Court of Protection: Property & Affairs
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
0333 016 2222About
Provided by Hugh James
Hugh James has a fully multidisciplinary Court of Protection department, led by Tom Hall, comprised of not just specialist lawyers, but a qualified social worker and accountant. The team has a significant presence in Cardiff, Manchester and London.
The department specialises in all matters concerning property and financial affairs for individuals lacking capacity, to include acting as professional property and financial affairs deputy, preparing complex applications to the Court of Protection to include applications relating to statutory wills. Hugh James also has expertise in dealing with contested applications in the Court of Protection, as well as providing assistance to local authorities in applications to the Court relating to the deprivation of liberty safeguards.
As result of a recent acquisition, Hugh James is now the third biggest Court of Protection department in the country in with 36 members of staff, managing approximately 300 deputyships and 100 personal injury trusts with assets worth in the region of £445m.
Chambers Review
Hugh James specialises in Court of Protection matters concerning clients awarded substantial damages as the result of personal injury or clinical negligence. The firm is regularly appointed to oversee the management of financial affairs, care packages and property purchases on behalf of clients lacking capacity or with complex care needs. The team expertly handles claims made in the event of brain and spinal injury.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Hugh James team is absolutely amazing. They are prompt at responding, compassionate and professional."
"They have a very human approach with their clients and a huge depth of experience in the team to review and advise on complex matters."
"Hugh James provides excellent, client-focused services."
"They’re very pragmatic and logical with their approach and I know there’s always someone there I can contact when needed."
"A team of excellent solicitors with outstanding understanding and experience in the field. They all work together to ensure smooth, prompt and professional resolutions."
"The Hugh James team is absolutely amazing. They are prompt at responding, compassionate and professional."
"They have a very human approach with their clients and a huge depth of experience in the team to review and advise on complex matters."
"Hugh James provides excellent, client-focused services."
"They’re very pragmatic and logical with their approach and I know there’s always someone there I can contact when needed."
"A team of excellent solicitors with outstanding understanding and experience in the field. They all work together to ensure smooth, prompt and professional resolutions."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Harding acts as deputy for individuals with acquired brain injury following personal injury and clinical negligence. He routinely assists with financial affairs and property management issues, including complex wills and gift applications.
"Andrew has a huge reputation."
Christine Bunting frequently acts as a financial deputy on behalf of vulnerable individuals as well as advising lay deputies and trustees on a range of matters including financial abuse and safeguarding issues. She is often called upon as an expert witness in complex matters.
"Christine Bunting is very experienced and knowledgeable within her area of expertise. She takes a very practical approach to matters, and is always available to discuss issues."
Kelly Knight provides support on property and financial matters for clients lacking capacity following personal injury and clinical negligence. She also assists with ongoing statutory funding issues.
"Kelly is fantastic - compassionate, professional, prompt and caring."
"She has an excellent understanding of her clients' needs and tailors her service around the clients."
"Her level-headed pragmatic approach helps clients through difficult times."