Bindmans LLP is noted for its ‘deep knowledge’ in matters at the intersection of mental health, mental capacity, social care and police law, with expertise spanning Court of Protection cases, inquests, public law and community care. The specialist team frequently supports bereaved families at inquests and those facing withdrawal of treatment cases. Practice head Laura Hobey-Hamsher is recognised for her experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters concerning vulnerable individuals, while Basmah Sahib is praised for her ’exceptional’ advocacy before the Mental Health Tribunal. Georgina Byrne regularly acts in Court of Protection proceedings, particularly cases concerning the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher really stands out. Has been dominating the field for years. Brings humanity and effective resolution to litigation. Georgina Byrne is a wonderful communicator who is really great with lay clients, especially those who are vulnerable.’

  • ‘Bindmans easily flexes to healthcare disputes in the Court of Protection with a huge wealth of welfare experience.’

  • ‘We wanted to express our sincere appreciation for the firm's continued support and for being a great team to work alongside. We consistently find the team to be professional and always available to assist our organisation. We also recognise their dedication to helping their clients to the best of their abilities. We appreciate that Bindmans answers queries within an appropriate timeframe and that responses are always appropriate. Excellent service.’

  • ‘Bindmans has a true breadth of expertise across the healthcare sector, from Court of Protection and mental health to public law and community care issues. Clients benefit from a personalised service addressing all of their individual needs in this area.’

  • ‘Basmah Sahib is an exceptional advocate for mental health patients and families involved in inquests. She is always meticulously prepared and compassionate when dealing with complex and emotional situations for clients. Yufei Cui has extensive experience in representing mental health patients before the tribunal.’

  • ‘Yufei Cui was wonderful. Her approach and relationship with clients were highly professional and outstanding.’

Key clients

  • The Law Society
  • Bereaved parents of Melanie Parrish
  • Bereaved parents of Axel Kai Ford, neé Rachael Blessing Ademuyiwa

Work highlights

Advised the Law Society as an Interested Party in appeals to the First-tier (Mental Health) Tribunal concerning whether it was right for two patients’ cases to have been heard in the absence of their legal representatives and in light of evidence that both patients lacked mental capacity to conduct their cases.
Advised the bereaved parents of Melanie Parrish, who died after trying to take her own life, in an Article 2 inquest.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Georgina Byrne

Practice head

Laura Hobey-Hamsher

Other key lawyers

Georgina Byrne; Yufei Cui; Basmah Sahib; Will Whittaker; Emma Varley