We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sonya Bruen as a partner in our Health & Prosecutions team. Sonya works with TUSLA the Child and Family Agency and other health providers, charities and agencies advising on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons.

Sonya has particular expertise in the area of fair procedures, judicial review, children’s rights and accountability in child protection. She is also a qualified social worker and practised in child protection and welfare with the HSE for a number of years before re-training as a lawyer.

Sonya has developed tailored legal training programmes for professionals with specific focus on the legislative framework of child protection in Ireland, including workshops and information sessions. She has also collaborated with Trinity College Dublin to establish a new legal training module for social work students on online, undergraduate, masters and post graduate courses.

Commenting on her appointment, Brian Horkan, Partner and Head of Health & Prosecutions, said “We are delighted to announce Sonya’s appointment. She has extensive experience of dealing with complex court proceedings in wardship and child care matters, and works closely with clients and colleagues to help with the practical application of relevant legislation to social work practice.”

Sonya added “I am very pleased to join the partnership and continue the work of the Health & Prosecutions team with state agencies to safeguard vulnerable children and persons. This is critical work which has continued throughout the pandemic, thanks to the dedication of social work teams, practitioners and the courts.”

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the Law Society of Ireland, Sonya has been with Mason Hayes & Curran LLP since 2011.