Court of Protection: Health & Welfare

Bridget Dolan KC had a previous life as a forensic psychologist and is an accomplished silk in regard to complex mental capacity issues. She is particularly adept at dealing with cases involving end-of-life decisions for people in minimally conscious states. She is frequently instructed on behalf of incapable persons and on behalf of the Official Solicitor.

Michael Mylonas KC is head of the Court of Protection team and a vastly experienced silk who draws particular praise for his work handling medical treatment and welfare cases. He is often instructed in complex cross-border issues. He receives instructions from a broad range of clients, including NHS trusts, patients and the Official Solicitor, and is known for his sensitive and pragmatic handling of medical cases.

Nageena Khalique KC is a renowned silk with a broad practice that encompasses cases concerning deprivation of liberty safeguards, serious medical treatment and sexual abuse. She is instructed by a range of clients, including NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups and the Official Solicitor.

Rhys Hadden is experienced across a broad range of Court of Protection cases, including those concerning deprivation of liberty and areas of overlap with human rights law. He often represents family members, local authorities and the Official Solicitor.

Anna Tkaczynska acts in a wide range of welfare matters. She is particularly adept at handling cases concerning deprivation of liberty, and represents local authorities, trusts, clinical commissioning groups and relevant person's representatives. She is frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor. Her broad expertise extends to human rights claims arising from Court of Protection proceedings.

Conrad Hallin has a breadth of experience in the Court of Protection and is instructed by a broad range of clients, including the Official Solicitor, local authorities and NHS trusts. He is particularly experienced in serious medical treatment cases, including applications for life-saving medical treatment, end-of-life withdrawal of medical treatment, and treatment of suicidal patients.

Emma Sutton KC represents a range of clients that includes English and Welsh local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and family members. Her practice encompasses cases concerning capacity, serious medical treatment, and health and welfare applications involving various decisions about care requirements. Her health and welfare practice is complemented by her broad expertise in public law.

Katharine Gollop KC is an established barrister in serious medical treatment cases in the Court of Protection and Family Division. She is instructed in cases requiring specific speed and skill in this area. Acting primarily for NHS trusts, she is often involved in high-profile and sensitive matters.

As a former specialist lawyer at the Official Solicitor's office, Sophia Roper KC is highly sought after in medical treatment and welfare cases. She is instructed in matters involving the interface between mental health and mental capacity law.

Susanna Rickard's wide-ranging experience in the Court of Protection encompasses cases relating to healthcare, welfare and financial decisions. She is known for her work in 'life and death' matters, as well as those concerning best-interest decisions. She most frequently acts for families, patients and trusts.

Claire Watson KC has a strong reputation in the Court of Protection; she is regularly instructed in complex best interest cases, deprivation of liberty matters and withdrawal of treatment issues, among numerous other matters.

David Lawson has a broad practice in the Court of Protection that encompasses cases concerning deprivation of liberty, capacity to engage in sexual relations and removals to a place of safety. He is particularly adept at handling serious medical treatment.

Debra Powell KC excels in health and welfare cases and is particularly well known for handling matters concerning end-of-life care, and welfare decisions such as those concerning residence and contact. She frequently acts for health and social service bodies, as well as for private entities and the Official Solicitor.

Michael Horne KC is principally known for his work in cases which relate to applications involving serious medical treatment. He is adept at acting for the full range of parties in Court of Protection proceedings, although the majority of his instructions come from NHS trusts and the Official Solicitor. His Court of Protection practice is rooted in a broad healthcare practice which informs his understanding of complex medical issues.

Benjamin Harrison is an impressive junior barrister with a growing Court of Protection practice. He has particular in-depth expertise in mental capacity law. He is also frequently sought to act for the Official Solicitor as well as local authorities.

Jamie Mathieson has developed an impressive Court of Protection practice spanning a wide range of health and welfare matters. He acts on matters concerning personal autonomy and capacity to engage in sexual activity, life-sustaining treatment and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Pravin Fernando is a well-regarded junior with notable experience in medical treatment cases involving the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and emergency treatment. He is also noted for his expert handling of disputes concerning capacity to consent to sexual relations and to use the internet. His varied client list includes local authorities, CCGs, family members and the Official Solicitor.