National consumer law firm Simpson Millar has further cemented its reputation as a leading player within the Court of Protection with a flurry of new appointments.
Spearheaded by industry heavyweight and Co-Chair of the Court of Practitioners Association (CoPPA), Melanie Varey, the team oversees the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of people who lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Further to growing demand for its services both during the pandemic and beyond, the firm has now welcomed Radek Wojtylko, Pete Myers, Alex Kimpton and Holly White to the department in the roles of paralegal, senior paralegal, legal administrator and Solicitor respectively.
Their arrival follows hot on the heels of a number of senior hires for the team including Kate Edwards who is known as one of the leading authorities on Court of Protection (CoP) in the country, and who joined last year and Kayleigh Smith, who has been involved in some of the leading cases to be reported in the last few years.
Speaking of the department’s continued growth Mel Varey said it was indicative of the firm’s ‘ongoing commitment’ to building an unrivalled, national network of experts within the specialist practice area.
Mel, a Partner and Head of Court of Protection at Simpson Millar, said: “It’s an honour to welcome Radek, Pete, Alex and Holly to the team.
“Their experiences, expertise and their passion for the work we do on behalf of the Court of Protection means they are perfectly placed to support our clients, many of whom are vulnerable and reliant on us to act in their best interests.
“The four of them join us at an exciting period of growth for the department, which is now one of the largest, most formidable and most experienced Court of Protection teams in the country. We are proud to be known for going above and beyond for our own clients, as well as many others through our involvement with various panels.
“Collectively Radek, Pete, Alex and Holly and truly embody many of our goals here at Simpson Millar, most importantly offering our clients transparent and forward-thinking legal solutions, and it is a real privilege to have them all on board.”
Based in Manchester and bringing more than five years’ Court of Protection experience to the role, Solicitor Holly White specialises in supporting clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, or who need a professional deputy due to complex family dynamics.
Holly has a wealth of experience in working collaboratively with clients and their families to support them during difficult times and to develop and build a positive relationship.
Pete Myers has a huge depth of experience helping families in difficult circumstances and has worked with many who have experienced life-changing injuries including brain and spinal injuries. He brings his wisdom and calm approach to solving problems and smoothing the path for clients whether they have a deputyship or a Personal injury Trust.
Pete is dedicated to working closely with all professionals to support our clients comprehensively.
Alex Kimpton provides invaluable support to the team. He focusses on compliance issues, liaising with the Office of the Public Guardian and the Senior Courts Costs Office.
Joining the firm in October of last year and supporting the Solicitors with both Deputyship and PI Trust matters, Radek Wojtylko also joins the Manchester-based team as a Paralegal.
Having previously worked within the legal sector in both personal injury and family teams, he brings a unique and sympathetic insight into the challenges faced by families in conflict, or negatively impacted as a result of an acquired brain injury.
He is tasked with assisting Court-appointed Deputies with the general management of the Deputyship case load, helping to prepare Deputyship Court applications, liaising with clients and assisting in the setting up of Personal Injury Trusts.
