Who? Vikki Horspool, 35, children’s department associate at West Yorkshire firm Ramsdens.

Why is she in the news? She acted for the guardians in the first court case where allegations of female genital mutilation (FGM) arose during care proceedings for a child.

The child, ‘G’, born in July 2011, came to the attention of Leeds City Council social workers when it appeared that her mother had abandoned her on the streets. The social workers began care proceedings, but subsequently suspected that ‘G’ was the victim of FGM.

High Court family division president Sir James Munby, alluding to the accusations of FGM, described the case as ‘unusual and complex’. However, after hearing evidence from expert witnesses and others in the course of a 12-day hearing, concluded that he could not make a finding on whether FGM had or had not occurred.

Munby said that judges should not ‘jump too readily’ to ruling that a girl who had suffered FGM should be adopted, in the process permanently severing family links. Prevention was the best policy, he said: ‘Local authorities need to be proactive and vigilant in taking appropriate protective measures to prevent girls being subjected to FGM.’ Munby added that a court should ‘use every weapon in its protective arsenal’ to guard girls from ‘this great evil’.

Thoughts on the case: ‘There are estimated to be 20,000 girls at risk of FGM in the UK and yet there is a dearth of medical experts. There are currently just 12 specialist clinics in the country, of which six are in London and only one of which deals specifically with children. FGM is increasingly reported in the media, which may prompt greater investment in training.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘My parents would say because I liked to argue from a very young age.’

Career high: ‘Care proceeding are brought because there are family difficulties. The high point is when parents go above and beyond what is expected of them and, with the right help, make a positive change for the better.’

Career low: ‘The demolition of legal aid. Children are losing out by being stopped from having a relationship with their parents. It is a detriment to society.’

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