I have extensive experience working with people and helping them to resolve situations of personal or community strife and conflict. From my experience as a social worker - in the East End of London, United Nations Investigating Field Officer, human rights lawyer working with refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland or Lesvos in Greece - to Senior Counsel representing clients before the courts my commitment and values remain constant- facilitating people to achieve good life outcomes.
My working life to date has involved converging paths in:
• Advising, Advocacy, Representation and Decision making in a variety of contexts-
across all court jurisdictions in Ireland;
at tribunal level in context of refugees and asylum seekers;
to various United Nations Treaty bodies on behalf of civic society groups;
under the Mental Health Act 2001 as a Chairperson.
• Investigation, Education and Training in human rights law area.
as a Lecturer in Human Rights law and Public International Law;
as the provider of bespoke courses
• Service provision and Implementation in family community and criminal justice context
• Human Rights Officer with the United Nations in Cyprus, [1988-1989] investigation of missing persons [UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus]
Lecturer in Law /Professional Training Provider 1989 onwards.
Lecturer in Law (full-time), University College Cork, 1989-91
Lecturer (sessional), Trinity College Dublin.
Course/Seminar presenter/organiser on going.
I have designed / researched/ prepared and presented various courses/seminars at university level and for professional training purposes across many topics e.g.:
• Public International Law
• Human Rights Law (including for Law Society)
• Refugee Law and Appeals (for delivery to lawyers through Bar council and Refugee Legal Service)
• Child Protection & Welfare Law/ Disability & the Law.
Probation and Welfare Officer [Department of Justice [1991-1995]
Professional Social Worker 1977-1988
I bring a depth of knowledge and experience to my work as well as enthusiasm