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.

"Bridget has superb ability, speed and interpretation of the law."

"Bridget is excellent and very to the point."

"Her technical knowledge is exceptional and her advocacy, both between parties and on her feet, is impressive."

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.

"Michael is the most inventive mind, a fantastic advocate and very good with clients."

"Michael produces excellent written work and is well liked by clients. He is very down to earth and a nice guy to work with."

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.

"Nageena is able to distil complex areas into bitesize chunks and is fantastic with nervous witnesses."

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.

"Rhys is an excellent barrister. He is superb with clients and has a very personable approach."

"Rhys is well liked by witnesses and a very calming influence. He works well with other counsel and collaboratively with the client."

"Rhys is one of the most respected counsel in the Court of Protection. He is extremely compassionate to the client's needs but he is also a very strong advocate."

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.

"Conrad provides great written advice and is very hard-working and always very sensible and practical."

"Conrad is a meticulous advocate."

"Conrad is a formidable advocate who leaves no stone unturned on behalf of his clients."

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.

"Katharine is so experienced, good tactically and clients love her."

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.

"Susanna has excellent knowledge of CoP law and the ability to grasp complex issues and lengthy documents extremely fast."

"Susanna is very diligent and gets to the important points of a case."

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.

"Anna is an outstanding counsel who is relentless in her advocacy and written skills."

"Anna is so competent and has such good knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act but is also able to explain this so easily to clients who lack capacity."

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.

"David is very good, knowledgeable about picking up unusual cases at the last minute and extremely easy to deal with."

"David is very reasonable and his suggestions and advice are always sensible."

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.

"Debra is outstanding. She is a safe pair of hands, provides user-friendly advice and cuts through to the key points."

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.

"Emma is a force to be reckoned with. She is knowledgeable, approachable and supportive. Her advocacy skills are second to none, especially in complex and challenging matters."

"Emma is very good on complex issues, very pragmatic and direct."

"She is an exceptional barrister, able to tackle the most complicated cases and make it look easy. She is extremely personable and creative."

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.

"Michael always delivers an exceptional service."

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.

"Sophia is an exceptional barrister. She has a wealth of knowledge and is highly skilled at both drafting and advocacy."

"Sophia is a dream to instruct. She seems to like those knotty conundrums. Her forensic skill is unmatched and her research ability comes through."

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.

"Jamie is very meticulous."

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.

"Pravin is on the ball, very relaxed, confident and sensible in difficult circumstances."

"Pravin is a strong advocate and very easy to work with."

"Pravin is a very clear advocate who comes across very well."

Benjamin Harrison is an impressive up-and-coming 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.

"Ben is rapidly developing into a reliable and sophisticated advocate."

"Benjamin is always helpful and very approachable. He is very dedicated to the clients and consistently goes above and beyond to assist."

Jake Rylatt is a well-regarded junior who acts for a broad client base including public bodies and the Official Solicitor. He is particularly adept at handling safeguarding and medical treatment cases.

"Jake has a wealth of knowledge and is able to cut through complex legal issues with ease. He always provides clear, practical and concise advice."

"Jake is a rising star within the Court of Protection. His written work is meticulous."