Business Details
Expert Legal Representation for Mental Health & Capacity Law Cases
We are a highly specialist law firm dedicated to mental health and mental capacity law, representing clients both privately and under legal aid. Our firm was awarded a specialist contract in Mental Health Law by the Legal Aid Agency, reflecting our deep expertise and commitment to this niche area. Richard Charlton, our lead solicitor, is a globally recognized practitioner with over two decades of experience, including being the first Legal Aid Mental Health Lawyer of the Year in 2004. He has held leadership roles in the Mental Health Lawyers Association and serves as a Law Society Assessor for mental health tribunals.Our team combines extensive legal knowledge with a compassionate approach to advocate for clients' rights, particularly those detained under the Mental Capacity Act or facing challenges with public authorities. We have successfully influenced policy changes, such as restoring free legal aid for certain cases, and maintain a strong reputation in the Chambers Law Directory since 2005. Our services are underpinned by a commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and client-centric advocacy, ensuring clients receive tailored support in complex legal matters.
Services
Mental Health Law Representation
Mental Capacity Act Cases
Legal Aid Services
Court of Protection Applications
Public Authorities' Duties
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience in mental health and capacity law.
- Our lead solicitor was the first Legal Aid Mental Health Lawyer of the Year.
- We are consistently ranked in the Chambers Law Directory since 2005.
- Our team includes Law Society Assessors for mental health tribunals.
- We secured the restoration of free legal aid for Mental Capacity Act detainees.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Aid Agency
What people say
Changed her life
Brilliant in handling cases
Saved my life
Outstanding support
Highly experienced
Services
Mental Health Law Representation
We provide expert legal representation for clients detained under the Mental Health Act, ensuring their rights are protected. Our services include tribunal representation, challenging unlawful detention, and securing appropriate aftercare. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of mental health legislation and a track record of successful outcomes in complex cases.
Mental Capacity Act Cases
Our firm specializes in cases involving the Mental Capacity Act, including Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. We assist clients in planning for future incapacity and challenging decisions affecting their autonomy. Our approach combines legal precision with compassionate support to safeguard clients' interests.
Legal Aid Services
We offer legal aid-eligible services for mental health and capacity cases, ensuring access to justice for all clients. This includes representation in tribunals, court proceedings, and challenges against public authorities. Our expertise in securing legal aid ensures clients receive necessary support regardless of financial circumstances.
Court of Protection Applications
We handle applications to the Court of Protection for financial and welfare decisions on behalf of individuals lacking capacity. Our services include drafting applications, representing clients in hearings, and challenging local authority decisions. We prioritize clients' best interests while navigating complex legal frameworks.
Public Authorities' Duties
We represent clients in disputes with local and health authorities regarding statutory support obligations. This includes challenging inadequate services, securing needs assessments, and ensuring compliance with legal duties. Our advocacy ensures public authorities fulfill their responsibilities to vulnerable individuals.
People
Richard Charlton
Director
Richard Charlton is a leading mental health lawyer with over 25 years of experience. He was the first Legal Aid Mental Health Lawyer of the Year and chairs the Mental Health Lawyers Association's Court of Protection Subcommittee. His expertise has influenced policy changes, including restoring legal aid for Mental Capacity Act cases.
Bharati Gidoomal
Director
Bharati Gidoomal is a solicitor with extensive experience in mental health and capacity law. She has represented clients in reported cases involving community care, unlawful detention, and local authority challenges. Her work focuses on protecting clients' rights through strategic legal advocacy.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in mental health law, mental capacity law, and challenges against public authorities under the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act.
Do you offer legal aid services?
Yes, we provide legal aid-eligible services for mental health and capacity cases, ensuring access to justice for eligible clients.
Can you help with Court of Protection applications?
Yes, we handle Court of Protection applications for financial and welfare decisions, including challenging local authority actions.
How do you support clients with mental capacity issues?
We assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney, capacity assessments, and advocating for clients' rights in care and financial decisions.
What experience do you have with public authority challenges?
We have extensive experience challenging local and health authorities' failures to provide statutory support, securing improved outcomes for clients.
