Laura is a partner in our Public Law and Human Rights team. For well over a decade, she has been known for her contentious and non-contentious work acting for, and advising in, cases concerning individuals made vulnerable because of a lack of mental capacity, physical ill health, or mental ill health.
Recognised in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 since 2012, Laura has a wealth of experience in cases brought under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 concerning the health and welfare, property and financial affairs, and medical treatment of individuals.
Her work also encompasses numerous other specialist areas, including cases brought under – or concerning – the Children Act 1989, the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Health Act 1983, and professional and regulatory frameworks.
In her broad practice, Laura regularly advises private individuals, the Official Solicitor, and charitable and commercial organisations, in national and cross-border disputes, amongst others. She is regularly invited to speak at seminars and conferences, and has provided advice and training to legal, medical, and social work professionals, as well as NGOs, charities, and campaigning organisations.
Laura has acted in many high profile and significant Court of Protection cases, many of which have featured in both the national and international media. Known equally however for her sensitive and discreet approach, over the years, many well-known individuals and household names have benefited from Laura’s renowned ability to ensure that their cases are kept out of the public domain.
Experience
Laura’s reported cases of legal note include:
2022
2021
2020
- The Health Service Executive of Ireland v IM & Anor (Rev 1) [2020] EWCOP 51
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust v AB [2020] EWCOP 40
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust v MX & Ors [2020] EWHC 1958 (Fam)
- VE v AO & Others [2020] EWCOP 23
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets v A & Anor [2020] EWCOP 21
- QD (Habitual Residence) (No.2) [2020] EWCOP 14
2019
- Southend-On-Sea Borough Council v Meyers [2019] EWHC 399 (Fam)
- QD (Jurisdiction: Habitual Residence) [2019] EWCOP 56
- JK v A Local Health Board [2019] EWHC 67 (Fam)
- Re AB (Termination) [2019] EWCA Civ 1215
- An NHS Foundation Trust v AB & Ors [2019] EWCOP 26
- Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v TG & Anor [2019] EWCOP 21
2018
2017
2016
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Others [2016] EWCOP 21
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Ors [2016] EWCOP 21
- The London Borough of Southwark v KA (Capacity to Marry) [2016] EWHC 661 (Fam)
2015
- V v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Ors [2015] EWCOP 88
- V (Out of Hours: Reporting Restriction Order), Re (Rev 1) [2015] EWCOP 83
- Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust v C & Anor [2015] EWCOP 80
- MASM v MMAM & Ors (Rev 1) [2015] EWCOP 3
2014
- The London Borough of Tower Hamlets v TB & Anor (Rev 1) [2014] EWCOP 53
- LBX v TT & Others [2014] EWCOP 24
2012
- Re SK [2012] EWHC 1990
Recent directory and client quotes
Chambers and Partners UK 2025
- Laura is ranked Band 1 in Court of Protection: Health & Welfare & Band 1 in Mental Health: Patients.
- “Laura is a delight to work with and has superb knowledge of the Court of Protection.”
- “The level of sympathy and understanding goes far beyond what you would expect.”
- “She is the person I’d go to, and is really trusted by the Official Solicitor.”
- “Laura does the most difficult cases.”
- “She is absolutely top-class.”
Legal 500 2025
- Laura is listed as a “Leading Partner” in Court of Protection & Healthcare.
- Laura Hobey-Hamsher has been an absolutely stand out performer for years. Knows her stuff and is a shrewd litigator. Particularly strong in medical treatment cases.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is very experienced and absolutely excellent.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher has a very good tactical feeling for COP litigation as well as a great understanding of the underlying welfare and public law issues that can arise in such cases. She is on top of the detail; any instructions from her or her team will always be excellently prepared.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is hugely experienced. She has excellent judgment and is a strong litigator.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2024
- Laura was ranked Band 1 in Court of Protection: Health & Welfare & Band 2 in Mental Health: Patients.
- “Laura is the best in the country. She is extremely experienced and very good at anticipating what courts need. Her advice is always very thorough.”
- “Laura is recognised as a leading solicitor in the field. Her judgement on things is outstanding.”
- “Laura is exceptionally good at handling cases.”
- “She is an outstanding solicitor who knows what judges will decide. She guides cases to the best outcomes for her clients and has great attention to detail.”
Legal 500 2024
- Laura was ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Court of Protection.
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher is outstanding. She is also appointed as agent in Serious Medical treatment cases where she will meet with and liaise with the client at very short notice and convey their wishes and feelings to the court. She is smart, funny and a joy to work with.”
- “Laura was an absolute gem. She was extremely strong, confident and caring. Laura was empathetic to the situation at hand, clearly outlined the options available to me, and was super personable in all dealings.”
- “Laura Hobey-Hamsher – vastly experienced, excellent manner with clients, and extremely hard-working.”
Professional memberships
- Laura is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme
Education and career
- Laura qualified in 2008
- She moved to Bindmans LLP in 2014, and was made partner in 2021
