Clara Jenkins

Clara Jenkins is a Solicitor in our Public Law and Human Rights team, based in London.

Professional Biography

Clara graduated with a 2:1 in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford in 2021. Whilst at University, Clara volunteered with Slipstream Education, which is a UK-wide mentorship scheme that helps students from underrepresented backgrounds make applications to top Universities. She also volunteered for Turl Street Homeless Action, a student-run charity, where she worked night shifts to supply food and hot drinks to the homeless community in Oxford, whilst providing support with housing where needed.

Before joining Simpson Millar, Clara worked as a Volunteer Paralegal for The National Community Law Project. This is an initiative which helps improve access to justice for people with low income. During this time, Clara encountered Education Law first-hand and was inspired to continue to pursue this further at Simpson Millar to make a difference in the lives of families and children.

Clara joined Simpson Millar in August 2022 as a Paralegal and progressed to a Solicitor Graduate Apprentice in January 2024. She completed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) alongside her apprenticeship and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2026. During her training, she completed seats in the Education and Children’s Rights, Child Care Proceedings, and Public Law and Human Rights teams.

Her work in the Education and Children’s Rights team primarily focused on challenging unlawful practices by Local Authorities that fail to support children and young people. Her casework included community care judicial reviews under the Children Act 1989, addressing the rights of homeless young people and care leavers. She also worked on judicial reviews addressing discriminatory treatment within educational settings, advocating for children who are unlawfully excluded from school and those with special educational needs deprived of necessary provisions and support.

Clara has developed significant experience in public law, particularly in judicial reviews and civil claims against public authorities. She has particular expertise in supporting vulnerable children and adults, including victims of trafficking, lone parents, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

In her current role, Clara works on a wide range of public law matters. Her caseload primarily involves judicial review claims, including cases concerning age assessments, asylum and trafficking support challenges, removal decisions, and complex unlawful detention claims. She works closely with clients to ensure their rights are protected and that they are supported throughout the legal process.