Mental Health Staff

One of the leading teams in the country.

Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson LLB (Hons)

Solicitor & Partner

Daniel has worked for RMNJ as a paralegal previously and returned in 2015 after being Called to the Bar. Daniel qualified as a Solicitor in 2017 and is a member of the Mental Health Tribunal Accreditation Scheme with experience of representing clients at Tribunals, Hospital Managers hearings and in CPA meetings. Daniel represents clients at all levels of security with a special interest in forensic patients. Daniel also has experience in Litigation issues arising from mental health and human rights matters and assists with Court of Protection matters.

Emma Hickson

Emma Hickson

Senior Legal Secretary

Emma co-ordinates Tribunals and other hearings and ensures the smooth day to day running of the department.

Azka Zubairy

Azka Zubairy LLB

Paralegal

Azka is an LLB Law with Spanish (Hons) graduate with experience in various areas of law. She has chosen to specialise in mental health and mental capacity law and is particularly interested in promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable and incapacitated people. As a paralegal, Azka assists with Court of Protection cases regarding clients' welfare matters as well as appeals against their deprivation of liberty. She also takes initial instructions from patients detained under the Mental Health Act.

Holly Bernard

Holly Bernard LLB

Paralegal

Holly is an LLB law graduate who joined the mental health department in September 2022 following the completion of her law degree from the University of Chester. Holly has chosen to specialise in mental health law and is currently studying for her LPC and Masters. As a paralegal, Holly takes initial instructions from clients who are subject to the Mental Health Act and assists with all elements of case preparation up to the point of the hearing. She is preparing to seek accreditation to the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel with the goal of being able to represent clients at Tribunals.