Ruby Sayed successfully represented the mother of a child who suffered a subdural haematoma and seizures after being shaken. This case first appeared to have strong footings but over time the land moved from initially suspecting the mother to clearing her and returning the child to her at the end of the fact-finding hearing.
For valid reasons, the Mother transferred her legal representation to Ms. Forida Hakim of Duncan Lewis Solicitors at a very late stage in the proceedings. Following the Pre-Trial Review (PTR), an urgent application was made to the LAA for a leader. We extend our gratitude to Kate Branigan KC for her willingness to join the team on such short notice. This situation required a collective “all hands on deck” approach, with significant out-of-hours work, to guarantee that this vulnerable client received the high-quality legal representation she deserved.
The judge has authorised publication of his judgement where he stated: At the PTR junior counsel in the face of robust questioning from me maintained her case that the Mother had received poor representation previously but that there were elements of the case which had been overlooked and needed a close focus. With some reluctance I permitted further case management directions which would not endanger the fact-finding hearing. Ms Sayed was right to take this approach and the Mother should be very grateful for this representation, as she should to that provided by Ms Branigan KC. Out of this difficult situation a meaningful case has been put forward.
Ruby was instructed by Duncan Lewis Solicitors.