Practice Areas
I am a partner and National Head of the Public Law & Human Rights department, with well over 20 years’ experience advising and representing individuals, families, and organisations in some of the most challenging and sensitive disputes they may ever face. I lead a national team that supports clients when decisions made by public bodies have a deep impact on their lives.
I specialise in public law and human rights disputes, regularly representing parties in the Court of Protection and the High Court. I’m frequently appointed by the court as an Accredited Legal Representative, acting independently for people whose mental capacity, personal welfare, or deprivation of liberty arrangements are under review by the court. I understand that these cases often involve safeguarding vulnerable individuals and deeply personal issues, and I bring a compassionate approach alongside firm advocacy.
I’m consistently noted for my expertise in the UK’s leading independent legal guides. I am in The Legal 500's Hall of Fame for Court of Protection, Healthcare and am ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ by Chambers and Partners, Public Law and Civil Liberties. Independent directories call me "... one of the most experienced practitioners in the Court of Protection", and a "brilliant lawyer who is very good at spotting new areas where lawyers need to be active. He's got a zen-like calm to him and is phenomenally impressive." and "... a dream to work with."
I was named Social Welfare Lawyer of the Year at the Legal Aid Lawyers Awards. I have a strong sense of social responsibility and have held several governance and trustee roles, including serving as a school governor for ten years (four as chair), a trustee, and board member of the Independent Living Fund for seven years.
I’m currently a trustee and board member of the Royal Mencap Society and Mencap Trust Company. Through these roles, I have worked closely with senior leadership to drive improvement, manage change, and protect the interests of those most in need of a strong voice.
I have a specialist practice in medical treatment disputes. Access to medical treatment and other clinical disputes often raise legal arguments relating to ‘dignity’, the ‘right to life’ or the ‘right to healthcare’. These are emotive subjects and disputes, and I work closely with clients to help them navigate these issues. I was invited to give oral evidence to a parliamentary bill committee to improve legislation.
I regularly advise on education law, including school disputes and governance, helping families and institutions resolve complex challenges.
I represent people in state investigations, public inquiries and coronial inquests.
My public law work includes representing organisations and professionals in commercial and regulatory judicial review proceedings, providing strategic advice where public decision making impacts commercial operations, professional practice or procurement processes.
