Switalskis has appointed three legal professionals to its Bradford and York child care teams, bolstering support for vulnerable children, adults and families. Solicitor Rifat Shahid and graduate solicitor apprentice Alesha Kang join the Bradford team, while newly qualified solicitor Emelia Garnett has been appointed in York.
In Bradford, Shahid and Kang will work alongside director Razia Jogi, adding further expertise in advising South Asian communities and supporting clients affected by domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based violence and complex child care matters. Shahid, who qualified in 2020, brings experience in public law care proceedings and domestic abuse cases, along with strong advocacy skills and language capabilities. She said she was drawn to Switalskis for its ‘client-focused support’ and commitment to ‘placing vulnerable people at the centre of its work’.
Garnett joins the York team alongside director Lorrette Law, adding capacity to support vulnerable children, families and domestic abuse survivors. She advises parents in care proceedings, represents children in dispute cases and assists victims of domestic abuse, and said she is keen to build links with local organisations to expand services in the city.
Ruth Coneron, head of Switalskis’ care team, said: ‘Our three appointments reflect the increasing demand for client representation’ in both public and legally aided private law matters. She added that the hires ‘mark another step in our team’s expansion’, helping the firm ‘ensure clients get the protection they need from the courts’.
Image caption (L-R): Director and solicitor advocate in the York child care team Lorrette Law, solicitor Emelia Garnett, head of Switalskis’ care team Ruth Coneron, director and child care and domestic abuse solicitor in the Bradford team Razia Jogi, solicitor Rifat Shahid, and solicitor apprentice Alesha Kang.
