Philippa Barton

I joined Duncan Lewis as a Director in 2023 and lead the firm’s Court of Protection team. I specialise in acting as a professional deputy and trustee for mentally incapacitated clients. Many of my clients have been awarded substantial sums of damages for brain injuries. I also manage the financial affairs of clients with dementia, mental health problems and learning disabilities.

I have been ranked as a recommended solicitor in the field of Court of Protection in the Legal 500 since 2017 and am also listed in Chambers as a notable practitioner in this area.

I take pride in providing a sympathetic and efficient service to vulnerable clients and their families.

I have experience managing a wide range of complex family and financial circumstances. I take a pragmatic approach to resolve difficult issues. I am always conscious of the need to find the most cost effective way of managing the client’s funds.

I have experience in the following areas:

• Managing the financial affairs of mentally incapacitated clients, whether as deputy, trustee or attorney,
• Preparing applications to the Court of Protection, including for approval of family care payments and statutory wills,
• Setting up PI trusts and acting as trustee,
• Advising lay deputies and assisting with the preparation of the annual report,
• Advising litigation solicitors on mental capacity issues,
• Drafting wills and LPAs and administering estates.

I regularly act as an expert witness providing detailed reports on likely deputyship costs in PI and clinical negligence cases. I work closely with a number of specialist PI firms, providing advice on capacity issues, trusts and deputyship.

I am also experienced in wills and probate work and am an accredited member of STEP.

• "It has been a pleasure working with you. You are very approachable, knowledgeable and helpful and I have really appreciated your communication and direction over the past 14 months." - Brain Injury and Complex Care Case Manager
• "Philippa goes above and beyond to deliver an excellent service to her clients. She is extremely caring, reactive and resourceful. She is supportive and empathetic." - Chambers and Partners UK 2023
• "Philippa Barton is fantastic and meets the needs of her clients very well. She is really friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and quick to respond." - Chambers and Partners UK 2022
• "Philippa Barton has an outstanding work ethic. The duty of care towards the client is second to none." - The Legal 500 2021
• "Philippa Barton has a complete understanding of this practice area, and provides clear and precise advice." - The Legal 500 2017