Ellie Burgess is a Solicitor in our Court of Protection department, based in our Cardiff office. Since joining Reeds in 2023, Ellie has become experienced in making applications under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework, particularly s21A challenges under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and represents clients regularly in s16 applications. Ellie has developed strong relationships with independent advocates, the Official Solicitor and family members from whom she regularly accepts instructions.
Ellie achieved a First Class Honours degree in LLB Law from Cardiff University in 2021 and a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course and LLM from the University of Law in Manchester in 2023. During her time at Cardiff University, Ellie held volunteering positions at Support through Court at the Cardiff Family and Civil Justice Centre and the Innocence Project, assisting on criminal appeals to the Court of Appeal. She joined Reeds in September 2023 and qualified as a Solicitor in May 2025.
Prior to joining Reeds, Ellie worked at a Criminal Defence firm based in Somerset where she assisted in the case administration of Magistrates and Crown Court matters. During her time here, Ellie also undertook a number of tasks including taking instructions from clients, corresponding with the court and counsel, preparing statements and assisting with the administration and costing of files. Ellie also worked on a pro-bono immigration application against the deportation of a client.
Ellie is experienced in handling cases with sensitive family dynamics and ensuring that all parties are listened to and their concerns addressed which is testament to her empathetic nature. She is excellent at drafting and has a strong ability to communicate complex and often sensitive legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner to ensure her clients fully understand their options and the legal process.
Ellie also has experience in matters with a cross-jurisdictional nature where clients have lived abroad. Ellie was recently involved in representing a vulnerable client in a matter under Schedule 3 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council v CK & Ors [2025] EWCOP 47 (T3) (12 December 2025)) in which Mrs Justice Morgan set out her observations on what should happen when a person who has lived in another country is moved back to England or Wales and placed in a registered care setting.
Recent and notable cases
Ellie represented a vulnerable client (“A”) who was moved from Spain to the UK. The judge found that there was no lawful authority for A’s family to move him to the UK and that he was habitually resident in Spain.
Ellie represented a vulnerable client in a matter under Schedule 3 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council v CK & Ors [2025] EWCOP 47 (T3) (12 December 2025)) in which Mrs Justice Morgan set out her observations on what should happen when a person who has lived in another country is moved back to England or Wales and placed in a registered care setting.
Testimonials
'I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and guidance with all of my cases.'
Client
Thank you for all your support during this difficult time. We truly do not believe we could have navigated this process without your guidance. Your professionalism, kindness, and willingness to help meant a great deal to our family. You helped make a very challenging situation much more manageable, particularly as we were also coping with the loss of our father. For that, we are sincerely grateful. With our heartfelt thanks.
Family members of a client