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Woodfines > Who we are > Meet the team > Denise Higgins

Denise Higgins

Equity Partner & Team Leader for Child Care
Care Proceedings

Denise began her career at Woodfines in 2005 and has been qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive since 2009. She has experience in all areas of family law, however she latterly specialises in cases involving children and was admitted to the Children Law accreditation scheme in 2013.

Denise now heads up the firm’s care department and has particular expertise in public law proceedings representing both parents and children. Her expertise has meant that she has dealt with many complex cases, including serious sexual abuse, fictitious illness and non-accidental injuries, as well as being involved in cases where domestic abuse neglect and substance misuse are key factors. Denise has represented a number of parents who have learning difficulties or mental health issues and are represented by the Official Solicitor, her sensitive and professional approach means that the clients feel in safe hands.

She undertakes the majority of her own advocacy from the start of the case until the end and has appeared in the High Court on many occasions dealing with various complex cases involving the death of a young child as well as representing parents in cases where their child is restricted of their liberty or they need to be detained in a secure environment.

Denise regularly represents children and her friendly and adaptable approach means that they too feel in safe hands with the process being carefully explained to them.

Denise is regularly involved in cases where children are reunited with their families and her dedicated approach means that she has many referrals from other local professionals as well as previous clients.
Connect with me on LinkedIn 01908 209796 / 07712 676420

More about Denise… 

What’s the most daring/scariest thing you have done?

Zipwire across the shopping centre in old town Vegas

What was your first job?

Worked at McDonalds

If you weren’t a lawyer or in your current profession, what would you be doing?

Psychologist

I wanted to start by saying that I will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me in these eleven months. First and foremost, I would like to thank you, Denise. From our very first call, you gave me that extra push to fight for this cause, considering the desperate situation I was in when I contacted you. I thank you for every time you heard me demoralized, broken, and you knew exactly what to say at the right time, even when everything seemed so hard.
I thank you for every second you listened to my complaints, for being there not only as a lawyer but also as a friend with whom I could share my feelings. I thank you for introducing me to your team, which, let me say, is fantastic. Thank you for introducing me to Anushri, and even though we only met twice, she showed great patience with this case and in listening to me.
We really can’t thank you enough for everything you done for us and how amazing you were during our court proceedings. You really are a credit to Woodfines.
I used Denise Higgins from Woodfines for a family matter. She was the best solicitor I have ever come across, there have been a few. Guiding the judge, keeping everyone on all sides happy. A total professional.

 
I want to acknowledge the crucial role you played in the legal proceedings last week and for promptly sending over the necessary documents. Your support was instrumental in bringing the process to a successful conclusion. I am deeply grateful for your time, expertise, and guidance, which have been invaluable in navigating this challenging and painful process.
I would like to commend Denise for their exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout my recent family law matter concerning parental responsibility and child arrangements order. From the outset, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the sensitive nature of cases involving mental health issues, ensuring that all communications were handled with the utmost care, compassion, and discretion. Her ability to listen attentively and provide reassurance during a stressful time immediately put me at ease and reinforced my confidence in her expertise.
Throughout the proceedings, Denise consistently exhibited a remarkable level of knowledge. She clearly explained the complex legal framework surrounding parental responsibility and mental health considerations, breaking down intricate information into understandable terms without ever oversimplifying the matter. Her advice was consistently insightful, well-reasoned, and tailored to the unique circumstances of the case, ensuring that every decision made was fully informed and aligned with the best interests of my son.
What stood out most was Denise’s unwavering commitment to advocacy and achieving a fair resolution. She approached the case with sensitivity to my mental health challenges, balancing empathy with the legal rigor required to protect my son’s welfare. I greatly appreciated her skill in navigating emotionally charged discussions, mediating where possible, and presenting a compelling, evidence-based case when necessary. Her professionalism in court and in correspondence with the other party reflected the highest standards of family law practice.
In addition to her legal acumen, Denise provided invaluable support throughout the process. She was consistently approachable, patient, and responsive, promptly addressing queries and providing guidance whenever uncertainties arose. This level of support made a profound difference during an otherwise distressing and complex process, demonstrating that she not only acts as a solicitor but as a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about the wellbeing of the families she assists.
Finally, I would highly recommend Denise to anyone facing a family law matter, particularly those involving parental responsibility and mental health considerations. Her combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, empathetic communication, and unwavering dedication sets her apart in her field. I am deeply grateful for her guidance and advocacy, which have resulted in a resolution that prioritises the welfare of my son while maintaining fairness and compassion for all involved.