The ‘excellent’ and ’dedicated’ team at Hill Dickinson LLP is particularly well regarded for its advice on matters concerning the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It is recommended for its work on related legislation – this includes advising on the Mental Health Act 1983, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Equality Act 2010. The team is trusted for its expertise in complex and challenging medical treatment cases. It frequently advises on cases involving the provision or withdrawal of treatment, delayed discharges, and on NHS Continuing Healthcare challenges. Kiran Bhogal, Sharon Thomas  and Paul Allerston are the practice heads. Bhogal has considerable expertise in public law, and has Higher Rights of Advocacy (Civil), while being skilled at handling sensitive issues, such as patient care, medical ethics, DoLs authorisations, as well as best interest assessments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Hill Dickinson staff are excellent communicators. Professional, friendly, always available and are very knowledgeable. In particular Rachael Watkinson, Joanna Crichton and Louise Wilson.’
  • ‘Kiran Bhogal and Emma Galland are both standout individuals. Their understanding of the law is incredibly detailed, and they have a real knack for delivering pragmatic, tailored advice - often at very short notice. You always feel like you're in exceptionally safe hands with them.'
  • 'We've always had swift, hands-on support - even for complex or urgent matters - which has been invaluable. The team is incredibly knowledgeable in their field, and practical in their approach. The accessibility and calibre of senior expertise really set them apart from other law firms.’
  • ‘The depth and breadth of expertise within this practice area is truly exceptional. There is a consistently high level of knowledge across a number of senior lawyers, all of whom are approachable and responsive.'
  • ‘We value the expertise, professional and personable approach, direction and advice that has been provided by Joanna Crichton and Rachel Kelly.'
  • ‘Louise Wilson is a star in issues around mental health/COP crossover, and challenging cases involving children and young people who lack capacity. She regularly acts on a solo basis without counsel, and judges have obvious relief when she appears due to her excellent reputation.'

Key clients

  • Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
  • King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
  • Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
  • Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • NHS England
  • Practice Plus Group
  • Spire
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
  • Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Kiran Bhogal; Sharon Thomas; Paul Allerston

Other key lawyers

Rachel Kelly; Louise Wilson; Joanna Crichton; Rachael Watkinson; Emma Galland