Emily Patterson Email and Phone Number

Mental health solicitor

I have 14 years experience as a mental health lawyer. I qualified as a solicitor back in January 2010 with dual specialism in Mental Health Law and Criminal Law. Since 2017 I have focused on Mental Health casework however I regularly draw on my criminal defence background when dealing with forensic mental health clients.I was immediately attracted to Mental Health law on joining the firm as a trainee solicitor back in 2008 due to the varied and integral nature of the work with an individual’s liberty and freedoms being at stake in each and every case.My area of specialism is representing patients, whether under the care of mental health services via the criminal justice system or not, at First-tier Tribunal Hearings and other important meetings concerning their detention or compulsion under the Mental Health Act. I have a wealth of experience dealing with all different sections of the Act. I have experience of acting for clients either as their instructed solicitor or being appointed to act where patients lack capacity to instruct a lawyer but it is deemed in their best interests by the court that they be represented.

I specialise in both Criminal and Mental Health Law. As a criminal lawyer I am duty accredited to represent clients at both the police station and the Magistrates Court. I first became accredited in March 2013. In a mental health capacity I represent individuals who have been detained within a hospital or receive supervised community treatment under provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983. These individuals may or may not have a forensic history linked to their involvement with psychiatric services. I represent individuals at First –Tier Tribunals (Mental Health) and Managers Meetings in order to challenge their detention or supervised community treatment. I also attend other meetings as and when required to facilitate future discharge from section. I have been approved as a Panel Member of the Mental Health Accreditation Scheme.