MENTAL HEALTH LAWYERS
Challenging Sections
We are experienced solicitor advocates in challenging detentions and we provide:
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Judicial Review of unlawful decisions made by the Mental Health Second Tier Tribunal, NHS Trusts, Social Services and Local Authorities.
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Applications for immediate release
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Representation at Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers’ hearings.
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Appealing and advising patients subject to civil and forensic sectioning
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Advising nearest relatives on their powers under the Mental Health Act.
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Acting for patients and nearest relatives in relation to displacement proceedings in the County Court.
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Acting for prisoners with mental health issues.
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Appeals to the Upper Tier Tribunal.
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Human Rights Act challenges.
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Advice on Consent to Treatment provisions under the Mental Health Act.
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Representation in S117 and CPA meetings
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Legal aid funding and private funding available
Meet The Team
Fernanda Stefani Araujo
Fernanda is an experienced Mental Health solicitor accredited by the Law Society. She is regularly instructed by clients under civil and forensic sections. She is also appointed by the Mental Health Tribunal under rule 11(7)(a) and (b). Fernanda advocates for her client's civil liberties and human rights to achieve the best outcome for her clients. Fernanda also advocates for her clients in CPA meetings and Hospital Managers Hearings.
Qualifications:
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Solicitor with Higher Rights of Audience (Civil)
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Mental Health Accredited by the Law Society
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Over 9 years experience in litigation
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Accredited Legal Representative by the Law Society in Mental Capacity
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Solicitor (Ireland)
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Avvocato Stabilito (Italy)
Memberships:
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Law Society
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Mental Health Lawyers Association
Languages:
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English
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Portuguese (fluent)
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Italian (fluent)
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Spanish (intermediate)
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French (intermediate)
Shefik Osman
Shefik is an experienced Consultant Solicitor in Mental Health and Mental Capacity. He regularly represents clients detained in civil and forensic sections of the Mental Health Act 1983. He is a Committee Member of the Mental Health Lawyers Association.
Qualifications:
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Solicitor
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Mental Health Accredited by the Law Society
Memberships:
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Law Society
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Mental Health Lawyers Association
Languages:
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English
Sahar Tavakoli
Sahar is the Supervisor and Head of Mental Health Department. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2013 and has over 10 years experience advocating for clients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Qualifications:
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Solicitor
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Mental Health Accredited by the Law Society
Memberships:
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Law Society
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Mental Health Lawyers Association
Languages:
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English
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Clare O'Neill
Clare is a Consultant Solicitor. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2013 and specialises in Mental Health Law.
Qualifications:
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Solicitor
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Mental Health Accredited by the Law Society
Memberships:
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Law Society
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Mental Health Lawyers Association
Languages:
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English