Hugh Jones Solicitors

Court of Protection

Elizabeth Hughes (qualified 2009), was appointed Managing Director of the firm in 2022, is recognised in the Legal 500 as a Leading Partner and was formerly Head of the firm’s Court of Protection team having joined us in 2013.

Since her appointment as Managing Director, she has retained oversight of the work of the Court of Protection team, continuing to act in complex work and building an outstanding reputation as an expert witness.

Her experience in the field includes:

Acting as property and affairs deputy for clients who have impairments due to acquired brain injury, deteriorating illnesses, learning disability and mental health;

Deputyships for clients who have ongoing PI or clin neg litigation including the management of £multimillion awards;

Administering “panel” deputyships which often involve complex legal issues, sensitive family issues and depleted estates;

Financial abuse investigations;

Applications to call in security bonds;

CoP applications including applications for the appointment of a deputy, statutory will applications, gift applications, applications for approval of gratuitous/family care payments, applications for retrospective approval of a decision and applications for the approval of a property purchase;

Contested CoP proceedings.

Applications for the discharge of a Protected Party who has recovered capacity to make their own property and affairs decisions;

Representing lay deputies in proceedings brought by the Office of the Public Guardian.

Liz has extensive experience of acting on behalf of claimants who lack capacity in pre-settlement catastrophic injury litigation. This commonly involves the management of interim funds which are used to fund extensive rehabilitation packages, specialist equipment and adapted property purchases.

Liz enjoys visiting clients regularly and working closely with their relatives, case managers, carers and others involved in their care. She feels it is important to ensure that clients receive the appropriate level of support whilst remaining independent and confident to make those financial decisions that they are able to make for themselves.

As an expert witness, she is regularly instructed to give advice, witness statements and Part 35 reports on all aspects of the costs of the management of affairs, CoP practice and mental capacity issues.

She is listed as a Leading Partner in Legal 500 2026 and in Tier 3 by Chambers, 2026.

https://www.hughjonessolicitors.co.uk/people/directors/elizabeth-hughes/

Interview with Liz, from Realm Recruit in February 2022

In the Legal 500 2022, Liz is again listed as a 'Next Generation Partner' - client testimonials:

'Elizabeth Hughes is extremely knowledgeable but at the same time approachable and personable.  Elizabeth is pragmatic in her approach and in my experience has always reached the outcome before others have got there'

In Legal 500 2021 - client testimonials:

‘Elizabeth Hughes is committed to her clients and strives to provide the best possible service. She is communicative and receptive to suggestions to resolve complex issues, giving possible solutions balanced and fair consideration. Liz is friendly and approachable to her clients and other professionals and will seek advice from her colleagues to ensure that as much information is available when required and the client receives a positive and supportive service.’

‘Liz Hughes provides robust pragmatic advice and opinions, in a cost-effective and always timely manner.’

‘Elizabeth Hughes has a very caring nature and is very empathetic.’

In the Legal 500 2020, Liz is acknowledged as a 'Next Generation Lawyer - 'Elizabeth Hughes is recommended by clients as a 'trusted pair of hands' with clients commenting 'Liz Hughes has provided excellent service. She is calm and knowledgeable.'

In Chambers 2022 Liz is ranked in Band 3:

'Elizabeth Hughes is well versed in matters involving substantial foreign property and assets as well as statutory will and gift applications. She has further experience acting as an expert witness.

"Elizabeth Hughes is very friendly, professional and approachable."'

In Chambers 2021

'Elizabeth Hughes is well versed in matters involving substantial foreign property and assets as well as statutory will and gift applications. She has further experience acting as an expert witness.

"She is very helpful and always supportive of the client.'

September 2019 - Elizabeth Hughes has also been recognised by Barclays as one of 2019’s Women of Achievement as part of the bank’s Women of the Year initiative.

Trained Pannone LLP, qualified 2009; solicitor Pannone 2009 – 2013;

Hugh Jones Solicitors 2013 to date (director 2015).

St Augustine's High School; Leeds University (LLB 2004); College of Law (LPC, 2006)