Career

Joanne began working for Simpson Millar (at the time known as Maxwell Gillott), at our Lancaster office in May 2012.

She started in the Care Homes Team, where she advised families pursuing appeals against Primary Care Trusts which had denied Continuing Healthcare funding for their elderly and severely disabled relatives.

Joanne now specialises in Education Law, advising and representing clients in a wide range of matters, such as preparing appeals and claims to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and securing suitable education for children who are out of school. 

After gaining a degree in Politics and Philosophy from Lancaster University in 2002, she raised two daughters while working as an archaeological archivist, alongside freelance events production and voluntary community fundraising work.

Between 2010 and 2012, Joanne studied for and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at UCLan, whilst also working as a Care Support Worker, helping elderly people and adults with learning disabilities live in the community.

Joanne manages the Education Helpline Team and is an Associate with the firm. She has begun training with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (Cilex), towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive.

Joanne’s expertise lies mainly in Education Law, but she also has a strong grounding in Community Care Law.

Interests outside of work

Joanne is a singer-songwriter and folk singer. She enjoys walking in the hills and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Joanne