Lawyer in the news

Who? Amie Tsang, 32-year-old Manchester-based sole practitioner specialising in immigration.

Why is she in the news? Representing the families of the 58 Chinese immigrants who suffocated in Dutch driver Perry Wacker's lorry after he closed the air vents.

Mr Wacker was jailed for 14 years in April for manslaughter, and the relatives are claiming a combined total of up to 1 million from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Background: Law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University between 1987-1990.

Law Society Finals at the College of Law in Chester in 1991.

Took a year out before qualifying with Kent-based Compton Partnership in 1994, then moved on to sole practitioner Colin Cruton in Manchester, where she worked for two years before setting up her own firm.

Route to the case: 'As soon as the manslaughter conviction had been reached, I contacted an associate in London who had been in the news because he received 42 letters from the relatives.

I told him I was interested in making a compensation claim on their behalf.'

Thoughts on the case: 'The question is whether the 58 victims died following an act of violence.

Perry Wacker switched off the air supply, and the question for the CICA is: "Does that constitute an act of violence?" We have to submit 195 individual claim forms - the scale of it is amazing.

Luckily, I am associated with Harold Stock & Co [in Greater Manchester], and the partner Mark Ryan came with me to China to deal with the claims.

We have shared the work so it has not been too bad, and they have looked after my firm while I have been away.'

Dealing with the media: 'I have not had any dealing with the media before, but feel I am in control.

I have had interviews over the phone with radio stations in Hong Kong and Kent, and they have asked some sneaky questions, saying things like: "They were illegal immigrants, why should they deserve compensation?" We are all suspicious, and people will ask those questions, but I just have to remind them that 58 deaths have occurred.' Paula Rohan