We are proud to announce that our Court of Protection team has bolstered its capacity to further support our clients with five new appointments. This expansion will allow us to provide an even more comprehensive and responsive service, ensuring that we continue to meet our client’s needs with the utmost professionalism and care.   

As we welcome Oliver Banks, Claire Martini, Clare Thomas, Rebecca Neish, and Abigail Cuffe to the team, we are now even better equipped to handle the increasing demand for our Court of Protection services.   

Their combined expertise, proficiency, and commitment are invaluable assets to the wider Jackson Lees Group, as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance and grow our ability to deliver exceptional services to our clients across the Merseyside and Northwest region.   

Find out more about our new Court of Protection team members below.  

Oliver Banks – Head of Court of Protection  

Oliver Banks has been appointed as Head of Court of Protection at Jackson Lees. Oliver started his legal career over 11 years ago as a Trainee Litigation Executive after completing his Philosophy and Politics Bachelor’s degree at the University of Liverpool. Oliver later qualified as a solicitor in 2017 practising in Court of Protection and catastrophic injury work, he moved into Court of Protection work full time in 2021 and headed his first team in 2022 with another Northwest firm.  

Speaking on his recent appointment, Oliver said

I am genuinely excited to head such a dynamic and talented team here at Jackson Lees. It’s an incredible opportunity to take over a team originally started by Jane MacGregor and then later led by Joanne McNally, they’ve both laid a fantastic foundation for me to work with going forward, I’m hugely excited to see both myself and the wider team grow and develop.   

Jackson Lees is renowned as one of the premier firms in the Northwest, and I am eager to contribute to our ongoing success and uphold the high standards of excellence that have become synonymous with our name.   

Working alongside talented colleagues who are at various different points in their legal career will undoubtedly be a gratifying and enriching experience, and I look forward to the collaborative efforts that will drive our firm's continued achievements across the Northwest region.

Claire Martini - Deputy Head of Court of Protection Department  

Claire Martini has been appointed Deputy Head of the Court of Protection Department at Jackson Lees. With extensive experience in personal injury and Court of Protection work, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has been instrumental in managing complex cases and guiding her past teams to provide exceptional client care.  

Discussing her new role, Claire said

I am thrilled to join this dedicated and highly skilled team at Jackson Lees. Having worked in Court of Protection for the last eight years it feels like it’s the best time for me to begin a new challenge and journey with a firm that is nationally renowned for its exceptional legal services.   

Working within this niche legal field is hugely personable; you’re with clients for a long time, and it’s especially rewarding to see real progression with them. I’m really excited to be working with Oliver to push the wider team to deliver the best possible services for our clients.

 Abigail Cuffe – Team Leader and Welfare Benefits Expert  

Abigail Cuffe joins Jackson Lees as a Team Leader and Welfare Benefits Expert, bringing over 12 years of specialised experience in the sector. With a background that spans public pensions and welfare benefits, Abigail has established herself as an expert in the field. Her role involves overseeing the review of clients' benefits, ensuring accurate entitlements, and providing pivotal support to deputies navigating the complex benefits landscape. Abigail’s dedication to securing funds for vulnerable clients underscores her commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.  

Speaking on joining Jackson Lees, Abigail said   

I am passionate about advocating for our vulnerable clients and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. Being able to make a real positive difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling, and I am excited to expand our welfare benefits support at Jackson Lees to help even more people.   

This is my first time back in an office since May as my previous role was remote, it feels great to back working face to face with a team that has a real family feel to it, I’m excited to see how we can grow and develop together to best serve all our client’s needs.

Claire Thomas – Team Leader  

Claire Thomas has taken on the role of Team Leader at Jackson Lees. In her new position, she oversees the work of paralegals, new trainees, and newly qualified staff, guiding them with her wealth of experience in the field. Claire's journey to becoming a Grade B solicitor and now a Team Leader is a testament to her dedication and commitment to her profession.  

Speaking of her appointment, Claire said  

I'm truly honoured to join Jackson Lees, this role presents a unique opportunity to not only support our talented team but also make a tangible difference in the lives of our clients. It's about fostering growth within our team and ensuring our clients receive the highest level of care and service. 

Rebecca Neish – Court of Protection Executive  

Rebecca Neish has been appointed to the role of Court of Protection Executive at Jackson Lees. After working as a paralegal in her previous role, her dedication and hard work has been recognised and she is excited to further develop her skillset by supporting various fee earners on the wider team.   

Rebecca expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating

I'm most excited about the ethos and the socially conscious side of things at Jackson Lees. It aligns with what I'm interested in. I enjoy working with clients, getting to know people from different walks of life. It's the most rewarding part of the job. I would also like to get some formal qualifications, hopefully here.

 Commenting on the expansion of the team, Esther Leach, Managing Director at Jackson Lees Group, said

At Jackson Lees Group we understand the importance of having the appropriate resources to offer efficient and robust services to clients, we believe that these new appointments will only solidify the effectiveness of our services throughout the North-west region. We’re really happy that Oliver is going to be heading the team and we know that he has the ability to continue to meet the growing needs of our clients, ensuring that they receive the highest level of service and support. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our new Court of Protection team members will bring to the wider group and our clients.

If you would like to hear more about how the Court of Protection team could help you or a loved one, please call us today or make an enquiry.