Court of Protection: Health & Welfare – UK-wide

Ranked in Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Edwards Duthie Shamash has a respected team frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor to act in high-profile and complex health and welfare cases. The firm is particularly experienced in cases involving mental health and childcare law issues. It is regularly called upon by advocacy centres and the Official Solicitor as well as being directly instructed by the families of vulnerable individuals. The team handles cases involving significant administrative and public law issues.

Strengths

“They are really focused on getting good results – very pragmatic and sensible.”

“The Edwards Duthie Shamash lawyers are all absolute experts in court of protection work.”

Notable Practitioners

Laura Mannering offers an impressive Court of Protection practice, with particular expertise in welfare proceedings and serious medical treatment matters. She has represented clients in the High Court and Court of Appeal. 

“Laura is excellent. She is very clear so judges really like her, and outside court she has a very informal and chatty approach which clients really like.” “Laura is really outstanding. She is incredibly empathetic and a consummate professional – she really cares about the clients and that comes through in the quality of work.”

Melissa Law handles a range of health and welfare matters. She has particular strength in matters involving residence and issues relating to consent to marriage. 

“Melissa is phenomenal. Her work ethic is amazing, as is her ability to engage with P.” 

“She is very efficient, organised and super experienced.” 

“Melissa Law is really meticulous and thorough, someone who looks at all angles.”

Kris Jackson-Hughes is an associate in Edwards Duthie Shamash’s Court of Protection department. He has particular expertise in handling Section 16 and Section 21A matters. 

“Kris is really efficient has great judgement.” 

“Kris is one to watch. He has good attention to detail, knows everything to know about a case, and a chatty, friendly approach which clients like.”

Crime – London (Firms)

Ranked in Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors has a respected criminal practice with a strong reputation for taking on legal aid work along with private cases. The team is noted for its handling of historical and recent serious sexual offence charges, including those that concern alleged abuse of responsibility by figures such as teachers or employers. It draws upon the firm’s mental health and capacity resources to act for vulnerable individuals, such as those with mental illness, before the criminal courts. The team regularly advises on serious criminal matters concerning networks of individuals, including drugs supply and sexual exploitation.

Strengths

“Edwards Duthie is an established firm that people can thoroughly rely on.”

“Edwards Duthie is an extremely good firm of solicitors. They are energetic, productive and their client care is excellent.”

Notable Practitioners

Rakesh Bhasin is a solicitor advocate who has significant experience representing clients in serious crime and terrorism cases. He has notable expertise in matters concerning criminal networks, including drugs supply and gang-related violence.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law – UK-wide

Ranked in Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors maintains its position as a sought-after firm for its expertise in election matters and public affairs. It acts for a range of clients and is well known for its historic relationship with the Labour Party, which continues on a number of parliamentary matters. The firm is deeply involved in some of the most prominent electoral law cases in recent years. The firm also provides a broad range of additional expertise around areas such as local government matters, reputation management and criminal law.

Strengths

“Edwards Duthie are a top choice.”

Notable Practitioners

Gerald Shamash heads up the parliamentary and electoral law practice at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors. He is renowned for his representation of political parties in electoral law matters, and is particularly well known for his work as a solicitor to the Labour Party. 

“He knows everything about electoral law and is an absolute street fighter when it comes to litigation and protecting his clients’ interests.” 

“Gerald is a very skilled operator. He is a very knowledgeable and skilled lawyer.” 

“He is a real star individual.”

Defamation/Reputation Management – UK-wide

Ranked in Band 6

Alexander Cochrane is a consultant solicitor in the media law group at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors. He is noted for his expertise in advising claimants on a wide range of critical reputational matters including defamation and privacy issues.

Strengths

“Alex is a fantastic lawyer with empathy and complete understanding.”

“He is a first-rate solicitor and a pleasure to work with. I have had no hesitation at all in recommending him to others.”

Social Housing: Tenants – UK-wide

Ranked in Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors has an experienced team of lawyers known for representing tenants in a broad range of social housing issues, including homelessness, disrepair and possession. It has further strength in unlawful eviction cases and judicial reviews, with complementary expertise in community care and mental health law.

Strengths

“The lawyers at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors are very passionate and good at what they do.”

Notable Practitioners

James Harrison regularly acts in housing litigation, with an emphasis on homelessness claims and appeals. He also has expertise in mental health law, frequently utilising this knowledge to assist vulnerable social housing clients. 

“James Harrison is really just fantastic.” 

“James is extremely competent and on top of everything that needs to be dealt with. I have full confidence in him.”