Donna Downes

Donna Downes, Senior Associate Solicitor, leads the Public Law Children’s Team at Collins Solicitors and is highly respected in her field. She is one of only two Children Panel Solicitors based in Watford (the other being Reena Vadera, also of this firm). Donna does most of her own advocacy and is regularly appointed by CAFCASS to represent children either directly (if they are competent to instruct her directly) or through their Children’s Guardian. Donna also represents parents and extended family members.

Donna is committed to provide legal representation to protect children from significant harm such as honour based violence, child sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, gang violence, drug and alcohol addiction, physical and emotional abuse, neglect. Donna has also represented parties in cases concerning child death and parental death. Her cases frequently involve traumatic circumstances.

Donna also represents parties in applications for Adoption Orders and private law disputes in cases where children are party to proceedings.

Donna is a member of the Law Society Children Panel authorising her to represent children and the Associate of Lawyers for Children.

Contact Donna on ddownes@collinslaw.co.uk