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Goodey Aziz was founded by Jade Goodey and Manhas Aziz who have between them over two decades of experience as Mental Health Solicitors. They represent clients in mental Health Law and in the Court of Protection.

 

They a progressive law firm with a fresh and modern approach to legal practice representing clients all over the country. They recognise the importance of needing to work to the highest professional standard at all times. Goodey Aziz are committed to delivering tailored legal advice to meet the needs of their clients and strive to achieve nothing but the best outcome in every case.

 

What to expect when you instruct us

From the very start of our instruction, we will remain patient, approachable, and understanding towards any issues you may be faced with. We will use clear language in all of our conversations with you and hope that we are able to reduce any burden or worry.

 

We will make sure that we are available in person, by telephone or via our online service. You will receive a tailored service ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported at all times. We recognise that it may not always be easy or practicable to make journeys, and we don’t expect you to come to us, we can arrange hospital visits.

 

When you instruct Goodey Aziz you can be assured that your case will be handled with nothing but competence and confidence.

Mental Health is an extremely complex and challenging area of law, involving sensitive issues which can often be highly troublesome for all involved. For anyone effected by mental health who require legal advice, should expect nothing less than the best advice from competent lawyers with extensive training and experience in this field.
Our clients are amongst the most vulnerable people in society, which is why we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of advice and support at all times. Compulsory detention under the Mental Health Act can be a deeply distressing event both for the patient and their relatives. We pride ourselves on building a relationship of trust with our clients, some of whom have remained with us for many years. Our team are approachable, accessible, and reliable.

Legal Mental Health Services

The mental health team at Goodey Aziz provide professional advice and assistance in the following areas:

  • Advice when you are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
  • Representation at the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health)
  • Representation at the Upper-tier Tribunal;
  • Instructing experts to challenge forensic and medical evidence
  • Assistance with Hospital Managers Hearings
  • Advice about Care Programme Approach (CPA) and section 117 meetings;
  • Advice to Nearest Relatives on their rights under the act and displacement proceedings
  • Challenging decisions to transfer patients to high security
  • Advice on voluntary inpatient admissions
  • Assistance with issues about treatment and progress both in hospital and in the community
  • Help to challenge unlawful detention
  • Advice on the provision of S117 aftercare under the Mental Health Act 1983

How will my case be funded?

We hold a Legal Aid contract  which means that the government may pay for your legal costs. All representation at tribunal hearings are non-means tested which means you will receive legal representation entirely free of charge.

Whether or not you receive legal aid funding for non tribunal matters depends on the circumstances of your case. A small amount of our work may need to be means-tested but we will advise you on this when we meet with you.

We also offer bespoke training on areas of law including:

  • An introduction to Mental Health Law and changes to legislation
  • Mental Health Case law and developments
  • How to prepare for Tribunal and court hearings
  • An introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Court of Protection
  • The interface between the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act
  • Mental Health Tribunals – preparation and advocacy
  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards – practice and procedure
  • Treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983

Current vacancies

We are seeking a Mental Health Accredited Panel member to join our team in our London and Cambridge office. We are a modern practice therefore we offer a hybrid work model and a rewarding bonus scheme.

 

We are interested to hear from candidates who have experience in mental health matters, representing patients detained in Hospital under civil and forensic sections.

 

Experience in advocacy before the First-tier tribunal is essential. The successful candidate will also have an in-depth knowledge of public funding in mental health cases and experience in managing complex cases.

 

Salary is negotiable and will be based on experience and PQE.

 

The candidate must hold a current Practicing Certificate and be a member of the Law Society Mental Health Accreditation scheme. The candidate may be a Legal Aid Supervisor or willing to work towards obtaining supervisor status.

 

Working hours: 9:00am to 5.00pm – Monday – Friday. 25 days annual leave.

 

If you are interested in joining us we will always be delighted to hear from potential employees or consultants. If you feel that you have the right skills and qualities and would thrive at our firm we welcome you to apply.

 

Send your CV to [email protected]

The Court of Protection is a specialist court which makes specific decisions or appoints other people known as deputies to act on behalf of individuals lacking the capacity to make their own decisions.

 

A Power of Attorney is a way to provide another trusted person with the legal authority to make decisions on a person’s behalf when they no longer are able to make those decisions themselves. However, if there is no Power of Attorney in place, then it is necessary to apply to the Court of Protection.

 

Our Court of Protection team has an in-depth understanding of mental capacity, and we ensure that decisions being made are in our client’s best interests.

 

 Our Court of Protection team provides representation and advocacy to uphold our clients’ legal interests and rights.

We deal with the following amongst others:

  • Best interest’s decisions in respect of a person’s health and welfare,
  • Challenges to DOLS Standard Authorisations under Section 21A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Inherent Jurisdiction

Please get in touch with our specialist solicitors to see how we can help you.