Department profile
Bindmans LLP

Court of Protection: Health & Welfare

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Bindmans LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Bindmans LLP

Our specialist Court of Protection team advises and represents clients in both contentious and non-contentious matters involving the health and welfare, property and financial affairs, and medical treatment of vulnerable adults and children.

We act in a broad range of cases, from high-profile and landmark matters to those that may never make the headlines but have a significant impact on individuals and their families. Our solicitors regularly act for family members, advocates, the Official Solicitor, attorneys, deputies, trustees, NGOs, charitable organisations and commercial bodies.

With extensive expertise in mental capacity law and best interests decision-making, our lawyers can assist with:

  • Medical treatment cases
  • Health and welfare matters, including safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse or potential abuse.
  • Applications for Deputyship and issues relating to Lasting Powers of Attorney.
  • International abductions and cross-border disputes.
  • Challenges to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations.
  • Reporting restrictions, anonymisation and media attendance at proceedings.
  • Claims involving breaches of Articles 2, 5 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Our Court of Protection solicitors are recognised for combining compassion with practical, effective legal advice. Whether dealing with sensitive personal matters or complex legal disputes, we provide clear guidance and robust representation to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Court of Protection: Health & Welfare - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bindmans has a highly respected Court of Protection team proficient in handling the full range of health and welfare cases, with a strong emphasis on matters involving human rights issues. The firm is routinely sought out for representation in complex and sensitive matters, including serious medical treatment, mental health and mental capacity cases. It is also adept at handling cases with challenging cross-border aspects.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A completely fantastic team with across the board expertise and the ability to manage difficult litigation effectively. They are compassionate but robust.

    Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
  • They provide excellent partner engagement, really brilliant client care and a pragmatic approach to achieving results for vulnerable clients.

    Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsLaura Hobey-Hamsher
    Star IndividualsLaura Hobey-Hamsher

    Laura Hobey-Hamsher

    Laura Hobey-Hamsher maintains an impressive reputation for dealing with sensitive welfare and medical treatment matters, such as the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and refusal of medical care. She also advises on capacity issues concerning residence and travel abroad as well as deprivation of liberty matters.
    • She is the best, full stop, and exactly who I would want in my corner.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • Laura's advice was spot on and we are so grateful for everything she has done for our family. We feel beyond fortunate to have found Laura.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • Laura is the first person I would recommend, she is one of the best.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • Laura is very good on detail and at considering and identifying issues others wouldn't spot.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • Laura is an absolute national leader in her field. She is good at managing highly emotional situations, yet pragmatic her in approach. If you can instruct her, she is the person you want.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
  • Star AssociatesGeorgina Byrne
    Star AssociatesGeorgina Byrne

    Georgina Byrne

    Georgina Byrne has quickly established a strong reputation for her work on a range of health and welfare matters. She regularly assists on cases concerning accommodation and care decisions.

    • Georgina is knowledgeable, dedicated and hard-working.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • She is very conscious of trying to find the most practical and proportionate way forward.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • She is excellent and a rising star in the Court of Protection.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • A brilliant communicator, who is great to work with and highly effective in litigation.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
  • Associates to watchEmma Varley
    Associates to watchEmma Varley

    Emma Varley

    Emma Varley handles a variety of health and welfare matters, including care and residence issues and disputed medical treatments. She also has a focus on complex cases concerning marriage and sexual relationships.

    • Emma is brilliant and knows what she is doing. She is very good technically and also friendly and personable.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • A really fantastic all round lawyer who goes the extra mile for clients and knows what judges need.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
    • Emma is a brilliant Court of Protection solicitor.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK
  • Associates to watchWill Whitaker
    Associates to watchWill Whitaker

    Will Whitaker

    Will Whitaker is often instructed by the Official Solicitor as well as family members of individuals lacking capacity. He handles a wide range of health and welfare matters, with notable skill handling high-risk individuals.

    • He is a very safe pair of hands and great with clients.

      Court of Protection: Health & Welfare respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Bindmans LLP (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Bindmans LLP

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