Pryers Solicitors has strengthened its Court of Protection (CoP) and trusts teams with Sian Thompson and Shanice Blackwood-Martin and paralegal Zoe Gospel.

With almost 30 years of legal experience, Sian Thompson brings extensive expertise in handling the settlements from high-value compensation cases. Her work as a CoP deputy and professional trustee on personal injury cases strengthens Pryers’ ability to manage complex deputyship cases.

Sian said: “Pryers has an excellent reputation for managing high-net-worth injury trust and deputyship cases, and I am happy to be part of this experienced team.

"The firm’s specialist environment will allow me to offer clients a service that’s second to none, supporting them in making positive changes after receiving compensation.”

Shanice Blackwood-Martin brings six years of experience to the Pryers team. Her appointment enhances its ability to offer a focused, client-centred approach, especially for families dealing with long-term injury cases.

Shanice said: “I’m passionate about mental capacity law and supporting people with managing their legal and financial affairs during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.”

Zoe Gospel has been appointed as a CoP paralegal, having joined Pryers in 2021 as part of the clinical negligence and personal injury enquiry team. Her experience in handling personal injury claims has given her valuable insight into the emotional and practical challenges families face after life-changing injuries.

Zoe said: “I’m excited to work closely with clients and their families, supporting them through CoP processes and helping them move forward.”

Pryers Solicitors’ Court of Protection team is led by solicitors Carmel Walsh and Robyn Hawxby . They have collectively over 50 years of experience in handling and managing high-value settlements for children and adults with brain injuries. They serve as CoP-appointed deputies as well as trustees of personal injury trusts.

Carmel Walsh, Pryers partner, said: “This expansion marks a significant move for our team, adding to our capacity while strengthening the personal approach that sets us apart. With Sian, Shanice and Zoe as part of the team, we’re now even better equipped to support clients in their most vulnerable moments, helping families build stable futures.”

Based in York , Pryers’ CoP team operates nationally, providing property, financial and personal welfare legal advice for those lacking mental capacity.