Peter Wusu

I am a Consultant Solicitor in the Mental Health Department at Duncan Lewis. I initially joined Duncan Lewis in 2005 as a Director of Mental Health, and until August 2017 I was instrumental in developing the department nationwide and training a significant number of advocates from caseworker position to solicitors, a majority of whom attained the Law Society Mental Health Accreditation.

I have been a Law Society Mental Health accredited panel member since 2001 and I deal with a cross section of cases, ranging from clients detained in general acute settings to those detained in conditions of maximum security. Throughout England and Wales, I represent clients detained under all sections of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended by the 2007 Act) as well as transferred/lifer prisoners under the Mental Health Act whose cases are referred to the Parole Board. In addition I represent clients at First-tier Mental Health Tribunal Hearings and Hospital Managers as well as assisting at Care Program Approach and Section 117 Meetings. I assist and represent nearest relatives under the Act subject to displacement proceedings before the County Court, as well as advising them of their rights under the Act.

Further to my Mental Health work, I have experience of assisting clients with issues arising from the Mental Capacity Act which includes applying to the Court of Protection for deputyship and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs). I am recommended for my specialism in Court of Protection work by the independent legal directory, The Legal 500 2017 edition.

As part of my training commitments, I have provided and continue to provide training to mental health professionals such as Mental Health Act Administrators, psychiatrists, nurses, approved mental health act professionals, Hospital Managers and advocacy services. I am passionate about my work and committed to ensuring that all my clients receive the best possible all round support available to support and facilitate their discharge from hospital as well as ensuring that their human rights are safeguarded and upheld.

For those with difficulties communicating in English, I am fluent in Yoruba.

• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC)
• LLB Honours 2:1 - London Guildhall University

• Consultant Solicitor with Duncan Lewis 2017-present
• Director of Mental Health at Duncan Lewis 2005-2017
• Associate Solicitor/Supervisor at Kaim Todner Solicitors 2002-2005
• Admitted as a Solicitor in 2002

• Recommended in Legal 500 2017 Edition for London: Private Client/Court of Protection

Civil Court

• AH v West London Mental Health Trust (2011) UKUT 74 (AAC) - Tribunal hearings are usually held in private unless the tribunal directs that the interests of justice require a public hearing. In this case the Upper Tribunal directed that the first-tier tribunal must accede to the patient's request by holding a public hearing of his application, having considered the relevant factors.

• Mental Health Lawyers Association
• British Institute of Human Rights
• Black Solicitors Network
• Human Rights Lawyers Association

• Current affairs
• Reading
• Cooking
• Travelling