Holly Quirk
Barrister (Principal Associate)
Manchester
holly.quirk@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2777
Holly Quirk specialises in inquest and education law, practising from our Manchester office. Called to the Bar in 2016, she has developed a highly regarded practice representing healthcare and education clients in complex inquests and before the First-tier Tribunal.
Holly is a regular advocate in high-profile inquests, many of which have attracted national press coverage. Her work has encompassed coronial investigations into the deaths of school pupils, deaths in custody, and cases involving police restraint, including representing three clients in a complex four-week inquest. She is recognised for her sensitive and measured approach when working with vulnerable witnesses, and has been described by opposing counsel as "fairness personified."
Holly also maintains a busy First-Tier Tribunal (SEND) practice, fearlessly representing local authorities, education trusts and schools in matters concerning special educational needs and disability discrimination. Her education work spans the full breadth of the sector, with extensive experience in professional discipline, having spent a number of years prosecuting on behalf of the Teaching Regulation Agency. Her education focus also frequently brings her before the County Court and the High Court.
Holly is a committed advocate for social mobility and neurodiversity inclusion. She serves on the Firm's Pupillage Committee and acts as a pupil supervisor. She is also a member of the Lincoln's Inn Bar Representation Committee and the Northern Circuit Executive Committee. She is dedicated to supporting the next generation of junior barristers and regularly participates in outreach and educational events. In recognition of her achievements, Holly was named Legal Professional of the Year at the Manchester Young Talent Awards (MYTA) in 2022.
Expertise
Featured experience
Civil Courts - Equality Act 2010 claims
Holly acted for an education client in drafting pleadings and representing in interlocutory hearings considering complex areas of the Equality Act 2010 and whether policies, practices, online content, and opportunities to create diversity infringe on Article rights and/or are in breach of the Equality Act for race discrimination.
First Tier Tribunal Disability Discrimination
Holly acted for the responsible body in a matter concerning various claims of disability discrimination including direct discrimination and victimisation. After a lengthy process, Holly was successful in assisting the Client have the whole of the claim dismissed.
Inquests - David Knight
Holly represented the Trust in an inquest concerning a death following in patient care at the Trust. The Inquest gained local press attention and Holly was able to assist the client by evidencing to the Coroner steps had been taken to action any identified issues and take appropriate action to prevent future deaths.
Permission for Judicial Review
Holly successfully defended an application for permission to apply for judicial review, on behalf of an education client. The case concerned alleged issues with deregistration of a pupil and compliance with statutory guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021.
Testimonials
‘I really do appreciate the sensitivity and professionalism you have shown…’
‘"You were fairness personified this week, and a model of kindness."
"Holly achieved a great result for my client, the claim against them was struck out thanks to Holly’s written and oral submissions. She also secured an order for the Claimant to pay the Defendant’s costs so we were able to recover in excess of £14,000."
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Online pupillage open evening
Browne Jacobson barrister wins Manchester Young Talent Award
Holly Quirk, an associate barrister in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office, was awarded the Legal Professional of the Year Award at this year’s Manchester Young Talent Awards.