David joined Weightmans in 2008, having previously been a
partner in a noted niche health care legal practice. He is a
specialist in the law relating to mental health and mental
incapacity, and in public law as it affects providers of services
in those areas. As well as giving expert, practical advice, David
represents NHS bodies, local authorities and third sector
organisations in judicial review proceedings, inquests, public
inquiries and Mental Health Review Tribunals.
His clients have ranged from high secure hospitals to providers
of continuing care, and he has been involved in some of the most
significant legal cases concerning health and social care. They
include: a House of Lords case on whether some doctors are
personally liable under the Human Rights Act (IH v Health
Secretary, 2003); and Court of Appeal cases on the
transfer of a patient to prison (M v Nottinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust, 2002), the true meaning of
‘personality disorder’ (MP v Mental Health Review Tribunal,
2003) and one of the statutory duties of social workers
(S-C v Lancashire County Council, 1996 &
1999).
David was a member of the Mental Health Act Commission for nine
years. Now, he holds a number of academic posts and is a part-time
President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. He has written
widely about health and social care law, and has delivered many
lectures, to professional and academic audiences at home and
abroad. In 2004, David appeared as an expert witness before the
Parliamentary committee that scrutinised the draft Mental Health
Bill. In Chambers & Partners Guide to the UK Legal Profession,
David is listed as a leader in health care law.