Mental Health and Court of Protection Team Expansion
As one of the leading North East firms fighting for vulnerable people, we have experienced an increase in demand for our Mental Health, Capacity and Court of Protection services. At Watson Woodhouse, we believe in investing in our people and are always looking for exceptional people to join our firm.
We are delighted to announce the expansion of our team and welcome three new solicitors at Watson Woodhouse.
Alan Davison joined the Middlesbrough Mental Health and Court of Protection team last year and is now working towards his Mental Health Act Accreditation. Also, Rachel Jamieson and Kaitlin Whelan have recently joined the Harrogate Mental Health and Court of Protection team.
Before starting her legal career, Rachel qualified as a Probation Officer in 1993 specialising in female offenders. This led to Rachel representing prisoners before the Parole Board and eventually specialising in Mental Health and Prison Law in Leeds. Rachel is also a panel member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme.
Kaitlin qualified as a solicitor in 2015 whilst working in legal practices across North Yorkshire. She gained experience representing both restricted and non-restricted clients detained in hospitals. Kaitlin is a knowledgeable Mental Health Solicitor working towards her Mental Health Act Accreditation. Furthermore, Kaitlin is an Accredited Member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme.
Alan, Rachel and Kaitlin will join our existing team of Mental Health specialist solicitors, including Peter Lewis and Angela Strike, who regularly represent clients before Mental health Tribunals, Managers Meetings, and Care Plan Meetings for both restricted and unrestricted clients. Both Peter and Angela are members of the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme and have over 30 years of combined experience.
With further assistance from Josh Butterwick, who has worked at Watson Woodhouse for over two years on a mixed load of Court of Protection and Family cases, based in our Stockton branch office. With the increasing need for Court of Protection services, the majority of Josh’s work is now focusing on Mental Health Capacity Law, assisting patients held on a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS), families who have concerns or wish to make decisions on behalf of loved ones who have lost capacity, assisting families and patients with medical choices and many other aspects of health and welfare decisions.
Sarah Magson, Head of Civil Litigation at Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, commented, “I am delighted to announce that Watson Woodhouse Solicitors are expanding their Mental Health and Court of Protection Team, welcoming three new members of the team who collectively have over 20 years of experience dealing with Mental Health Law. The team’s growth means that services have expanded to cover North Yorkshire, which includes Harrogate, York, Scarborough, and the surrounding areas.”
The expansion of our Harrogate office is part of our mission to offer a range of services to the people of Harrogate, York and the surrounding areas. With new additions also joining Family Law, Conveyancing and Criminal law departments.
The expansion of our Harrogate office is part of our mission to offer a range of services to the people of Harrogate, York and the surrounding areas. With new additions also joining Family Law, Conveyancing and Criminal law departments.
What is Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection deals with decisions and actions made under the Mental Capacity Act. They can make financial and welfare decisions on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to make their own decisions. At Watson Woodhouse, we can support you in:
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
- Deputyship Applications
- Medical Treatment Disputes
- Mental Capacity
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
- Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR)
Mental Health and Court of Protection Support:
To find out more about our services and support, please visit our Mental Health and Court of Protection pages or contact us to speak to the team.
The vast majority of Mental Health legal advice is available through legal aid, therefore you may not have to pay for our help. Our Mental Health department can also help you to determine if you qualify for legal aid.
