Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Mental Health & Capacity Law Solicitors in Derby
Established in 2003, Donovan Newton Solicitors specialises in mental health and mental capacity law, offering expert legal advice and representation to clients across the Midlands and East of England. Our team of solicitors, accredited by the Law Society's Mental Health Accreditation Scheme, provides dedicated support to individuals detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, representing them at Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers' Reviews. Holding a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, we ensure accessible legal services for patients, families, and vulnerable individuals, prioritising transparency, client advocacy, and compliance with legal standards.Our expertise extends to complex cases involving deprivation of liberty safeguards, capacity assessments, and disputes over care arrangements, with a commitment to safeguarding clients' rights and achieving equitable outcomes. With decades of combined experience, we combine specialist knowledge with compassionate service, operating from offices in Derby, Nottingham, Coventry, Birmingham, and Lincoln.
Services
Mental Health Law
Mental Capacity Law
Legal Representation
Legal Aid Services
Court of Protection
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in mental health law advocacy.
- Our solicitors are accredited by the Law Society's Mental Health Scheme.
- We hold a Legal Aid Agency contract for accessible legal services.
- Our team provides personalised support for vulnerable clients and families.
- We operate from five regional offices across the Midlands and East of England.
Associations and certifications
- Law Society Mental Health Accreditation Scheme
What people say
Expert legal representation
Compassionate support
Successful tribunal outcomes
Accessible team
Clear guidance
Services
Mental Health Law
We provide specialist legal advice and representation for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Our services include tribunal representation, hospital review advocacy, and guidance on patient rights. Clients benefit from our accredited solicitors' expertise in securing lawful treatment and discharge arrangements.
Mental Capacity Law
Our team handles cases involving deprivation of liberty safeguards and capacity assessments under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We represent vulnerable individuals in Court of Protection proceedings, resolving disputes about living arrangements and care decisions. Our approach prioritises clients' best interests and legal rights.
Legal Aid Services
We offer legally aided representation for mental health tribunal cases and other eligible matters. Our Legal Aid Agency contract ensures accessible services for qualifying clients, with transparent cost structures and options for fixed fees or hourly rates when legal aid isn't available.
Court of Protection
Specialist representation in Court of Protection proceedings for individuals lacking capacity to make health and welfare decisions. We handle Section 16 applications and Section 21A challenges, advocating for clients' rights in residence and care disputes with expert legal guidance.
Tribunal Representation
Our accredited solicitors represent clients at Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers' Reviews. We challenge unlawful detentions, advocate for treatment reviews, and provide strategic legal support to secure discharge or improved care arrangements for patients and their families.
People
Simon Newton
Director
Qualified solicitor since 2000, co-founder of Donovan Newton Solicitors, and Law Society-accredited mental health law specialist. With over two decades of experience, he leads tribunal representation and displacement proceedings while mentoring the firm's legal team.
Leanne Glover
Head of Mental Capacity Law
Senior solicitor and Accredited Legal Representative with 18 years' experience in mental capacity law. Leads Court of Protection cases, specialising in Section 21A challenges and capacity disputes, ensuring vulnerable clients' rights are protected through expert legal advocacy.
Karen Charles
Consultant Solicitor
Qualified in 1992 with extensive mental health law experience, including tribunal representation and nearest relative displacement cases. Combines legal expertise with compassionate client support, focusing on patients' rights and aftercare provisions.
Emily Patterson
Solicitor
Specialist mental health solicitor with forensic law expertise, representing patients in tribunal hearings and hospital reviews. Focuses on complex cases involving criminal justice system interactions, ensuring lawful treatment and advocacy for vulnerable clients.
Julian Derry
Solicitor
Former Royal Air Force officer turned mental health law specialist, combining military discipline with legal expertise. Represents patients in tribunals and hospital hearings, with particular focus on forensic cases requiring dual mental health and criminal law knowledge.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in mental health law and mental capacity law, covering tribunal representation, Court of Protection cases, and deprivation of liberty safeguards.
Do you offer legal aid services?
Yes, we hold a Legal Aid Agency contract for mental health law cases, including tribunal representation and certain capacity law matters.
What regions do you serve?
We operate across the Midlands and East of England from offices in Derby, Nottingham, Coventry, Birmingham, and Lincoln.
Can you help with tribunal appeals?
Yes, we provide representation at Mental Health Tribunals and can appeal to the Upper Tier Tribunal when required.
How do you support vulnerable clients?
Our team provides personalised advocacy, capacity assessments, and Court of Protection representation to protect vulnerable individuals' legal rights.
