Hugh James 'builds a strong and sympathetic relationship with the lay client'. It has seen further significant growth with the arrival of Christine Bunting and Kelly Knight from Hyphen Law in February 2024. Tom Hall spearheads the department which now has experienced teams in Cardiff, Manchester, London, and Swindon. It is a large team, which manages approximately 350 deputyships and 100 personal injury trusts. The overall value of assets under management by the department is in excess of £500m. The group is adept at helping on all matters relating to a client’s property and financial affairs, as well as health and welfare matters. Manchester-based Gregory Poole is highly regarded, and Charlotte Fletcher is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent knowledge and understanding, communication is first class and all the team are friendly and approachable. Gregory Poole makes considered best interest decisions in how to use their award in the most effective way to improve client's quality of life. Greg is friendly and approachable.' 

  • ‘Feels like being part of a family offering support and advice. Very empathetic. Have known Tom Hall for over twenty years. Always has time and understanding for the smallest of issues. He is very pro active.’

  • ‘Very experienced Court of Protection team, with particular expertise in managing property and affairs of individuals with substantial personal injury awards. Extremely conscientious and client-centred practice.'

  • ‘Christine Bunting and Kelly Knight are clearly very experienced and knowledgeable within their area of expertise, and this feeds through the remainder of the team. Both Christine and Kelly take a very practical approach to matters, and always available to discuss issues.' 
  • ‘Gregory Poole's dedication to developing enduring relationships with clients and their families is evident in his approach. His commitment to his clients' independence and well-being makes him a standout professional in his field.’

  • ‘Tom Hall is my go-to for Court of Protection financial expert evidence. He is very responsive and willing to turn work around quickly where needed. His statements dealing with future anticipated CoP costs are always well set out, easy to navigate, clear and tailored to the individual case.’

  • ‘Tom Hall leads the Court of Protection team from the front. A very thoughtful, calm and measured individual, who clearly cares about the clients and ensuring that the right thing is done. Gregory Poole leads in Manchester. Greg has a great knack of dealing with complex arrangements in a manner that keeps them understandable for his clients.' 

  • ‘Gregory Poole is personable, professional and inspires great confidence that his clients are in safe hands. He leads the Manchester team by example and is focused on delivering the highest service levels for his clients.'

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Tom Hall

Other key lawyers

Christine Bunting, Kelly Knight, Charlotte Fletcher, Gregory Poole, David Flanagan, Mark Wilding, Catherine Keely, Andrew Harding