Solicitor honoured for work helping child abuse survivors

A DEDICATED young solicitor who has helped Rotherham child abuse survivors access justice has been given a prestigious award for her achievements.
Amy with her award and champagneAmy with her award and champagne
Amy with her award and champagne

Amy Clowrey (27), who was hailed as an "inspiration", said she was stunned to be named Rising Star of the Year at an industry award ceremony after joining Switalskis Solicitors 18 months ago.

Amy, of Kimberworth, beat off four other nominees at the Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Awards in London.

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The former Thomas Rotherham College student said: “I never thought I would win - it was a big surprise.”

Her proud dad Tony unknowingly inspired her to get into the profession, she said, revealing: “I was quite argumentative as a child and my dad used to tell me I’d make a good lawyer.”

The Wakefield-based firm works with victims of child sexual exploitation throughout the UK and has been central in representing Rotherham survivors.

Amy said knowing the abuse happened in her beloved hometown made her “angry” but she had channelled that into her work.

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“I came to Switalskis because I was very keen to get involved in its work,” she added.

Amy said that when she was studying at Huddersfield University she had become interested in family law, but after undertaking a month-long work placement she realised it was not for her.

Her focus shifted to personal injury and she said her goal now was to continue trying to make a difference in the child abuse sector.

She added: “I would rather these crimes didn’t happen in the world, but somebody needs to be there to represent the victims.”

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Switalskis nominated Amy, who qualified as a solicitor in 2014, for her commitment to the legal profession in her day-to-day practice and activities outside of work.  

Amy was described as having a “real impact” on CSE survivors and was also commended for her work as part of a campaign to change drink-drive laws.

Over the past year, she has co-ordinated the Whitlam’s Law campaign which aims to make drink-driving laws apply to vehicles being driven on private, not just public roads.

The campaign was forged after Switalskis represented Pamela Whitlam, whose 11-year-old son Harry was killed on private land by a reversing slurry trailer, of which the driver was three-times over the legal alcohol limit. 

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Due to Amy’s efforts, the Minister for Transport will be reviewing the current law when he meets her in the autumn.

Switalskis managing director, John Durkan said: “We are delighted to see the hard work of Switalskis Rising Star Amy Clowrey acknowledged at these awards. 

“Her drive and client-focused approach is an inspiration to us all.”

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