Karen studied law at Queen's University and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Belfast. She practised law with another Belfast law firm before joining Francis Hanna & Company in 2011.

Karen is a Partner within our Family Law Department. She is an accredited member of the Northern Ireland Children Order Panel and was also appointed to the Guardian ad Litem Panel of Solicitors in 2021.

Karen provides advice and representation to clients in relation to all aspects of family law. Her particular expertise lies in the area of children's law and she provides specialist advice to her clients on residence and contact proceedings as well as care proceedings where Social Services are involved. She also has a keen interest in international parental child abduction and matters invoking the Hague Convention.

Karen also specialises in obtaining legal protection for clients who are victims of domestic abuse. She also provides representation to clients in relation to divorce, separation and ancillary relief matters.

Karen is a member of the Steering Group of Assist NI, an organisation which advocates for and supports victims of domestic abuse. Karen also sits on the Women's Aid ABLCN's Older But No Safer Steering Group, helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse suffered by older members of our community.

Karen also provides advice and assistance in relation to Future Planning and Elder Client matters within the firm. She is experienced in providing advice on Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney and assists clients with matters such as discretionary trusts and Controllership applications.