Under the joint leadership of Stephen Richards and Julia Abrey, Withers LLP is ‘at the absolute forefront of this practice area, appearing in the biggest cases’, acting for families, trustees, executors, charities and other professional groups. The practice is skilled at advising on disabled trusts and on advance decisions to refuse medical treatment. Significantly too, it has considerable international capabilities and is highly regarded for its ability to handle complex cross-border capacity issues. Richards advises both complainants and respondents on investigations by the Office of the Public Guardian. Increasingly, Richards advises families where a vulnerable member (often with cognitive decline) has suffered financial abuse, and cases concerning sectioning under the Mental Health Act. Abrey has particular strength in cross-border capacity issues, while Paul Hewitt advises on contentious Court of Protection matters relating to financial, health and welfare matters. Natasha Stourton’s expertise includes advising on statutory wills, lifetime gifts and powers of attorney. Sarah Aughwane was promoted to the partnership in July 2024. Alice Tomlin is another key name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Stephen Richards combines deep legal knowledge, a practical approach to problem-solving, excellent leadership, and a lovely way with clients. Ros Russell is incredibly phlegmatic, dealing with difficult opponents, worried clients, and the road bumps of litigation equally well.’
‘They have a highly knowledgeable and efficient team of fee earners -Stephen Richards and Natasha Stourton. They are a market leader and the firm that I would want on my side in a COP dispute.’
‘Stephen Richards has a brilliant feel for COP litigation. He is a talented lawyer with a good understanding of both the underlying legal issues and the tactical decisions that need to be made in litigation.'
'Other team members with considerable COP experience include Rosalind Russell. On the non-contentious side Julia Abrey (now a consultant) is a highly experienced private client adviser with an outstanding knowledge of elderly clients and capacity assessments.’
‘Withers are market leaders in their cross-jurisdictional Court of Protection offering and this means they are uniquely placed to support and advise those clients who have already or are looking to relocate.'
'Alice Tomlin - we have always found her to be approachable, pragmatic and professional. Julia Abrey is an expert in the field and her knowledge of mental capacity law and cross jurisdictional issues is second to none.’
Work highlights
Advised GP Hinduja and three of his siblings in complex Court of Protection proceedings arising from his brother SP's loss of capacity and social isolation.
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Practice head
Stephen Richards; Julia Abrey
Other key lawyers
Paul Hewitt; Natasha Stourton; Sarah Aughwane; Rosalind Russell; Alice Tomlin; Deborah Nicholls-Carr