Meet The Teams

Ellie began her legal career back in 2019. She worked in the law department in one of the 3 High secure Psychiatric hospitals in England and Wales for a number of years following graduation from University with a 2:1 in Psychology. She then went on to secure a role at a Law firm in Leeds where she passed her Mental Health Accreditation within the year. 

Since then, Ellie has supported individuals detained under the Mental Health Act at a variety of hospitals across England and Wales. She has represented clients under both forensic and civil sections in low, medium and high secure as well as individuals in the community.

Ellie is passionate about her clients rights and ensures that they are protected and informed throughout their case. Ellie has successfully obtained discharges for clients at both Hospital Managers Meetings and Mental Health Tribunals. She has an excellent track record of obtaining statutory recommendations at Mental Health Tribunal hearings.

Ellie has a calm and compassionate approach to her clients ensuring that they feel at ease throughout the appeal process. Ellie ensures that all avenues are explored within a case to ensure the best possible outcome for them.

Amy studied Law (Exempting) Master of Law and Practice (MLP), incorporating LLB(Hons) and graduated with both an LLB Honours degree and a Masters qualification from Huddersfield University in 2017.

Having joined Grahame Stowe Bateson in 2017 to commence her training contract, Amy qualified as a Solicitor in September 2019.  Amy practiced in Family Law where she regularly represented parents and family members in legal issues surrounding domestic abuse and child contact issues, both in and out of Court.

Armed with this experience, Amy decided to commence a career in the Mental Health Department in January 2023, where she is committed to helping people detained under the Mental Health Act with her caring and friendly approach.  She ensures that her clients’ views and wishes are explored and thoroughly listened to. As a solicitor, she affords quality and concise representation at Hospital Manager review hearings, s117 meetings and CPA meetings.

Amy has an approachable manner enabling her to  provide support and assistance to vulnerable clients.

Melissa completed her LLB Law Honours Degree at the University of Hull in 2017 gaining an Upper Second Class.  She went on to complete the Legal Practice Course and Masters of Law (LLM) in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Law, Leeds with Distinction grade.  Melissa qualified at a Solicitor in January 2024.

Melissa specialises in Mental Health law. Melissa is an accredited Law Society Mental Health Panel Member and has experience advocating for clients at First-Tier Tribunal both civil and restrictive sections. She also has experience representing clients at professional meetings including Care Planning Approach (CPA) meetings, Hospital Managers Hearings and Best Interest Meetings. Melissa finds working in Mental Health Law very active and rewarding, and particularly appreciates how during this role she is able to help protect human rights on a daily basis.

Melissa has wanted to do work which helps and advocates the rights of people from an early age. Since the age of 4, Melissa was engaged in her family’s charity Mama Melissa Foundation, a charity based in Kenya that advocates children’s education especially girls and promotes breast cancer awareness in Kenya.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her Japanese Shiba Inu Tarzan and roller skating.

Byron joined Grahame Stowe Bateson in early 2023. He successfully completed his training contract with GSB in January 2025 having gained experience in both our Crime and Mental Health departments. He looks forward to continuing his development in these areas, however, Byron will be predominantly practising in criminal law. 

Byron studied at University College London before completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Law and a Master of Laws in Legal Practice.