Hugh Jones Solicitors

Court of Protection

Liz Hughes  joined Hugh Jones Solicitors when we started in 2013.  She was appointed Managing Director in 2022, following 7 years as the Head of Court of Protection at Hugh Jones Solicitors. As Managing Director, Liz works collaboratively with the firm's management team and board of directors, to run the firm on a day to day basis.  On her appointment Liz said:

'I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take the firm forward as it enters a new era. The support I’ve received from our employees and clients has been overwhelming and I’m excited to continue to work closely with everyone within the firm’s network to deliver the outstanding work it has become renowned for.'

Liz has a national reputation as a specialist solicitor with a great deal of experience in Court of Protection and mental capacity work in which includes:

• Management of the professional deputyships of a large number of vulnerable people including those who have lost capacity due to traumatic accidents, birth injury, illness or learning disability
• Advising and drafting all types of Court of Protection applications including those for the appointment of a lay or professional deputy, statutory will applications, gift applications and applications for the discharge of a Protected Party
• All kinds of contested applications including alleged financial abuse, challenges to deputyship appointments and has represented lay deputies who have exceeded the authority they have under a deputyship order
• Acting as an expert witness, on the instruction of both defendants or claimants in high value clinical negligence and personal injury litigation.

Liz has extensive experience of acting on behalf of claimants who lack capacity in pre-settlement catastrophic injury litigation. This commonly involves the management of interim funds which are used to fund extensive rehabilitation packages, specialist equipment and adapted property purchases.

Liz enjoys visiting clients regularly and working closely with their relatives, case managers, carers and others involved in their care. She feels it is important to ensure that clients receive the appropriate level of support whilst remaining independent and confident to make those financial decisions that they are able to make for themselves.

Interview with Liz, from Realm Recruit in February 2022

In the Legal 500 2022, Liz is again listed as a 'Next Generation Partner' - client testimonials:

'Elizabeth Hughes is extremely knowledgeable but at the same time approachable and personable.  Elizabeth is pragmatic in her approach and in my experience has always reached the outcome before others have got there'

In Legal 500 2021 - client testimonials:

‘Elizabeth Hughes is committed to her clients and strives to provide the best possible service. She is communicative and receptive to suggestions to resolve complex issues, giving possible solutions balanced and fair consideration. Liz is friendly and approachable to her clients and other professionals and will seek advice from her colleagues to ensure that as much information is available when required and the client receives a positive and supportive service.’

‘Liz Hughes provides robust pragmatic advice and opinions, in a cost-effective and always timely manner.’

‘Elizabeth Hughes has a very caring nature and is very empathetic.’

In the Legal 500 2020, Liz is acknowledged as a 'Next Generation Lawyer - 'Elizabeth Hughes is recommended by clients as a 'trusted pair of hands' with clients commenting 'Liz Hughes has provided excellent service. She is calm and knowledgeable.'

In Chambers 2022 Liz is ranked in Band 3:

'Elizabeth Hughes is well versed in matters involving substantial foreign property and assets as well as statutory will and gift applications. She has further experience acting as an expert witness.

"Elizabeth Hughes is very friendly, professional and approachable."'

In Chambers 2021

'Elizabeth Hughes is well versed in matters involving substantial foreign property and assets as well as statutory will and gift applications. She has further experience acting as an expert witness.

"She is very helpful and always supportive of the client.'

September 2019 - Elizabeth Hughes has also been recognised by Barclays as one of 2019’s Women of Achievement as part of the bank’s Women of the Year initiative.

Recent cases in which Liz has been involved.

Trained Pannone LLP, qualified 2009; solicitor Pannone 2009 – 2013;

Hugh Jones Solicitors 2013 to date (director 2015).

St Augustine's High School; Leeds University (LLB 2004); College of Law (LPC, 2006)