Laura is a partner in our Public Law and Human Rights team. For well over a decade, she has been known for her contentious and non-contentious work acting for, and advising in, cases concerning individuals made vulnerable because of a lack of mental capacity, physical ill health, or mental ill health.
Recognised in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 since 2012, Laura has a wealth of experience in cases brought under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 concerning the health and welfare, property and financial affairs, and medical treatment of individuals.
Her work also encompasses numerous other specialist areas, including cases brought under – or concerning – the Children Act 1989, the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Health Act 1983, and professional and regulatory frameworks.
In her broad practice, Laura regularly advises private individuals, the Official Solicitor, and charitable and commercial organisations, in national and cross-border disputes, amongst others. She is regularly invited to speak at seminars and conferences, and has provided advice and training to legal, medical, and social work professionals, as well as NGOs, charities, and campaigning organisations.
Laura has acted in many high profile and significant Court of Protection cases, many of which have featured in both the national and international media. Known equally however for her sensitive and discreet approach, over the years, many well-known individuals and household names have benefited from Laura’s renowned ability to ensure that their cases are kept out of the public domain.
Education and career
- Laura qualified in 2008.
- She moved to Bindmans LLP in 2014, and was made partner in 2021.
Experience
Laura’s reported cases of legal note include:
2022
2021
2020
- The Health Service Executive of Ireland v IM & Anor (Rev 1) [2020] EWCOP 51
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust v AB [2020] EWCOP 40
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust v MX & Ors [2020] EWHC 1958 (Fam)
- VE v AO & Others [2020] EWCOP 23
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets v A & Anor [2020] EWCOP 21
- QD (Habitual Residence) (No.2) [2020] EWCOP 14
2019
- Southend-On-Sea Borough Council v Meyers [2019] EWHC 399 (Fam)
- QD (Jurisdiction: Habitual Residence) [2019] EWCOP 56
- JK v A Local Health Board [2019] EWHC 67 (Fam)
- Re AB (Termination) [2019] EWCA Civ 1215
- An NHS Foundation Trust v AB & Ors [2019] EWCOP 26
- Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v TG & Anor [2019] EWCOP 21
2018
2017
2016
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Others [2016] EWCOP 21
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Ors [2016] EWCOP 21
- The London Borough of Southwark v KA (Capacity to Marry) [2016] EWHC 661 (Fam)
2015
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Ors [2015] EWCOP 88
- V (Out of Hours: Reporting Restriction Order), Re (Rev 1) [2015] EWCOP 83
- Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust v C & Anor [2015] EWCOP 80
- MASM v MMAM & Ors (Rev 1) [2015] EWCOP 3
2014
- The London Borough of Tower Hamlets v TB & Anor (Rev 1) [2014] EWCOP 53
- LBX v TT & Others [2014] EWCOP 24
2012
- Re SK [2012] EWHC 1990
Recognition
Legal Directories
Chambers and Partners UK 2023
- Laura is ranked Band 1 in Court of Protection: Health & Welfare.
Legal 500 2023
- Laura is recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Court of Protection. Feedback states “she is one of the leading solicitors in this field. She is very dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients and always gets results.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is an absolute joy to work with and a terrific lawyer. She is incredibly experienced and takes a no-nonsense compassionate approach to her work.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamshere is a star in the Court of Protection world. She is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor and has a deep understanding of this area of law and the difficulties faced by those who lack mental capacity. Will Whitaker stands out as a very capable CoP solicitor.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is outstanding. A true class act who combines excellent client care skills with the knack of knowing what a judge will decide.”
- Feedback describes her as “the best COP solicitor in the UK.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher. Vastly experienced, compassionate, professional and a dream solicitor to work with.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2022
- Laura is ranked Band 1 in Court of Protection: Health and Welfare.
Legal 500 2022
- Laura is recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Court of Protection.
- Feedback describes her as “a standout solicitor. She is incredibly dedicated and skilled at dealing with difficult cases”.
- “Laura Hobey Hamsher has outstanding client care skills. Deeply committed”
- “She is really one of the best”.
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is the best in the business. She is always the first solicitor I recommended when a member of the public needs advice and representation. Hugely experienced in life and death cases, a superb instinct for how to approach difficult ethical issues, first-class communication skills and highly empathetic so that people in emotional crisis feel looked after and find her easy to talk to”.
- “She has a fantastic way with clients, and is extremely caring whilst being able to give firm advice when required. She is resourceful and determined in obtaining relevant evidence, leaving no stone unturned, and takes the best witness statements in the business.”
- “Excellent in Court of Protection welfare work and hybrid applications and working with families in sensitive medical treatment cases. Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a delight to work with. Very bright and quick off the mark with a wicked sense of humour. A very effective litigator. Sensitive and supportive- especially with families in serious medical treatment cases.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2019
- Laura Hobey-Hamsher is ranked Band 1 in Court of Protection: Health & Welfare.
- Laura is noted as being “brilliant: she’s very knowledgeable in the area and she has a great depth of experience. She’s a very sensible and pragmatic individual.”
Professional memberships
- Laura is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme.
