Committee Helps Review And Promote Improvements In Law

An award winning Bristol-based lawyer who specialises in public law and human rights issues has revealed her delight after she was appointed to co-chair The Law Society’s mental health and disability committee.

Polly Sweeney, who is a Partner based at the Bristol office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, will officially take up the role on 1 September.

The Committee plays a central role in reviewing and promoting improvements in law, practice and procedure affecting disabled people, including those who have mental health needs, and people who are in vulnerable circumstances, which ensure their rights and equality of treatment under the law. Membership includes solicitors, barristers, judges, a Mental Health Review Tribunal Chair, a QC, a legal academic and a consultant psychiatrist.

Polly is committed to access to justice and has a specialist interest in the rights of children with disabilities; acting in many high profile and landmark cases which have significantly developed the law in this area. She served as a committee member for the last three years.

Expert Opinion

“I am looking forward to the challenge of chairing the Committee at a time where law and policy impacting on the lives of disabled people continues to face significant legal reform, and where cuts to legal aid have left many vulnerable people without access to justice.

“I am fortunate to have a co-chair and committee members who are dedicated and talented experts in their fields and I look forward to working with them to secure positive change for the profession and the vulnerable clients we seek to represent.” Polly Sweeney - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling public law cases