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.’
- ‘I have worked with Laura Hobey-Hamsher, Will Whittaker, Georgina Byrne and Paradise Bidkalameh on some of the most challenging and serious medical treatment matters in the Court of Protection and at inquest, including withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from adults and children, and life-threatening, severe and enduring anorexia. The quality of legal services they provide is off the scale in terms of its personalisation and deep knowledge of the law.’
- 'Really brilliant people working a range of connected areas and therefore able to take a bird's-eye view of the issues.'
- ‘Yufei Cui was wonderful. Her approach and relationship with clients were highly professional and outstanding.’
- ‘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.’
- ‘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.’
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.
Practice head
Laura Hobey-Hamsher
Other key lawyers
Georgina Byrne; Yufei Cui; Basmah Sahib; Will Whittaker; Emma Varley