Meet Our Team – Elin Dukes

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Elin Dukes, one of the solicitors in our Elderly Client Services team dealing with Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Clients at Risk, joined us in November 2015. Here she reflects on her career to date:

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My attraction to the law came from a personal interest in the subject matter, rather than having set out to become a solicitor at a young age. The more I studied, the greater my interest grew and I decided to embark upon further qualifications and training.

Almost from the outset I was passionate about private client work. I found the training varied and challenging and I liked the idea of working in an area of law which would continue to stimulate me for many years to come. I now specialise in Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and clients at risk. This allows me to concentrate on the work that I enjoy the most; helping those without anywhere else to turn and allowing me to work closely with the local community. My work is varied and includes Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications, management of finances as Attorney or Deputy, applying for and challenging Local Authority and NHS funding decisions, assisting with the review of care plans and care service providers, as well as advising lay Attorneys and Deputies in relation to such matters.

In order to assist in my role, and to bring awareness to those around me, I have become a Dementia Friends Champion . Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative with the aim of increasing awareness of dementia across the country. Being a Champion enables me to deliver information sessions to those who are interested in learning more about the challenges faced by those living with dementia and wish to do more to help.

I am also a Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) Member and a STEP Technician Member. I sit on the Steering Committee of the STEP Mental Capacity Special Interest Group which works to provide informative communications and events to other professionals working in this field. I also sit on the Executive Committee of the European Young Bar Association (EYBA)which represents and brings together junior lawyers from across Europe.

I have recently completed a course in British Sign Language at level two and have had articles published in local magazines as well as national legal publications.

If you require assistance with any of the matters covered by Elin, she can be contacted on 01903 706981.

The information contained in this article is for general guidance only and is not intended to be legal advice. Professional advice should always be taken on the application of the law in any particular situation.