Holly Quirk

The bulk of Holly’s practice since joining the firm has been the prosecution of teachers in professional discipline proceedings on behalf of the Teaching Regulation Agency (‘TRA’). Holly began by investigating allegations of misconduct ready for the determinations panel, and her practice now extends to appearing as Presenting Officer in Professional Conduct Panel Hearings.

On behalf of the TRA, Holly is often instructed as Presenting Officer on cases ranging from serious allegations of sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships and maladministration. Holly’s engagement as a Presenting Officer has extended to multi-teacher contested hearings which can span over a number of days and weeks. Due to the breadth of Holly’s attendance at TRA hearings she has developed her skills in trial advocacy and witness handling, including the questioning of child and vulnerable witnesses.

In a recent case, the Chair of the Panel described a schedule of evidence she had produced as ‘the best produced [document he has] ever seen’. Many of Holly’s cases have received national press interest including:

• Teaching Regulation Agency v Monk (2018)
• Teaching Regulation Agency v Bowles (2019)
• Teaching Regulation Agency v Ullmer (2019)
• Teaching Regulation Agency v Turner (2020)
• Teaching Regulation Agency v Wiseman (2021)

Holly successfully represented a school in an application securing a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order in the High Court. Holly prepared the evidence for the application and appeared on behalf of the School at court.

Holly has developed a busy and extensive practice in the Education sector, previously acting for a School in an exclusion appeal and more regularly representing clients in the First Tier Tribunal both in respect of the Disability Discrimination Act claims and appeals regarding Special Educational Needs/EHCP plans. Whilst based in the Manchester Office, Holly represents clients nationwide and is confident in dealing with cases of varying complexities, including claims of exclusion, reasonable adjustments and harassments.

Holly’s EHCP experience encompasses national trial appeals. Her recent experience includes winning on all points in an appeal which involved legal arguments on whether a provision was educational or health.

Given Holly’s versatility she is able to provide advice on a range of issues whether that be on a formal written basis, in conference or a more informal approach.

Holly is instructed by a large number of the firm’s key clients in civil claim hearings at all Tracks and before all levels of Judges. She will frequently advise on quantum, prospects of success (including appeal prospects) and Part 36 offers in many areas of civil disputes, including personal injury and housing disrepair.

Holly has an interest in all aspects of civil law and her unique instructions include have included drafting and attending an application for summary judgment/strike out in respect of a contract for the supply of gas, an application to rely on surveillance evidence and applications involving claims relating to breaches of the Equality Act. Most recently, Holly has been instructed in the context of Landlord and Tenant disputes and civil injunctions for anti-social behaviour.

In addition to the advice she provides in the civil context, Holly is also instructed post conclusion of a claim and has experience in drafting Compensation Recovery Unit appeal submissions recently being successful in having a CRU certificate reduced by £6,684.00.

Since completing her Pupillage, Holly has represented NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers at inquests. This has included attendance at inquests involving issues of surgical intervention, road traffic collisions and mental health. Holly is able to work closely with clients and will often have input and conduct of an inquest from pre-inquest review hearing through to final inquest. In this regard and linked with her Education practice, Holly has also advised in respect of Schools faced with the inquest process.

In addition to her work for the firm’s insurance clients, Holly is also instructed in fast track and multi-track claims for the firm’s health clients where she will act in clinical negligence and employer’s liability matters at interlocutory hearings and CCMCs.