Alicia Birkinshaw

Trainee Solicitor – Public Law & Community Care – Nottingham

Alicia is a Trainee Solicitor in the firm’s Public Law and Community Care department. Having completed her studies, she is developing her practical experience in this specialist area while supporting clients through a range of Public Law and Community Care matters.

Working closely with senior fee earners, Alicia assists with case management, drafts legal documents and correspondence, and helps ensure matters progress efficiently. She is often the first point of contact for clients and takes pride in providing clear, professional communication and support from the outset of their case.

Alicia’s approachable manner and strong communication skills enable her to build positive relationships with clients whilst helping them navigate often complex legal issues with confidence.

Verona Gilbert

Paralegal – Public Law & Community Care – Nottingham

Verona is a Paralegal in the firm’s Public Law and Community Care Department. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law, which sparked her interest in supporting individuals facing complex legal and social challenges and led her into a career dedicated to public law and legal aid work.

As part of the Public Law team, Verona provides support across a range of matters, assisting with casework, drafting legal documents, and maintaining regular communication with clients. She is often a key point of contact for clients, helping them understand the progress of their case and ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process. Working closely with senior colleagues, she plays an important role in progressing matters efficiently and securing the best possible outcomes for clients.

Known for her empathetic approach, Verona is committed to providing a professional and compassionate service to every client. Her ability to build trust and strong working relationships helps clients feel reassured and supported during what can often be difficult circumstances.

Francesca Lukaszczyk

Trainee Solicitor – Personal Injury – Nottingham

Francesca is a Trainee Solicitor in our Personal Injury Department. She completed her LLB Law with Business at Nottingham Trent University and is currently studying towards her LLM Legal Practice Course. Prior to joining the firm, Francesca gained valuable litigation experience at one of Derby’s largest law firms, where she worked within a debt recovery department and developed a strong foundation in legal procedures and client communication.

Working closely with senior caseworkers, Francesca plays an important role in the progression and management of personal injury claims. Her responsibilities include supporting clients throughout their cases, conducting legal research, drafting legal documentation, analysing medical records and accident reports, and preparing detailed case reports. She is also responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that case files are thoroughly prepared and up to date. Francesca has been involved in several complex matters, including supporting claims arising from the Post Office scandal litigation.

Known for her excellent communication skills and attention to detail, Francesca takes pride in building positive relationships with clients and professional contacts alike. She is committed to providing a professional, efficient service and helping clients navigate the claims process with confidence. Outside of work, Francesca enjoys swimming and regularly attends the gym to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Madeleine Sillars

Paralegal – Crime – Nottingham

Madeleine has a great talent for blending no-nonsense analysis and advice with compassion and client care. Being able to perform critical assessments and deliver meaningful, realistic, down-to-earth solutions is a key skill for any criminal practitioner and one which Madeleine displays in abundance.

While her primary role is on caseworking serious crime matters in the Crown Court, Madeleine is also frequently called upon to deliver on-the-spot assistance to those under police arrest, facing interview under caution and the prospect of a criminal charge going before the Courts.

Morgan Flintham

Paralegal – Public Law & Community Care – Nottingham

Morgan is a Paralegal in the firm’s Public Law and Community Care Department.

Morgan holds a Law degree from the University of Southampton and joined Bhatia Best after previously working as a Legal Administrator in Brighton, drawn by a desire to support clients through legal aid work and make a positive difference to vulnerable members of the community.

Working within the Public Law and Community Care team, Morgan is often one of the first points of contact for new clients, helping them access legal advice and support at what can be a particularly difficult time. Morgan takes pride in building strong relationships with clients, providing reassurance throughout the legal process and ensuring they feel informed and supported as their matter progresses.

Known for her compassionate and approachable manner, Morgan’s key strengths are empathy and communication. These qualities enable Morgan to work effectively with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and provide a professional, client-focused service at every stage of a case.

Ania Blacknell

Trainee Solicitor – Crime – Nottingham

Ania is a caseworker in our Nottingham Crime Department.

On a daily basis, Ania will assist those either under investigation or charged with serious criminal offences before the Crown Court. Providing valuable advice and assistance to clients either in custody or on bail awaiting court hearings, Ania always ensures that thorough, detailed and tenacious preparation is at the heart of her practice. Her preparation work enables our in-house advocates or Barristers to present the most positive, impactful case on behalf of our clients.

Esmee Rogerson

Trainee Solicitor – Family & Child Law – Nottingham

Esmee is a Trainee Solicitor in the firm’s Family & Children Law Department, based in Nottingham. She graduated from University College London with a Law degree and is developing her experience within a wide range of family law matters.

Esmee works closely with colleagues on Private Law Children cases and domestic abuse matters, supporting clients through what can often be difficult and sensitive circumstances. Her role includes assisting with case preparation and providing valuable support throughout the progression of a matter, helping to ensure clients receive clear guidance and practical assistance at every stage.

Known for her empathetic approach and strong work ethic, Esmee is committed to providing a supportive and professional service to every client.

Natalie Rushton

Trainee Solicitor – Family – Nottingham

Bethany Palmer

Trainee Solicitor – Civil Litigation – Nottingham

Bethany is a Trainee Solicitor in our Public Law & Community Care Team. Her eye for detail and inbuilt desire to explore and dive deep into her subject matter makes her a particularly conscientious caseworker.

Previously, Bethany did volunteer work raising awareness about Modern Slavery. She came to us in order to put that passion and desire to advocate for the most vulnerable into high-gear by using the legal system to stand up for the rights of those often forgotten or misheard.

With an LL.M in Human Rights and Justice, her strong academic background gives her the perfect foundation on which to understand the cultural and societal components that affect interactions between people and state organisations. By guiding her own personal interests and feeding her curiosities about the wider world, Bethany’s insights enable her to quickly gain the trust of those she aims to help and support, whatever their background or circumstances.

 

Olivia White

Assistant Solicitor – Crime Department – Nottingham

Olivia joined our Nottingham Crime Department as Paralegal in January 2024 and quickly established herself as an extremely versatile, adaptable caseworker.

Olivia is one of our Police Station Representatives as well as a Caseworker on matters before both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

Olivia understands that every client’s needs are different. By taking the time to listen and interpret that which is most troubling to a client, she is able to offer incisive advice and take decisive action to get to the heart of the matter.