The members of St John’s Buildings frequently act in cases concerning deprivation of liberty, serious medical treatment, and the human rights of vulnerable adults. Joseph O’Brien KC and Lorraine Cavanagh KC are the key silks in this arena, and Cavanagh KC has a particular interest in cases conquering young adults in family proceedings. Turning to the juniors, Lucinda France-Hayhurst is skilled at handling cases regarding the capacity to consent to sexual relations, experimental treatment, and inherent jurisdiction. Serious medical treatment cases and best interest disputes form a core part of Laura Twist‘s practice. Eleanor Keehan frequently acts on behalf of the Official Solicitor, local authorities, and health bodies, as well as family members, and she is also on the National Executive Committee of CoPPA.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks always do what they can to assist.'
- 'The clerks I have liaised with have all been helpful and friendly, always ready to offer solutions to problems, and very quick to respond to requests.'
- 'St John’s Buildings has a remarkable set of barristers practicing in Court of Protection health and welfare disputes. Their annual training day is well attended and provides an insightful overview of recent developments in the law. '
- 'This chambers has a really good offering of practitioners in the Court of Protection and family proceedings, both from the perspective of direct instruction and interactions within cases where barristers have acted for other parties.'
- 'St Johns Buildings are a very strong public law and human rights set, with many barristers who have a wealth of knowledge and who are highly sought after.'
Lawyers
Leading silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Joseph O’Brien KC
Leading juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
