Emma Harrison
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma has been working in law since 2012 but found her passion for Mental Capacity law in 2015 when starting in the Adult Social Care department at Somerset County Council’s legal department. She climbed the ranks within the team, qualifying in January 2017, undertaking higher rights of audience in 2018 and in 2021 started at Devon County Council as a Senior Lawyer. Emma’s caseloads have included s21A Mental Capacity Act (MCA) applications, s15 and 16 MCA applications, s29 Mental Health Act applications, Care Act queries, ordinary residence queries and inquests. Emma particularly enjoys undertaking advocacy on a case, standing up in Court representing her client and ensuring their voice is heard. Emma works hard to achieve the best outcome on her cases and prides herself on her communication skills and handling difficult situations with diplomacy and tact.
Emma has been the National Lead for Adult Social Care and Health for Lawyers for Government from 2016-2023 and was a Director on the Board 2022-2023. Through this, she regularly gave presentations and arranged webinars in particular around deprivation of liberty for under 18 year olds. She is enthusiastic about Mental Capacity law and has in 2022, delivered several training sessions, including sessions regarding Liberty Protection Safeguards.
In addition to providing advice and representation to individuals and their families, Emma is also able to undertake work on behalf of public bodies.
In her spare time, Emma is an avid reader and runs a little free library in her village alongside assisting with the community fridge which was recently featured on ITV News.