Adrian is a specialist in Mental Health Law and is a passionate advocate of patients rights.
Adrian qualified as a Solicitor in 1996 and has undertaken a wide range of work including Clinical Negligence and Judicial Review, before specialising in Mental Health Law.
Adrian has been qualified as a Law Society Mental Health Panel Member for many years and has extensive experience in representing clients including Medium and High Secure settings. He regularly represents patients at Managers hearing and Tribunal hearings. Adrian’s emphasis in all cases is to ensure that clients are given proper support to exercise their rights, adding ‘advocacy should always be undertaken to the highest standards and that begins with thorough investigation. It is important that we listen carefully to all of our clients so that our work is targeted effectively to achieve the best results.
Adrian and his team have experience in dealing with complex and challenging cases, regularly liaising with Social Work departments, Advocates and making use of a range of independent experts and other Professionals. He assists people with a wide range of issues including those seeking discharge from civil and restricted detention, Community Treatment Orders, requests for treatment, complaints and prisoners seeking transfer and treatment for mental disorder.
His approach it to ensure that he remains in touch with his clients and remains informed about developments. We do this in a number of ways including regularly meeting with our clients and attending Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings. It is important that we stay involved to ensure discharge is facilitated at the earliest point and in a way which meets the clients needs.
Adrian is committed to ensuring that all clients receive a comprehensive service which has often required close involvement with other departments including Community Care, Housing, Crime and Family Law. Adrian believes that one of the strengths of the firm is its ability to provide a wide range of service on-house. Much of this work can be undertaken using Legal Aid funding. We also strive to ensure that clients are personally represented by the same staff during any legal proceedings. We find it helps to provide a continuity of care to our clients, and feedback shows they find it helpful as well.
Adrian has a Masters Degree in Law and is a Director in the firm.
His interests include a range of sports including football and shooting. He is a Great Britain International in pistol shooting and was a National Champion in 2011.
Contact details:-
Email: AdrianSyms@swainandco.com
Tel: 02380 631111
Fax: 02380 233181
Oakwood Court
62A The Avenue
Southampton
Hants
SO17 1XS
