Weightmans LLP fields ‘a team of robust, pragmatic and ruthlessly efficient lawyers’ which ’makes them well placed to represent public authorities across the country’. The practice is ’well-known for its efficient and pragmatic advice‘, and deals with a wide range of health and welfare, and property and financial affairs-related matters. It acts for a large number of local authorities and NHS Trusts, as well as private health and social care providers. Ben Troke, who joined the team from Hill Dickinson LLP in October 2023, Simon Goacher, Richard Jolly, Richard Bate, and Sarah Louise Walker all head the department. Morris Hill is another key member of the department.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Top of their game; a go-to firm for healthcare-related matters.'
‘A team with a national reach and an ability to support clients - particularly healthcare bodies - with the range of issues that crop up in CoP cases.’
‘Jill Weston is absolutely encyclopaedic! Hugely experienced and it shows - feels like there's nothing about healthcare law which she doesn't know. Which is an enormous strength when acting for public bodies under significant financial and legal pressure.'
- 'Morris Hill is a delight. Fantastic public lawyer who can get up to speed incredibly quickly in even the most complex cases.’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and highly respected, and carry out work to a very high standard.’
‘Beverley Beale is a Panel Deputy on the list of court-approved professionals who can be appointed to act as someone's deputy for the Property & Financial Affairs. Bev's knowledge, experience and professionalism makes her a 'go-to' choice.’
‘Morris Hill is engaging, bright, and personable. He offers pragmatic advice without losing sight of his client's best interests.’
‘Morris Hill is the lynchpin of the Court of Protection and Adult Social Care team. He oozes knowledge of community care law, set against a focus on the underlying public law context, and is an expert on defensible decision making.'
Key clients
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Derbyshire County Council
- Gateshead MBC
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council
- Wigan MBC
- Wakefield MBC
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
- North West Ambulance NHS Trust
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ben Troke; Simon Goacher; Richard Jolly; Richard Bate; Sarah Louise Walker
Other key lawyers
Morris Hill; Jill Weston; Beverley Beale