Thursfields appoints new head of Court of Protection and vulnerable client services

A specialist lawyer with experience of handling complex cases involving vulnerable children and adults has been recruited to a new role at Thursfields Solicitors.

Annabel Kay has been appointed as head of Court of Protection and vulnerable client services at the leading Midlands law firm.

She will be building a team that will work across the company’s West Midlands offices with clients whose mental capacity is questioned, providing a range of legal services for them, their relatives and carers.

This will involve her advising on matters including Court of Protection applications, deprivation of liberty, complex safeguarding, powers of attorney, planning for care home fees and other general issues involving older clients.

Her work will also involve clients from personal injury cases, advising them on the merits of trusts or deputyship orders following settlement of their cases.

Annabel has joined Thursfields after working for seven years with Black Country-based Higgs & Sons Solicitors, where she was an associate and headed the firm’s Care and Capacity team.

Michelle O’Hara, managing director of Thursfields, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Annabel onto our team.

“Her specialist skills and experience in looking after adults and children who are considered vulnerable for whatever reason will further strengthen our services.

“The growing reputation of Thursfields continues to allow us to recruit expert, talented lawyers to add depth and breadth to our client offering.”

Annabel graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2001 with a degree in Politics and Social Policy and then studied at the University of Law – Birmingham before completing her legal training contract at Gately Plc.

She is a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly and has advised the department of Dementia Studies at Worcester University in respect of their ongoing education provision to students,  carers and professionals in this sector. She also regularly provides training and seminars for care charities and has provided training to West Midlands Police.

Annabel lives in Worcestershire and is a keen horse-rider who once competed for England, said: “I was attracted to join Thursfields by the overall ethos of the firm and the high standard of work I have seen it produce.

“I was also impressed by the fact it is a female-led company, and I am looking forward to adding my expertise and further developing my career at the firm.”