Expansion for Vincents’ court of protection team: New specialists appointed to support growing workload

Vincents Solicitors, a leading legal firm, is strengthening its Court of Protection (CoP) team to meet the rising demand for its services. Oliver Banks, the head of the CoP department, has made strategic appointments in response to a remarkable increase in workload over the past year.

Abigail Cuffe, a distinguished CoP and welfare specialist, joins Vincents from JMW Solicitors in Manchester, bringing valuable expertise in welfare benefits within the Court of Protection. Her unique background includes previous roles at Potter Rees Dolan, Slater + Gordon, Pannone, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Nicola Hayes, an experienced paralegal, returns to the UK after managing a regional branch for Shine Lawyers in Australia. With a legal career spanning Keogh’s in Bolton and Bannister Bates in Morecambe, Nicola's commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Vincents’ CoP team.

Both Abigail and Nicola will work alongside Oliver Banks and Lisa Lodge, Vincents’ director of Private Client Services and former head of the CoP department, at the Garstang office. Lisa, a Professional Deputy, praises Oliver's outstanding advocacy and referral rate, emphasising the need for team expansion.

Abigail's role extends beyond CoP, offering welfare benefit checks for family law, conveyancing, wills and probate, personal injury, and clinical negligence clients. Her expertise becomes a key asset during major life changes, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support.

Nicola, driven by a passion for aiding the most vulnerable, expresses enthusiasm about re-entering practice as a CoP specialist. Her dedication extends to volunteer work with Witness Support and her continued collaboration with the Coroner's Court within Lancashire.

Lisa Lodge applauds the team's dedication, confident that Abigail and Nicola will enhance Vincents’ reputation in CoP. The expansion aims to provide exceptional care and attention to the firm's clients facing complex legal challenges, solidifying Vincents Solicitors as a stronghold in Court of Protection matters.