Explore a step-by-step case study from the client’s instructions, to issue, to negotiations with the Official Solicitor, to final order.
Our expert speakers will take you through a number of key topics, including:
- Managing client expectations
- Importance of practice direction 9E
- Completing the correct forms and witness statement
- Best interests’ analysis
- Practical issues around service and dispensing with service
- Considering proportionality of gifting
Learning objectives
SRA Competencies A1
- Understand how to accurately complete relevant Court of Protection forms and draft a compliant witness statement.
- Learn how to effectively manage client expectations throughout the Court of Protection process, particularly when dealing with sensitive decisions and lengthy proceedings.
- Identify and address practical issues related to service, including when and how to apply for an order dispensing with service.
Speakers:
-
Victoria Newey, Senior Lawyer at Office of the Official Solicitor & Public Trustee, Member of the Law Society’s Private Client Solicitors Section Advisory Committee
Victoria is the Senior Lawyer of the Property & Affairs team at the Office of the Official Solicitor and Public Trustee (OSPT). She manages a team of 6 lawyers, and conducts litigation on behalf of the Official Solicitor in property and affairs matters, as well as advising the Public Trustee in trust applications. Victoria joined the OSPT in 2010 and has worked in the Court of Protection Property and Affairs team since that time, with a short secondment to the Health and Welfare Team. The Official Solicitor acts as litigation friend of last resort for vulnerable clients in Court of Protection applications and the work of the Property and Affairs team includes applications relating to statutory wills, gifts, trusts and contested deputyship/attorneyships. Prior to joining the OSPT she worked in private practice dealing with all aspects of private client work. She is a full member of STEP and an honorary member of Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
-
Sophie O’Connell, Partner at Wilsons Solicitors LLP, Member of the Law Society’s Private Client Solicitors Section Advisory Committee
Sophie O’Connell is a Partner in the Mental Capacity Team. Sophie joined Wilsons in 2022 having worked in mental capacity law since 2012. She qualified as a solicitor in 2016 having previously worked in a variety of roles in the charity and public sector. In 2016 she obtained a distinction in the Society for Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients. Sophie works with clients, their families and support network to manage their property and financial affairs. She mainly works with clients who have sustained brain injuries as a result of accidents or negligence. Sophie is experienced in making applications to the Court of Protection for property and affairs, personal welfare deputies and statutory wills. She also advises clients on health and social care funding.delete this line as I am not doing this at present as too busy. Sophie is on the Law Society Private Client Committee and a member of the Capacity Law and Rights Information to You (CLARiTY) project which aims to improve the access to justice for disabled people and family carers through enhancing understanding of mental capacity law and human rights.
Who should attend?
- Private Client Solicitors Section Members
- Solicitors, deputies and attorneys, with expertise in managing the property and financial affairs of individuals who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.
- Those involved in advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney or in challenging the actions of existing deputies or attorneys.
Date & Time: Thursday 25 September 2025, 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Pricing:
- Free for Members of the Private Client Solicitors
- Law Society Members - £45.00 (ex VAT)
- Standard - £55.00 (ex VAT)
