L-R Cyril Arridge, Managing Partner | Suzanne Oldnall, Head of Domestic Abuse | Peter Lewis, Head of Family Law
This follows many years of service to victims of domestic abuse throughout Worcestershire. The partners of QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright nominated Suzanne to the awards committee because of the unique contribution that she has made in this area of law over the last 25 years.
Suzanne first joined QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright in 1997. A specialist team was formally established in 2013 to deal with domestic abuse and she has led this team since its inception.
The award recognises the valuable assistance that Suzanne and her team have made to protecting vulnerable women and men who have suffered from domestic abuse. Charitable organisations have relied upon Suzanne’s expertise to protect thousands of clients over this period.
For many victims, Suzanne has provided both legal and emotional assistance at times when this was most needed. Without her professional expertise and legal abilities favourable outcomes would not have been achieved.
Testimonials were provided to the awards committee by the judiciary, specialist domestic abuse charities and past and present clients. These led the awards committee to recognise Suzanne’s crucial role in protecting the victims of domestic abuse.
QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright are immensely proud of Suzanne’s unique achievements. She continues to lead the specialist team which she has developed to provide emergency legal assistance whenever it is required.
The entire firm of QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright congratulate Suzanne on this prestigious award. If anyone requires specialist legal assistance then please contact Suzanne at our Worcester Office on 01905 721600 or via email so@parkinsonwright.co.uk
About Suzanne Oldnall, Head of Domestic Abuse at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright
The firm opened a Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre in 2013 led by Suzanne Oldnall, Head of Domestic Abuse. Suzanne has over 25 years’ experience in Family Law, in particular, Suzanne specialises in domestic abuse cases, emergency injunctions / non molestation orders and applications under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
The centre is held at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, Haswell House, St Nicholas Street, Worcester WR1 1UN and is open every Monday - Friday from 09:30 – 4:00pm where people can call in without an appointment to get support and advice. You can also telephone 01905 721600.
Suzanne is well respected by the Police and professional support services for her caring and sensitive approach. If you are suffering from domestic abuse and need assistance, contact QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright who can help, advise and protect you. You will not need to make an appointment. In an emergency situation dial 999 for Police Assistance.
Suzanne has won 4 awards for her services to the victims of domestic abuse including:
- The Wonderful Worcestershire Women Award was launched in 2016 to recognise inspirational women living and working in Worcestershire. There were eight categories, Woman Owned Business of the Year, Director/Partner of the Year, One Woman Business of the Year, Employee of the Year, Young Employee of the Year, Significant Achievement of the Year Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and Winner of the Public Vote. Suzanne was nominated for the Employee of the Year Award. Once the nominations had been accepted, there was a public vote followed by a judging panel. Suzanne was awarded Employee of the Year for providing legal advice and support to victims of domestic abuse. The judging panel also awarded Suzanne the Overall Winner award.
- The Worcester BID, Business in the community awards 2018 was to recognise businesses in Worcestershire that had contributed to the community. Suzanne was recognised for being instrumental in setting up a Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre in 2013 within QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright’s Worcester office and for her legal advice and support to victims not just during working hours but also for manning an out of hours telephone legal helpline service during times when domestic abuse cases rise due to World Cup Football matches and Holiday periods.
- The Worcestershire Law Society Awards recognise legal firms and individuals in the Worcestershire area. QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright nominated Suzanne for the Paralegal of the Year award 2019. Patricia Beeching, President of the Worcestershire Law Society 2019, said, “Suzanne had gone above and beyond her duties both in and out of the office and worked in an area of law that is underfunded and misunderstood and where clients frequently need much more than legal advice and a court order. It is her compassion and commitment to victims of domestic abuse that has led her to campaign hard for West Mercia Women’s Aid.” Therefore, Suzanne was awarded the President’s Special Award.
Client Testimonials
Survivor
At the time, I felt like my world was ending, coming to see you made me stronger and more confident to go ahead. Having that as a foundation has made me stronger and I am not as scared as I used to be. I realise that I didn’t actually do anything wrong.
I remember that you gave me a small hug at the end of our meeting and told me I was a lovely person. It had been such a long time since I had been told anything so nice.
Survivor
To Sue and your team, thank you for all your support and assistance in making the biggest decision I have ever had to make.
You changed my life and that of my children. At last we are now a happy and relaxed family. I now have the confidence to live a live and I have a choice.
Once again I send my thanks, without your support I think I would probably still be unhappy in an abusive relationship.
Now I am free and feel that independence day for me was the day I walked into your office and poured my heart out and you listened. Thank you so much.
Survivor
Suzanne Oldnall gave me the courage to leave and her empathetic approach was just what I needed at the time. What a relief, I now have freedom. Many women leaving domestic abuse start a new life with nothing. I consider myself fortunate to be able to start afresh. I have truly appreciated the way that you have supported me into a new future.
Survivor
Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me and my child. Words cannot describe how much your support meant to me through this difficult time. You are a truly amazing person. Once again, thank you.
Survivor
Thank you for being such an important part of both mine and my child’s life and thank you for giving me the strength to carry on and survive. You are a credit to QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright and I tell others in similar situations to come and see you, simply due to how you treated me.
Survivor
I cannot thank you enough for making me feel safe again. I wish I’d have known you before and maybe my life would have been different.
You made it ok to stand up and say “No”. You truly are amazing.
Survivor
I am blown away by your integrity and all the hard work you have done for me and my children. I will always be grateful for all of your efforts to keep us together. You worked so hard to ensure the best possible outcome on my behalf, I cannot thank you enough. I want to say a big thank you for all your support, your kindness and for always believing in me. You helped me to learn and grow so much that I now believe in myself.
Survivor
Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. The last years of my life have been horrific and there were times that I felt like giving up but you helped me to keep going.
You have saved my life but most importantly my child’s life. I can never thank you enough.
You are an inspiration to women everywhere. Thank you.
Survivor
I could not recommend Suzanne enough. Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, she has represented me twice. The fact that I asked her on the second incident to represent me shows how much I value her and her expertise within her field. Suzanne’s knowledge on domestic abuse and family law, along with her professional yet sympathetic nature is outstanding and her team also share the same qualities. If ever I am in a situation again where I need a lawyer she will be the first person I contact. She really does go above and beyond her role.
Domestic Abuse Support Worker
May I say that you were marvellous on Monday and acting with such sincerity, empathy and professionalism towards the client.