Bindmans is recognised as a leader in the complex and demanding area of mental health law and is known for its absolute commitment to human rights.
At Bindmans, we pride ourselves on offering a high quality, professional and holistic service. We combine sensitivity to patients’ needs with a determination to ensure their interests are protected and their wishes taken into account.
We are based in London but act for clients across the country. Contact us now for more information.
We act for individuals, many of whom are detained in hospital against their will. We also advise national and local organisations. We advise charities representing the interests of mental health patients in bringing test cases or intervening in litigation to extend patients’ rights or to clarify the law.
We are regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor to act on behalf of clients who lack the mental capacity to instruct a solicitor.
Bindmans has a commitment to civil liberties and human rights work stretching back over 30 years. Questions of civil liberties and human rights lie at the core of mental health work and the Human Rights Act has been used consistently by our team to make sure that mental health clients’ interests are safeguarded and unwarranted intrusions stopped.
The team
The mental health team is led by Saimo Chahal who writes and lectures regularly on mental health and human rights law. She was voted Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (2006) for her commitment and expertise in mental health law - awarded 'for repeatedly pushing the boundaries of the law on behalf of those with mental illness, learning difficulties and other particularly vulnerable individuals' (LAPG). She is described as extremely impressive and leading the way in mental health law in the independent legal directory, Chambers and Partners. She is assisted by Charlotte Haworth Hird and Sara Lomri who have considerable experience in this area of law.
We can also draw on the expertise of our colleagues in other fields of law such asCriminal Law, Housing and Family Law to provide a complete service which meets our clients’ needs.
Our services
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Representing patients at first and second tier tribunal hearings within the Health and Social Care Chamber.
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Acting in Court of Protection proceedings on behalf of minors/adults about medical treatment, and disputes over residence and/or contact.
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Advising patients and families in respect of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) and representing in proceedings arising.
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Advising and preparing Advance Directives (also referred to as ‘living wills’).
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Advising and Assisting families of those who have died in psychiatric care in respect of NHS Trust investigations and Coroner’s inquests.
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Acting for patients, their families and professionals, in inquiries concerning failings in care and Art 2 ECHR compliant investigations.
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Judicial review of unlawful decisions made by the Ministry of Justice and the Health and Social Care Chamber, health trusts and social services authorities.
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Advising on the lawfulness of the closure of residential homes and day centres.
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Acting for patients and Nearest Relatives in displacement proceedings.
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Accessing information for relatives/carers from health and social services files of people lacking capacity.
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Acting for clients in prison wishing to be transferred to hospital.
