of neglect to the jury. As a result of the coroner’s failure, Fiona made an application for judicial review which was successful. This led to a second inquest which lasted 11 days and resulted in a neglect verdict. A civil claim followed and was run in conjunction with the judicial review and inquests.
The case covered a number of disciplines namely, Inquests, Public law, Human Rights and a clinical negligence claim. The fee earner who dealt with the matter was able to deal with all disciplines rather than having a separate solicitor for each discipline. This allowed continuity and a more expeditious and comprehensive litigation strategy on behalf of the client.
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