Mental Health and Court of Protection Law Specialist Is Latest Senior Hire To Build On Team In East of England

Leading law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced the appointment of a senior legal expert to head up the company’s growing public law and human rights team in the East of England.

Based in the Cambridge office, highly experienced solicitor Rachel Caswell has joined the firm, having spent the last seven years as a director at Duncan Lewis.

Rachel specialises in mental health and mental capacity law and will be using her experience in the field to lead the wider public law and human rights team in Cambridge, supporting colleagues regionally and nationally where her skills can be of use to clients.

As a legal aid agency supervisor, accredited mental health panel member and a member of the MHLA (Mental Health Lawyers Association), Rachel has a strong background in supporting clients in all aspects of mental health law and public law. Rachel also has a keen interest in deprivation of liberty cases and is a Legal 500 recommended lawyer for her Court of Protection work.

Rachel has particular expertise in representing patients detained in adolescent mental health units, advocating for clients at tribunal hearings and representing clients subject to civil sections. Rachel also has broad experience in all Court of Protection matters and cases involving Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Speaking about her appointment, Rachel said: “I know of the Irwin Mitchell public law and human rights team through their excellent reputation, so it’s a real pleasure to be joining such a well-regarded firm in this field of law. Taking the lead in Cambridge is a huge honour and responsibility and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and taking the lead in supporting those clients in need of our help and expertise. The team provides a national service as well as delivering local specialised service across the east of England and down to London.

“I’ve always felt a strong commitment to my clients, travelling across the country on their behalf to ensure they receive the best possible service. I know that in joining Irwin Mitchell, I’m with colleagues who share my passion for client service and ensuring their best interests are at the heart of all we do and I can’t wait to get started.

“People living with mental health issues face many challenges and I’m determined to continue making a difference for those most in need of help and support.”

Expert Opinion

“We’re delighted to welcome a professional with Rachel’s expertise and background to our national team.

“Rachel’s experience borne of years working successfully in all aspects of mental health law will prove invaluable to widening the breadth of our skills both in the East and across our public law team nationally.

“Assisting clients, who no longer have the capacity or need significant support because of their disabilities, to make key decisions and supporting their families in what can be the most challenging of times is a sensitive role in which Rachel excels. Rachel’s appointment is another example of our commitment to recruiting the best legal talent to support our clients and those leaders who can take us forward as the public law team and the firm as a whole expands its horizons.” Yogi Amin - Partner and National Head of Public Law and Human Rights

Rachel’s recruitment comes as Irwin Mitchell announces the opening of two new offices in Cardiff and Liverpool in May, bringing the total number of offices to 17 and expanding the firm’s presence in South Wales and Merseyside.

Irwin Mitchell has invested in educating its colleagues and leaders to understand more about psychological health and has a community of colleagues who bring the strategy to life. Day-to-day support is delivered through a team of 90 Healthy Mind Advocates who have been trained as Mental Health Champions by Mental Health First Aid England.