Hugh James is currently appointed by the Court of Protection as professional property and financial affairs deputy for over 120 individuals. We are regularly approached by solicitors, barristers and local authorities to act as property and financial affairs deputy for clients.
The type of clients we are appointed for include (but are not limited to) the following:
We also act as professional trustee for a number of clients with large personal injury trusts in place.
Most of our clients have had claims for damages as a result of their injuries in either the civil courts or the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority). Large settlements have been awarded as a result of these claims, to include an amount allowed for ongoing Court of Protection and deputyship costs. We become involved as early as possible in the litigation process to ensure that any interim awards are spent on appropriate care and therapy. We regularly see the positive effects that arise from this early therapeutic intervention.
We form lifelong relationships with our clients and their families. We do not act in isolation and we work with case managers and care providers to ensure that decisions are made in consultation with all those involved and are ultimately in the client’s best interests.
We understand the importance of fully engaging the individual concerned in the decision making process if at all possible and are able to tailor our approach to their specific circumstances.
Our role is all encompassing and will involve most, if not all, of the following for each individual:
This is not an exhaustive list, as every client’s needs are different. We are happy to discuss any queries which you may have regarding our experience.
We believe that it is very important to have a fully multidisciplinary approach to how we manage our client’s finances. Our team comprises solicitors, a qualified social worker and a qualified accountant. This depth of experience allows us to fully understand our client’s needs, which is key to managing their finances in the best way possible. The team are assisted by a number of specialist Legal Assistants who have built up excellent relationships with our clients and their families, providing a high level of support in a cost effective manner.
Andrew Harding at Hugh James leads ‘a team of experienced solicitors and other support staff who offer a complete package to clients’; his ‘knowledge, experience and manner with clients are second to none. He is also very approachable and trusted by the courts as an expert witness’. The ‘excellent and responsive’ Kate Coles is also recommended. The team, which is notable for its extensive resources in both England and Wales, deals solely with high-value complex cases arising from damages claims.
Legal 500 2017
“They are one of the best and most thorough firms I have worked with in this area. They are always looking out for the client.”
Quote from a client on Chambers and Partners 2017
“[Andrew Harding has] clearly got a lot of experience and he is very clear on the way to proceed.”
Quote from a client on Chambers and Partners 2017
Andrew Harding is noted as having significant experience assisting individuals with acquired brain injuries. He is particularly skilled as a financial deputy, and he often handles complex and high-value cases.
One source says: “He’s fantastic – he’s a good communicator, and is good with the clients.” Another source confirms: “He is just brilliant.”
Hugh James fields a team of ‘exceptional and approachable lawyers’ that includes Andrew Harding, who ‘takes a real interest in all of his clients’.
Legal 500 2016
Court of Protection
PO Box 70185
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1A 9JA
Telephone: 0300 456 4600
Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH
Email: customerservices@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 0300
Fax: 0870 739 5780
Court Funds Office
Court Funds Office
Glasgow
G58 1AB
Email: enquiries@cfo.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 0200 199
Official Solicitor
Official Solicitor and Public Trustee
Victory House
30-34 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6EX
Email: enquiries@offsol.gsi.gov.uk
Fax: 020 3681 2762