Merry specialises in Human Rights and Public Law claims and works with Frances Swaine in the Human Rights Department.

Before coming to Leigh Day Merry trained at Linklaters, who seconded her to both Mary Ward Legal Centre and Liberty's Human Rights Litigation Unit. Having qualified, Merry spent several years working at Liberty and was responsible for establishing and running a human rights advice service dedicated to voluntary sector and community organisations. Merry has also lectured to voluntary sector organisations, solicitors, law students and schools on the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights. Merry still volunteers for Liberty's Human Rights Public Advice Line and has also been involved in the Working Group of the British Muslim Human Rights Centre.

Merry has experience in advising on a wide range of human rights issues and bringing public law proceedings in the domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights. Merry's particular interest is in personal autonomy issues, mental capacity, discrimination, and human rights in the context of social welfare.

Merry works as assistant to Frances Swaine and is currently involved with litigation in the European Court of Human Rights, inquests, community care matters, abuse claims and access to healthcare.

Merry is currently on maternity leave.

Contact details:
Merry Varney
Solicitor
T: 020 7650 1200
E: mvarney@leighday.co.uk