Helen Curtis's legal practice concentrates on areas where the liberty of the subject is at stake, particularly in areas of mental health, prisoners and the Court of Protection. She appears before Tribunals, Parole Boards and courts through to the Court of Appeal. Helen is approved as a mediator on the Court of Protection Mediation Panel.
Court of Protection
Helen is instructed by: the Official Solicitor; Relevant Person's Representative (Paid); Litigation Friends from advocacy services; the local authority; or a family member, to represent a party in Court of Protection proceedings in matters of health and welfare or property and financial affairs.
She appears in courts and tribunals where a person's mental health or lack of capacity is concerned. Her practice includes claims for unlawful detention, appeals and judicial review where appropriate.
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Mediation
Helen is an accredited mediator and restorative justice facilitator whose mediation skills are incorporated into her legal practice. Her calm, compassionate manner makes her an engaging, effective mediator and advocate. This is particularly appreciated when dealing with vulnerable clients and sensitive issues which frequently arise in her practice. Further details can be found on the Garden Court Chambers Mediation website.
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Mental Health Law
Overview
Helen's mental health work covers patients detained under ss 2 and 3 as well as restricted patients, whether being transferred between hospital and prison or seeking discharge. Additionally, Helen represents patients or their Nearest Relative in proceedings where the displacement of the Nearest Relative is sought.
Notable Cases
TW v London Borough of Enfield [2014] EWCA Civ 362
Helen appeared on behalf of the Appellant who challenged the High Court's refusal of s.139(2) leave to bring civil proceedings. The Court of Appeal granted leave and considered what is practicable for an AMHP to comply with the s.11(4) duty to consult the patient's Nearest Relative.
Health Service Executive of Ireland v PA and others [2015] EWCOP 38; [2015] WLR (D) 243
Helen appeared on behalf of PA in a case concerning Schedule 3 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Another v The Hospital Managers of St George's Hospital and AU [2016] EWHC 1196 (Admin)
Helen appeared on behalf of the patient AU who sought to resist the Trust's review of the Hospital Manager's discharge decision.
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Publications
Family Mediation: For Better or Worse - co-author with Kate Aubrey-Johnson, LAG, April 2011
Making Mediation work for you - Kate Aubrey-Johnson with Helen Curtis, LAG, June 2012
