Court cut and thrust attracts Williamsons’ crime recruit

A new lawyer at Williamsons Solicitors is fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in defence advocacy.

Emma Dann, who has joined the firm as an assistant solicitor, has a passion for defending the rights of people to a fair and just hearing. “This is something that I have always wanted to do,” said Emma, who is representing clients at Hull Magistrates’ Court, where she is a duty solicitor and most of her work is based.

“I enjoy the cut and thrust of being in court and find it one of the most interesting, rewarding and realistic professions to be in. Cases seem to be about almost anything and everything.”

She trained at Eversheds in Leeds, qualifying in 2003, before working for a number of other leading firms in Leeds and Hull, but with a focus on corporate law.

“I’d always wanted to be a criminal lawyer and found it fascinating, but the way the training worked out it was better at the time to focus on the corporate side,” said Ms Dann, who has also had a fruitful spell at the Crown Prosecution Service.

“This dealt mostly with bail applications and was a very useful experience for my new role as it has given me a good insight into how the CPS builds its cases,” she added.

Ms Dann has a legal practice certificate from the College of Law in York and a BA (Hons) degree in geography from the University of Leeds.

Her professional activities extend to a close involvement with the regional networking organisation, Women in Business.

Bill Waddington, director at Williamsons Solicitors, and head of the firm’s defence advocacy department, said: “Emma has a real talent for court work and is adept at arguing for a fair and appropriate defence of people’s interests.

“Her passion for this field of law clearly shows through in her commitment, enthusiasm and professional approach, and we’re glad to have her on board as part of my crime team here at Williamsons.”

She joins a department at the top of its game.