Helen Thomas
It is with great sadness that we report you that Helen Thomas, 33, died on Monday, 4th July.
Helen studied Law at Nottingham Trent University and joined Latimer Hinks in her “sandwich” year. Her potential recognised, she was invited to join Latimer Hinks post graduation, working full time whilst at the same time undertaking her LPC at The College of Law, York via weekend classes.
Helen began her career at Latimer Hinks working in the Matrimonial Department before undertaking a seat in the Litigation Department and then transferring to (and remaining within) the Private Client Department. She qualified in 2008.
In 2011 Helen was named in the Legal 500: “Court of Protection Deputy Helen Thomas was professional and compassionate”.
After qualifying, it became clear that although Helen was an excellent Private Client Lawyer, her strength and passion was in Contentious Probate and Court of Protection. The previous experience Helen had gained working in Litigation meant that she had background knowledge of the litigation process as well as the understanding of Private Client matters. This gave Helen an edge over other contentious lawyers without any Private Client background.
Helen secured her ACTAPS qualification in 2015, a qualification held by few lawyers in the Tees Valley area.
Helen was always compassionate, caring and willing to go the extra mile for her clients. Whilst she was no push over when it came to litigation proceedings, she understood the need to try and resolve matters as quickly and cost effectively as possible.
Helen was involved with Tees Valley Law Society throughout her career, initially as the trainee representative and later as a member of the Education & Training Committee.
Helen was only at the beginning of her legal career and already she showed the potential for being one of the best contentious lawyers in the area. She was very well liked and respected by all her clients and professionals with whom she came into contact and will be an enormous loss to the Latimer Hinks family.
Helen’s funeral will take place on Thursday, 14th July at 12.30pm at St Michael’s Church, Heighington followed by a service at Darlington Crematorium. Helen’s family have asked that everyone who attends the funeral wears a vibrant coloured gerbera and for family flowers only. Donations can be made on the day or via the fundraising website below with the proceeds going to St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.
After the service, there will be a celebration of Helen’s life at the George Pub in Heighington and Helen’s family would be pleased if you could join them.