Our barristers have considerable experience in advising clients who lack Capacity and those who present with;-
- Mental illness/disorder
- Learning difficulties
- Special needs
We provide both sympathetic and practical advice and appreciate that such issues often arise as a matter of urgency; therefore, we have arrangements in place to provide advice and representation at short notice.
One of our Counsel, Douglas Taylor, has been a Tribunal Judge of the Mental Health Review Tribunal since 1996 (as well as sitting as a Deputy District Judge since 1999).
We accept instructions to represent patients, their families, health authorities, local authorities, the Official Solicitor and the Home Office in: -
- Tribunals (First and Upper Tiers)
- The High Court and County Court
- The Court of Protection
We are often instructed in applications to displace Nearest Relatives. We recognise that mental illness is often a feature of cases in other areas of practice, e.g. family or housing, and we are experienced at combining our expertise so as to provide comprehensive advice whatever the nature of the proceedings.
We have extensive experience in pursuing complaints and/or judicial review of decisions made by public authorities, where there is an emphasis on a client's mental health and/or community care needs.
We advise individuals and public authorities, upon the whole spectrum of law relating to the provision of community care, for all ages groups, including: -
- Residential accommodation,
- Provision of care within the home,
- Funding of care, including the law relating to funding of care for elderly relatives by their family.
We are also able to assist in appeals concerning social security benefits.
Our members are able to provide assistance with regard to Social Housing disputes and judicial review of community care decisions.
