Job Title

Solicitor to Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry

About Arlene

Having qualified in 2007, Arlene worked in the area of commercial property and real estate before changing direction into the area of immigration and human rights in 2009.   Prior to working at Thompsons, she worked in the area of immigration and human rights law for over 14 years, becoming an accredited expert in the area of immigration law since 2016.  During her career, she developed a strong commitment to providing invaluable advice to those in the most vulnerable of situations, including representing those from minority and underrepresented backgrounds.  This has included victims of trafficking, unaccompanied asylum seeking children, victims of domestic abuse and those who have suffered persecution at the hand of the authorities or others in their home countries. 

This work involved providing practical advice, guidance, and support to individuals at all stages of their asylum and immigration applications, as well as representing clients at appeals tribunals. Arlene has extensive experience of conducting strategic litigation and expert knowledge of human rights and inequalities law. She also has a profound understanding of the experiences of people who have suffered discrimination and disadvantage in their lives.

Arlene is also one of the Directors on the Board of Directors at North Lanarkshire Women’s Aid.  

Arlene has substantive experience in public and administrative law, including challenging the Home Office’s lawfulness in their decisions and preparing cases for Judicial Review.

Due to her experience in human rights, she believes that she has the capabilities to ensure that human rights considerations are at the forefront of the inquiry’s work and that no participants views go unheard. 

Qualifications

Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Edinburgh 2005

LLB (Hons) Scots Law Degree, University of Dundee 2004