Philippa Curran
I have been with odonnells for approaching 14 years, progressing from trainee solicitor to Associate in that time.
Over the years I have handled a very varied civil and private client caseload and since returning to work after maternity leave in 2009, I have concentrated on mental health work and areas flowing from this. This has included one of the first challenges of the DOLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) legislation which was heard by the Court of Protection sitting at the High Court in London.
I have also been instructed in the three reported cases involving RB, dealing with the Judicial Review of the Principal Judge’s decision to set aside the conditional discharge,
the Secretary of States appeal to the Upper Tribunal and the Court of Appeal’s recent conclusion of the case.
I act on behalf of individuals in the Court of Protection in relation matters which involve mental incapacity receiving instructions from the Official Solicitor and family members. I have also dealt with community care issues, including judicial review of decisions by the local authority.
My private client caseload also continues preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, administering estates and making applications to the Court of Protection for deputyship appointments for both property and affairs and personal welfare matters.
Cases involved in:
GJ v The Foundation Trust (2009) EWHC 2972 (Fam)
SSJ v RB (2011) EWCA Civ 1608
SSJ v RB (2010) UKUT 454 (AAC)
R (RB) v First-tier Tribunal (Review) (2010) UKUT 160 (AAC)
R (BM acting by his litigation friend MM) v Lancashire County Council
[2011] EWHC 2931 (Admin)
As I work for odonnells three days a week, I pick up another demanding role the rest of the time, looking after my two sons, who are growing up quickly.
I am also proud to highlight my involvement in the odonnells art exhibitions in September 2009 and October 2010 (details of which can be found on our Community Events page). Artists from across Lancashire came together to showcase the creative talents of those with mental health difficulties at the Minster Church Preston.