Amy Dutton

Biography

Amy is a solicitor in the Court of Protection and community care department.

Amy commenced her career at Stephensons in June 2011 whilst studying her law degree at Edge Hill University. Amy successfully completed three summer student placements at Stephensons whilst completing her studies working in both the crime and civil liberties departments. She then graduated with an upper second class honours degree in 2014 and joined the regulatory department shortly after in May 2014 as a graduate paralegal.

Whilst in this role, Amy studied her Legal Practice Course part-time at Manchester Metropolitan University which she completed in June 2016, achieving a distinction. Amy was subsequently offered a training contract at Stephensons which she commenced in September 2017. Amy then qualified as a solicitor in September 2019.

Amy has a particular interest and experience in representing vulnerable children and adults with physical disabilities and mental health conditions. She regularly represents both “P”, via a litigation friend, and family members in Mental Capacity Act disputes before the Court of Protection. Amy also has advocacy experience in the Court of Protection.

Amy has extensive experience in providing representation and advising parties regarding s21A challenges against Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and capacity and best interest disputes. Amy regularly advises on capacity assessments, transition and support plans, and best interests to secure a move for a vulnerable adult to an alternative placement more suited to meet their needs and in accordance with their wishes. Amy also regularly advises on sensitive and complex issues within s21A challenges including residence, care, contact with others, sexual relations, contraception, medical treatment issues and deprivations of liberty.

Amy is regularly instructed by advocates/IMCA’s/RPR’s and family members. Amy also receives instructions from the Official Solicitor.

Amy is also experienced in dealing with disputed property and affairs matters, including proceedings before the Court of Protection involving disputed Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

Outside of work, Amy enjoys baking, spending time with her young family and walking her dog, Betsy.

Areas of specialism

• Court of Protection health and welfare
• Court of Protection disputed property and affairs
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) appeals under s21A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005

What others say

"Excellent Service - Amy Dutton is a credit to Stephensons
I worked with Amy Dutton on a variety of CoP cases, specifically in relation to s21a challenge for persons under DoLS. Amy was always quick and helpful in her responses, and was always willing to speak with me about cases before initialising challenges, helping me clarify statements and ensure that challenges were correctly filed. Amy went out of her way to ensure my clients and service users views and wishes were understood and heard by the courts and by social services. I would highly recommend Amy and Stephensons for any CoP cases."

"I was having problems with social services and I got in touch with Stephensons who then put me in touch with Amy... I would recommend Stephensons who I found very professional and gave good advice."

"Great experience having used the service for the first time. Amy was easy to contact, responded to emails, advised when necessary and concluded matters at the most appropriate time after exploring all options." - A review from an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate