Will Whitaker

Will is an associate in our Public Law and Human Rights team. He has represented a large number of vulnerable individuals and their family members in the Court of Protection. He is adept at advancing the interests of his clients, particularly those involved in disputes regarding health and social care.

He has successfully guided many individuals through proceedings dealing with a range of issues relating to mental capacity, deprivations of liberty, provision of care, and medical treatment. He has obtained redress for clients bringing civil claims related to Court of Protection proceedings, often under the Human Rights Act. He will bring claims for judicial review where needed to protect the rights of his clients or their family members, and ensure they are provided with the standard of care that they are entitled to.

Will also acts in inquests for families who have lost loved ones in difficult circumstances.  He regularly deals with large multi-party actions in the Court of Protection, in public law settings, and in other jurisdictions, and is currently representing a number of residents and survivors of the Grenfell Tower Fire in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Will has significant experience of helping people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes. He often defends those faced with possession proceedings, makes claims for unlawful eviction, and challenges homelessness decisions. Will often works with vulnerable individuals in this context, and has expertise in managing cases which involve a crossover between housing and the Court of Protection. Will also works with asylum-seekers and other migrants to get them access to support and housing, and has frequently battled to safeguard the interests of people who have suffered domestic abuse in relation to their housing.

He also represents clients in relation to other issues involving civil liberties and public law. He has helped those defending civil proceedings brought against them relating to protest, individuals who have been subjected to discrimination, and members of the public who have had wide-ranging problems with local government.

Will has a developing practice in advising charities and third sector organisations in relation to a wide range of legal issues, including where disputes have arisen by those running the charity. He has steered charities through court proceedings and mediation in the past.

Will has been recognised for his work in Human Rights law in the The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom Ones to Watch 2023 guide.