Who? Kelly Darlington, associate partner, Farleys, Manchester. 

Kelly Darlington

Why is she in the news? Represented the family of Awaab Ishak, two, who died from a respiratory condition which a coroner concluded was caused by exposure to mould in his home.

Thoughts on the case: ‘Never did I think I’d find myself representing the parents of a two-year-old boy who has died due to exposure to damp and mould in his home; a place where he should have been safe. This should never have been allowed to happen in this day and age. A home free from damp and mould is a basic human right. Sadly, these are not isolated incidents with thousands of people forced to live in such conditions. When delivering her conclusion, HM senior coroner Joanne Kearsley said Awaab’s case will and should be a “defining” moment for the housing sector. I hope this will be a landmark case in positive changes being made to the housing sector and instrumental in public and private landlords being held accountable, particularly where they breach basic standards. It will hopefully also pave the way for tighter regulations being introduced around damp and mould. “Awaab’s Law” is fully welcomed in bringing about this change.’

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) said: ‘The coroner noted that RBH had made changes as a result of the tragic death of Awaab. Under new leadership RBH will continue to embed these changes and continue to drive further improvements to our homes and to our communications with tenants.’

Dealing with the media: ‘Awaab’s family understandably have been reluctant to engage with the media. They have had to deal with an incredibly complex inquest while trying to come to terms with the loss of their child. Equally, they want to raise public awareness of Awaab’s case. We wanted to do them justice so we have tried to ensure that their concerns have been voiced. We have engaged with the media in a clear and fair way to ensure Awaab’s case is at the forefront of society.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I love being able to help people in their quest for justice and to support them through difficult and complex processes and make it as easy as possible.’

Career high: ‘This case. It is amazing to see the wider impact Awaab’s case has had and the positive changes that will come from it. Awaab’s family wanted to see change and hopefully this is what we will achieve.’

Career low: ‘Having to break the news to a bereaved family that they have been refused legal aid for representation at inquest. I hope that one day bereaved families will be granted an automatic right.'

Topics