Kings Chambers is home to numerous barristers who are sought after for their expertise across a range of Court of Protection matters and their experience in representing local authorities and NHS trusts, patients, and litigation friends. Sam Karim KC leads the Court of Protection team and is well-known for his significant experience in serious medical treatment-related cases, as is Helen Mulholland KC, who boasts expertise in cases surrounding organ transplants, amputations, and life support. Of recent note, Karim KC represented the Official Solicitor in Re A (Covert Medication), in which the Court of Appeal defined the test around covert medication. Ifsa Mahmood specialises in Court of Protection work and is particularly strong in the health and welfare arena. Richard Borrett has handled High Court inherent jurisdiction matters, and Sophie Allan is well-known for her skill in deprivation of liberty cases, as well as those involving applications for non-disclosure or closed proceedings. Sophie Hurst is another key practitioner at the set and has extensive knowledge on the Mental Health Act 1983 and Care Act 2014.

The members housed at St John’s Buildings are well-equipped to handle a range of Court of Protection matters, from deprivation of liberty and medical treatment and termination cases, to allegations of human rights infringements. Lorraine Cavanagh KC boasts particular expertise in cases involving young adults that intercede with family law proceedings, as well as mandates surrounding capacity for sexual relations and medical treatments. Turning to some of the set’s juniors, Laura Twist routinely handles serious medical treatment cases, as well as financial Court of Protection matters, including the removal of attorneys and the contesting of deputy appointments. Lucinda France-Hayhurst‘s caseload includes mandates surrounding personal welfare, deprivation of liberty, and complex capacity issues, and she is praised as ‘technically brilliant‘.

The members at Garden Court North Chambers routinely act for the Official Solicitor, litigation friends, and legal representatives, as well as family members and public authorities. Head of chambers Kerry Smith predominantly represents the protected party or relatives, with notable expertise in challenges to deprivation of liberty, as well as property and affairs mandates. Deputy head of chambers Ben McCormack routinely represents a variety of clients, including the Official Solicitor, family members, and public bodies, and he is particularly adept in complex welfare and medical treatment cases. Elizabeth Mottershaw is sought after for her expertise in advising on capacity and best interest issues, and she represents clients with a wide range of mental health, capacity, and learning disability issues, as well as their family members.