Maisy Berrigan is a Trainee Solicitor in our Court of Protection department, based in our Bristol office. Maisy assists the solicitors in the Bristol office with daily tasks including speaking to clients, drafting documents and liaising with the court.
Maisy graduated from the University of the West of England with an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Law in 2021. In 2022, Maisy graduated from the University of Bristol with a Master of Science in International Relations. Maisy joined Reeds in September 2022 and is now working towards qualifying as a Solicitor via the SQE route.
Maisy is regularly instructed by advocates to represent individuals in court applications relating to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework. She provides huge support to her colleagues and assists with all aspects of case preparation. Maisy also assists the Solicitors in the team in cases where the Official Solicitor acts as litigation friend.
Maisy takes a proactive approach with all cases to ensure she always gets the best outcome for her clients.
Recent and notable cases
Maisy has worked on several notable cases, including:
Re PK (2023): Assisted the lead Solicitor who was instructed by the Official Solicitor to represent a 56 year old man with a Learning Disability and Autism, very limited verbal communication and acute sensory needs who had remained in a communal shared bathroom of a placement for 10 months. Successfully argued it was in his best interests to move to a bespoke placement with a substantial care package provided by trained and specialist staff. Various adaptations and bespoke architecture were required to ensure it was suitable to meet his needs.
Re SC (2023): Assisted the lead Solicitor who was instructed to represent a gentleman deprived of his liberty in hospital following a stroke. For the preceding 18 years, he had lived remotely in solitude on a field in a wooden shed with no utilities. Following extensive occupational therapy and SALT support, he was found to have capacity in relation to litigation, residence and care and returned home to his shed.
Re EH (2024): Assisted the lead Solicitor who was instructed to represent a gentleman with a diagnosis of a learning disability and Fragile X syndrome who entered into an arranged marriage with a woman in Bangladesh before returning to the UK with his family. On his return, information about the marriage was shared with the Local Authority, who subsequently commenced family proceedings for a Forced Marriage Protection Order and concurrent Court of Protection proceedings for declarations as to his capacity. Following extensive expert evidence and SALT input, he was found to lack capacity to consent to marriage and to engage in sexual relations and the marriage was dissolved.
Re MH (2024): Instructed to represent a woman deprived of her liberty in hospital following an admission due to a cognitive impairment. During proceedings, there were several conflicting reports in respect of her capacity and concerns raised about coercive and controlling behaviour exhibited by close family. She was subsequently discharged from hospital to a care home in the interim whilst expert evidence was sought. Following receipt of the expert evidence, she was found to have capacity and returned home, inline with her wishes and feelings.
Testimonials
Many thanks for your assistance, Maisy which was compassionate, thoughtful and kind.
Client
Maisy consistently exceeds performance and expectations with the service she provides for Reed’s solicitors. She demonstrates competence, professionalism and produces high-quality, person-centred work that enables clients to obtain the best possible outcomes. I have used Reed’s solicitors previously and have always been extremely impressed with the service provided.
Client
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Maisy on this case. Maisy’s work has been amazing and tireless, and especially impressive given that this was the first case on which you took the lead as a trainee! I’m sure P is very grateful to you.
Client
Many thanks for your assistance, Maisy which was compassionate, thoughtful and kind.
Client
Maisy consistently exceeds performance and expectations with the service she provides for Reed’s solicitors. She demonstrates competence, professionalism and produces high-quality, person-centred work that enables clients to obtain the best possible outcomes. I have used Reed’s solicitors previously and have always been extremely impressed with the service provided.
Client
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Maisy on this case. Maisy’s work has been amazing and tireless, and especially impressive given that this was the first case on which you took the lead as a trainee! I’m sure P is very grateful to you.
Client
Many thanks for your assistance, Maisy which was compassionate, thoughtful and kind.
Client