HCR Law secures two Panel Deputy appointments

HCR Law has secured the appointment of Tonina Ashby and HCR Trust Corporation Limited to the Office of the Public Guardian’s (OPG) approved list of Panel Deputies, strengthening the firm’s position in this specialist area.

The recognition of two Panel Deputies is a significant endorsement of the firm’s depth of expertise and Tonina’s individual standing as a leading practitioner for older and vulnerable clients. It reflects the high standards we uphold in delivering sensitive, client-focused legal advice to some of the most at-risk members of our communities.

What is a Panel Deputy?

A Panel Deputy supports individuals who lack mental capacity and is appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions about their financial affairs or personal welfare on their behalf.

Professionals appointed to the Panel are recognised as having the experience and capability required to act in this complex area of practice. The court selects Panel Deputies as a last resort, when no one else is willing or able to act on behalf of a person who lacks capacity.

Market-leading expertise

HCR Law is widely recognised as a market leader in advising older and vulnerable clients. Our specialist team advises across the full spectrum of legal issues affecting this client group, including:

• Court of Protection applications, acting for families on complex personal welfare and property and affairs matters
• Deputyship services, providing ongoing management and oversight of financial affairs for those who lack capacity
• Safeguarding from financial abuse, including disputes between family members and allegations of misconduct by attorneys
• Care funding disputes, helping clients navigate care home fees, NHS continuing healthcare and local authority assessments and challenges
• Powers of attorney and advance decision-making, supporting individuals to plan ahead and have their wishes respected.

Supporting professionals and families

Panel Deputy status means HCR Law is well placed to support solicitors, local authorities, charities and families who require specialist legal input for older and vulnerable individuals. Our teams work collaboratively across private client, litigation and regulatory teams to provide joined-up, practical advice tailored to each individual’s circumstances.