From Adversity to Advocacy

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(Free-Press-Release.com) March 15, 2009 -- Gillian Huthart is one of three partners working as part of WHN Law. As a working mother she uses her home in Low Fell, Gateshead as an office where she specialises in general commercial work, ICT law and probate. Her successful career in law was inspired by her love of 1970’s American legal TV shows and despite having previously studied foreign languages she decided to follow her heart and study law.

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From Adversity to Advocacy

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Her pathway into the profession was hampered by a condition of the spine called Klippelfeil Syndrome which affects her nervous system and movement to such an extent that at school she was constantly bullied.

“I had some terrible experiences at school with bullies because of my disability,” said Gillian. “We all know that children can be very cruel and can say some horrible things that can affect you right through your life.”

Against the odds and largely due to her parent’s perseverance with the help they gave to physically exercise her limbs every day, Gillian learnt to walk and use her hands and limbs. As she gained her self confidence, she found that she was able to rise above her problems and her character and determination became stronger as a result.

Once she left school, Gillian still encountered discrimination and a lack of understanding, particularly at job interviews with one prospective employer, a partner in a highly respected local Law Firm, asking insensitive questions such as how she thought their clients would react to her physical appearance.

Gillian believed that she would never marry or have a family. Instead she decided to put all of her efforts into being one of the North East’s best lawyers. Now, after years of studying and working her way up through the ranks of the legal profession she has forged a reputation as a top commercial lawyer and has written articles for specialist law journals. In 2002 with no partnership on the horizon, she decided to risk everything and take the plunge by setting up her own practice.

'I didn't really know what I was doing. I just knew I didn’t want to be anyone’s “junior” anymore. It was unusual for a woman solicitor to step out on her own, particularly in my field so there was no-one's example I could follow.”

It wasn’t long before she was in demand for her expert knowledge in copyright and IT law, skills which she has passed on to her new partnership at WHN Law.

Now she can proudly talk about the way she not only proved the bullies wrong but also how she married her husband Ronnie and raised a family. She has a teenage son and a five year old adopted daughter. Keeping fit, including meditation techniques and yoga not only keep her condition in check but also help her to cope with the stress of a busy job and looking after her two children.

“Disability shouldn’t stop you from doing anything you want to do,” said Gillian. “Everyone has choices to make and paths to take. Despite the knock backs, I just made sure that my path took me to a successful career and a family that I love very much.”
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Photo shows Gillian at Gateshead
More Information from Keith Newman at Highlights Public Relations on 07814 397951

More information can be found online at http://www.whiteheadandlow.com

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