Zac Sussex is an Associate Solicitor in our Mental Health team and is the Team Leader for the Manchester Mental Health department. Zac represents clients who have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Zac has extensive experience in representing clients under the Mental Health Act in a wide range of restricted and unrestricted proceedings. Zac has a strong track record of resolving disputes under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act. He regularly identifies instances where responsibility for aftercare services has been wrongly denied or delayed and has successfully persuaded Local Authorities to accept funding obligations, securing timely discharge-planning for his clients.
He has particular expertise in applying the Mental Capacity Act to complex discharge arrangements, safeguarding patients’ rights and advancing less restrictive alternatives under the MCA in place of the MHA where possible.
Zac also has particular expertise in identifying errors of law in First-tier Tribunal decisions and advising on their suitability for appeal. He has a strong record of recognising arguable grounds, preparing robust challenges, and working with counsel to progress matters before the Upper Tribunal. Beyond Tribunal proceedings, he brings the same analytical approach to wider public law challenges and adeptly advises on the scope for Judicial Review where appropriate.
Zac holds the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation, reflecting his expertise and commitment to this specialist field. He completed his LLB (Hons) in 2020 and, before joining Reeds, gained experience both as a paralegal and as a practising solicitor in the South of England.
Qualifications and Memberships
- Mental Health Accreditation Scheme – Panel Member
- Member of Mental Health Lawyers Associated – Current Committee Member
Authored Articles
Zac authored an article about Mental Health Tribunals refusing access to independent expert evidence. You can read his article here.
Recent and notable cases
Zac was successfully granted permission to appeal to the UKUT concerning complex jurisdiction issues.
Zac achieved a successful appeal, and the case was remitted back to a different constituted panel.
Zac successfully argued that the Tribunal had made conclusions which could not be substantiated on the evidence.
Recognised the case as arguable and played a key role in its progression to the Upper Tribunal
Successfully argued that the Tribunal erred in concluding appropriate treatment was available for a CTO patient without lawful authority to administer medication; the case was remitted for reconsideration.
Testimonials
'[His] tenacity and persistent approach to my case has brought me a reward that will give me a much better quality of life to look forward to. [He is] a remarkable solicitor with all the very best attributes.'
AC
'Zac is a strategist and a quick, lateral thinker. A pragmatist who gets results, he is professional and reliable, especially with timely and effective communication. Zac shows sensitivity in the context of his work which deals with sensitive and complex issues.'
RB
'I can't thank you enough for the help you have provided. You managed to achieve something that many solicitors before you were unable to. I wish her husband was alive to see her home, but for now it's good enough for me that [client’s name] wishes have finally been prioritised. I’m not sure if you hear this often but the work you do is invaluable, you are the voice for the vulnerable and voiceless and I for one am very grateful for your expertise and support.'
ZA
Zac supported me throughout my mental health tribunal and helped me to understand my rights, he came into the hospital and went through everything in detail with me. Zac was very helpful and kept me informed throughout the process which I needed in such a difficult time. Zac showed me empathy and understanding and I would recommend his services to other patients and members of the public. Many thanks to Zac and Reeds Solicitors for their outstanding service.
LH