Maria Nicholas

Court of Protection

Community Care

Management

Maria is a Director at Guile Nicholas and Head of the firm’s Court of Protection Team, which is ranked in Chambers UK 2026. She is passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for individuals and promoting equality and justice for the most vulnerable members of society.

Maria advises and represents individuals who lack capacity, as well as their families and carers, across a wide range of health and welfare matters. Where a person is unable to instruct a solicitor themselves, Maria is often instructed by a litigation friend—most commonly the Official Solicitor. Her work is focused on upholding autonomy, dignity, and the least restrictive solutions in complex and sensitive cases.

Maria is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers and Partners for her expertise in Court of Protection and Community Care matters, and is known for her empathetic approach, thorough knowledge and thoughtful representation of her clients. She has particular experience in:

Mental capacity and best interests

Deprivation of liberty (DoLS and post-LPS cases)

Health and welfare disputes before the Court of Protection

The intersection between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983

Maria leads a growing team of dedicated practitioners and is committed to mentoring future specialists in this evolving and often emotionally demanding area of law.

Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation

I’m dedicated to supporting and representing vulnerable clients with compassion and respect. Leading the Court of Protection team also allows me to mentor the next generation of specialists committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.