With over 35 years of experience in the legal sector, Alison is Head of Switalskis Court of Protection – Health and Welfare department. She is a Higher Rights Civil Advocate and a member of the Law Society's panel of Accredited Legal Representatives.

Alison specialises in complex cases involving vulnerable individuals, particularly those related to health and welfare, deprivation of liberty, and best interests decisions. Her previous role as a Children Panel solicitor provides her with unique insight into matters involving the transition of young people into adult social care. She is frequently instructed in crossover cases, ensuring continuity for clients and their families.

Alison is known for her expertise, compassion and commitment to protecting the rights of individuals. She will be the compere on the day.

Janet is a consultant neuropsychiatrist with particular expertise in the assessment and clinical management of neurological disorders, brain injury, Tourette's disorder and ADHD.

She has worked extensively within the NHS as an older persons' neuropsychiatrist and consultant, leading inpatient neurobehavioural and acute neuropsychiatric units, and as a community neuropsychiatrist. For the last 10 years Janet has been in private practice and provided specialist reports in Court of Protection and personal injury cases.

Janet is regularly instructed by solicitors, local authorities and the Official Solicitor in complex cases concerning neuropsychiatric needs and capacity. A leader in her field, Janet has over 40 published papers and presentations including on topics like dementia supporting vulnerable patients in court.

Neil is a barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester. For the last 15 years he has specialised in the Mental Health Act 1983 and is an advisor to the Quality Care Commission's Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Advisory Group . His cases of involve welfare issues like residence, care, contact, sexual relations, and internet use.

Neil has a strong academic and practical interest in mental capacity, mental health and human rights law. He trains professionals across sectors, including NHS staff, doctors, social workers, local authority teams and legal professionals. He also provides pro bono services through his Dementia Law Clinic.

Neil is regularly instructed by local authorities, the Public Guardian, the Official Solicitor and family members of the vulnerable. Neil has been involved in landmark cases including Cheshire West, N v ACCG, and Re X.

Judge Simon Burrows is a Circuit Judge with a specialist background in mental health and mental capacity law. His work predominantly involves Court of Protection proceedings concerning welfare, deprivation of liberty and medical treatment decisions.

He is frequently instructed to advise on appeals against First-tier Tribunal decisions, community treatment orders and complex issues at the intersection of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, particularly where placement and care arrangements are not in dispute, but legal complications arise.

Applications under s.21A of the Mental Capacity Act are also a common feature of Judge Burrows’ work. He is also increasingly involved in cases concerning the use and misuse of community treatment orders and where guardianship is used as a means of depriving patients of their liberty.

Lucinda is a barrister at St John's Buildings. She specialises in complex Court of Protection cases and handling matters where care and Court of Protection proceedings overlap. Her other areas include deprivation of liberty, honour-based violence, forced marriage and capacity to consent to sexual relations.

Lucinda represents local authorities in judicial review proceedings and disputes regarding ordinary residence. She brings significant experience in welfare and property matters within the Court of Protection. She is a qualified children's arbitrator and trained mediator.

She appears regularly in the High Court and is instructed by local authorities, the Official Solicitor and family members. Known for her confident advocacy and engaging speaking style, Lucinda frequently lectures and delivers CPD training across the country.

Sam is a KC, barrister and Head of the Kings Chambers Court of Protection team, he has specialised in mental capacity law since the Mental Capacity Act was introduced. Since then, Sam has played a key role in shaping case law, acting in several high-profile cases, including Re B, AP v Tameside MBC, and Secretary of State for Justice v Staffordshire CC.

Sam is regularly instructed in applications involving medical treatment, end-of-life care, and social welfare decisions. He also advises on complex property and affairs issues, including deputyship disputes, contested LPAs and statutory wills.

He is instructed by the Official Solicitor, families, local authorities, NHS bodies and private care providers. Sam also advises on the overlap between the Court of Protection and personal injury litigation.

Ben is a barrister and deputy head of Garden Court North Chambers. He specialises in mental capacity, public law and housing law cases. His focus is on protecting the rights of disabled adults and vulnerable individuals.

Ben acts in a range of Court of Protection cases involving health and welfare decisions, deprivation of liberty, enduring powers of attorney, and property and financial matters. He also appears in guardianship and nearest relative displacement proceedings, as well as civil claims where capacity issues arise.

Ben specialises in legal aid work and has a sound understanding of the systems that must be navigated to secure it. He is regularly instructed by individuals, family members, local authorities and advocacy organisations. Ben is committed to making the law more accessible and inclusive.

Joseph is a KC, barrister and head of Court of Protection at St John's Buildings. He is a specialist in deprivation of liberty and Court of Protection. His work spans medical treatment, welfare disputes, and property and affairs.

Joseph’s experience of public law, human rights, mental health and personal injury/clinical negligence ensures that his advice and representation is of the highest quality. He also practises in personal injury, clinical and professional negligence, employment law, adult social care and human rights. Joseph is regularly instructed by local authorities, NHS bodies, clinical commissioning groups and the Official Solicitor.

He has appeared in many high-profile cases, including leading for the appellant in the Supreme Court case P v Cheshire West and Chester Council [2014] UKSC 19.