Originally from Dunblane in Scotland, I qualified as a Nurse in 1989 and worked in Scotland and Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I then moved to New Zealand in 1996 and worked as a Nurse in Wellington and Auckland.

While working as a Nurse in Intensive Care at Auckland Hospital (DCCM) I decided to study law at the University of Auckland. In 2003 I completed my LLB, and I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor. I commenced my legal career at McVeagh Fleming in Auckland with a primary focus on Family Law.

In 2005 I moved to Dunedin and was employed by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). My work with MSD involved numerous legal roles including prosecutions, Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family (now known as Oranga Tamariki).

I am the mother of twins and have two stepchildren so I understand the challenges that can arise as a result of blending families. I am passionate about helping people during what is often the most stressful time of their lives.

I am now operating from Bell Hill Chambers as barrister sole and specialise in Family Law matters.

The Bell Hill area in Dunedin refers to the historic location of a large hill which was extensively cut out in the 1860’s to provide fill for the Otago Harbour reclamation.