Cygnet Law is continuing to develop its sector-leading expertise as one of its solicitors becomes one of the first in the country to achieve the new mental capacity (welfare) accreditation created in conjunction with the Court of Protection.
Sarah Jackson, an Associate Solicitor working in the Mental Health department at the Redcar legal firm, has been awarded Accredited Legal Representative (ALR) status by the Law Society.
The new qualification certifies Sarah’s legal expertise when dealing with cases at the Court of Protection, and offers reassurance to a person’s family and friends that she recognises the sensitivities of working with vulnerable people.
The Court of Protection has jurisdiction over the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of people who lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. Such people include those living with dementia, a learning disability, brain injury or other mental incapacity.
The new accreditation was devised by the Law Society in conjunction with the Court of Protection and The City Law School following a judgement made by Mr Justice Charles, vice president of the Court of Protection, highlighting the lack of appropriate representatives available to vulnerable people coming to the court.
Peter Medd, Managing Director of Cygnet Law, said: “Cases which go before the Court of Protection are sensitive by nature, so it is important that clients know they are being represented by someone who not only has their best interests at heart, but also the legal knowledge to attain the best possible outcome.
“The Court of Protection is set to become more important over the coming years as the population ages and the legal profession will need to embrace this and change its thinking and training.
“We are very proud of Sarah’s achievement in becoming one of the first nationally to achieve this important accreditation. It positions us as the leading law firm in the area when it comes to dealing with these sensitive cases.”
Sarah Jackson, Associate Solicitor at Cygnet Law, said: “I am proud to have gained Accredited Legal Representative status from the Law Society. I feel the accreditation, demonstrates my knowledge of the Court of Protection and ability to fight for the right outcome for my clients.”