I have known Steven Lawlor in the capacity of a Mental health Act 1983 Solicitor at MHA review panels. From my point of view, he has always been very thorough when representing his clients and he presents himself very professionally. Steven has a good knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and the ability to apply to in practise. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a consultant in this area.

I have had the privilege to work with Mr Steven Lawlor for the last 3 years in a professional capacity of Mental Health Act Administrator/ MHA Solicitor. Mr Lawlor represented mentally ill clients that were held under the MHA Act 1983. He was very professional in dealing with clients, doctors, social workers, tribunal members, tribunal clerks and other professionals. Mr Lawlor was very reliable, open to answering questions from myself, clients & other professionals. I would definitely recommend Mr Lawlor as a solicitor to anyone that requires the professional services of a MHA solicitor.

I had the pleasure of working with Steven and always found him to very professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about his role as a Mental Health Solicitor. I highly recommend Steven.

A professional individual with outstanding MHA knowledge who has maintained good relationships with his clients ensuring swift, legal and in-depth representation at all times. He is extremely pleasant to work with and is always accommodating where this is possible.

I have been familiar with Steven Lawlor in his role as a legal representative for several years. Steven is an experienced solicitor with an in-depth understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983. Steven is a first class advocate for his clients as he supports them to uphold their legal rights. Steven is able to engage even the most difficult clients with his down-to-earth and considerate manner. It is refreshing to see a legal representative that cares about what he does and his clients well-being. Steven carries out his role in a professional and confident manner, he is a great asset to the legal sector.

In my previous role as an IMHA, Steve provided legal support and representation for many of my clients. Steve has a clear passion for ensuring that patients detained under the Mental Health Act receive high quality independent legal representation and their rights are upheld. Steve is skilled in quickly building rapport and trust with clients. This includes communicating complex legal advice to clients with complex and varied needs. Steve has comprehensive and expert knowledgeable on the MHA 1983, which he communicates to clients in a manner that they can understand, enabling them to make informed decisions. Whilst representing clients at Mental Health Tribunals and HMHs, it was clear that Steve is committed to achieving justice for detained patients and upholding their fundamental rights. Steve always went that extra mile to ensure that clients felt supported in hearings and worked with them in an empowering way to ensure that they were able to participate in hearings and have their say. Steve also represented our clients who lacked capacity to instruct him. He is highly knowledgeable about how the MHA is applied for those who lack capacity and worked in a person-centred, holistic manner in these cases, ensuring that decisions were made in the person’s best interests. Steve is professional and polite in his manner in working with clients and other professionals. He is confident and effective in challenging professionals and holding them to account on their decision-making. Steve’s professionalism, expertise and the high quality of his services were highly valued by our clients and by the IMHA service.

I have worked with Steven on numerous occasions over many years and have found his professionalism and knowledge of Mental Health law second to none. Added to that I’ve found his manner and interactions with our clients and their professionals alike, to be at all times both patient and understanding.

I have known Steven Lawlor for a number of years in my capacity as an Independent Hospital Manager at Cygnet Healthcare and Four Seasons independent psychiatric hospitals. I am delighted to offer the following observations. In the time I have known him, Steven has demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act and the Code of Practice, together with other related legislation. This includes human rights and how they relate to patients detained under the Mental Health Act. I have been particularly impressed with his listening skills and how he always presents himself as extremely well prepared for all hearings, and being familiar with the case history and personal circumstances of the patient. When called upon Steven’s verbal evidence and submission to the managers is always delivered courteously and succinctly in a manner which is informative and can be understood by lay members and also the patient , if present. On many occasions I and my colleagues have sought his advice regarding a point of law and his explanation has been willingly given with the appropriate legal guidance. His presentation in front of patients is made with due regard for their privacy ,dignity and respect. He appears to be dedicated to his profession and to assist his colleagues to achieve the same high standards. In summary, my dealings with Steven Lawlor he has consistently shown the utmost professionalism, honesty and integrity in his relationships with colleagues and patients. I have no hesitation in recommending Steven Lawlor for any role within the Mental Health Act.

I have known Mr Lawlor for a number of years and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to represent any of the service users. Steven has a very good knowledge of the Mental Health Act and represents his clients extremely well. He is thorough with his questions to the professionals at both CTO and Section 3 hearings. Mr. Lawlor has great empathy with the patients and manages to instil confidence especially with difficult contested hearings.

Steven is a highly professional and proven solicitor at providing successful legal representation.

I have known Steven professionally for 7 years through my role as a Mental Health Act Co-ordinator for the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. During this time I have found Steven to be conscientious, hardworking and professional. Steve has a calm and friendly demeanour which has always made him approachable and a pleasure to work with. Applying his knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983, I have witnessed Steven listening to, advising and guiding his clients through the processes of Hospital Managers reviews and First Tier Tribunals. I am confident that Steven’s drive and abilities would be a valuable asset to any organisation.

I have known Steven in his role as a solicitor representing patients with mental health issues for around 5-6 years. I am a Mental Health Manager who sits on a panel of three, to see if the patient fulfils all of the statutory mental health requirements to be held under the terms of the act under section and that the section under which they are placed is fair and reasonable. I have met Steven on a number of occasions when he has been representing a patient. I have always found the manner in which he represents his patient has been very professional and done to an excellent standard. I have never witnessed a patient express concern or disagreement in the manner in which he has represented them. I am therefore happy to provide this testament on behalf of Steven Lawlor

I found Mr. Lawlor to be an astute and adept solicitor. Mr Lawlor has his clients' best interest at heart. Mr Lawlor is a bundle of knowledge and was extremely helpful in clarifying complex medico-legal dilemmas. I wish Mr Lawlor the very best in his future ventures.

As somebody who supports individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities and mental health difficulties, I know how important it is to have a reliable solicitor who will fully support the wishes and needs of their clients. Steven has supported many individuals with whom I work. Steven is professional, and fully supports and fights for whatever his clients are seeking. I have observed Steven supporting and explaining legal rights to individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. Steven adapts his way of speaking and working to each client that he represents to ensure that they fully understand the processes and feel that their views and wishes are being voiced. Steven always has time for his clients and is very responsive to emails and phone calls from both clients and other individuals involved in their care. Steven's exhibits a calm and down to earth approach which enables him to gain rapport with the individuals he represents

Steven has been representing my patients at Cygnet Cedars as independent MHA solicitor for the last few years. He has been very effective as a solicitor for his clients and they like him. I have observed for him to have a very good knowledge of mental health law. All the best for his new company

I am an independent hospital manager and work across two NHS Trusts and many private hospitals as a chair /panel member on hearings for the detention of patients in hospital or on a CTO under the Mental Health Act. I have had the pleasure of working with Steven from the other side of the table for approximately 5/6 years and have seen him develop into a very professional and competent solicitor. He helps explore the options that support people to make decisions about their own lives, assisting people to secure their rights for the help they need, and he represents his clients to enable them to speak for themselves or to speak on their behalf where needed. He always tries his hardest to make his clients feel as relaxed as possible and Steven’s advocacy skills make his clients feel comfortable and that they are supported by him. He also knows when to use a very appropriate sense of humour to put the patient at ease. I am more than happy to offer this testimonial to Steven and wish him all the very best in his future career.

I have been an Associate Hospital Manager at Black Country Healthcare since 2007, and it is my pleasure to write a testimonial on behalf of Mr Steven Lawlor a remarkable lawyer that I have worked with since 2013. He has represented patients on many occasions and I have observed him mature from a trainee to the very skilled and confident advocate that he is today. I am always impressed with how he works with patients who are anxious, distressed, or have fluctuating capacity. His ability to communicate clearly with his clients to obtain instructions for a hearing is excellent. He is always professional and demonstrates an outstanding grasp of Mental Health law with skilful questions and summaries.

I have worked alongside Steve for just over 18 months. I have always found him to be very professional in his interactions with both myself and my clients. He is able to communicate fully with his clients and represent them in a way that makes them feel that he has listened to them and will support them to have their voices heard. Steve has always been available to support myself with any legal queries I have for my clients and has gone above and beyond with several of my clients in supporting them to have the best opportunity to have their rights upheld. Steve has excellent knowledge of the 1983 Mental Health Act and is able to give good advice to support myself and my clients. He answers telephone and email requests promptly and always has the best interests of his clients at the forefront of his work.

I have been involved with Mr Lawlor in relation to legal counsel about the law relating to mental health and mental capacity over the last few years. In this time I have found his approach to be absolutely professional and solution focused. I work well with people who have a no nonsense approach an feel Mr Lawlor has this ability to professionally and pragmatically find steerage in the difficult situations we have found ourselves. Mr Lawlor has the ability to explain things in a way which is understandable and focused acting in his client’s best interests and of course without judgement. I am impressed with Mr Lawlor’s approach and in my 20 years’ experience in mental health I can say I find his approach refreshing and professionalism impeccable. I have no problem providing this testimonial for Mr Lawlor and I must say it’s the first time in my career I have had the confidence to do so. Ii is always a pleasure to work with Mr Lawlor and I would not hesitate retaining Mr Lawlor services. I would be thoroughly confident he would be able to competently find a workable position as you would expect from your legal team.

I work as a Consultant Psychiatrist. In the course of my work, I have had contacts with several mental health solicitors over the years. Mr Lawlor stands out, not just because he is a six footer, but because he is a solicitor who is passionate about his role. He has an extensive knowledge in mental health law and his experience shines through. He has the special ability to defend his clients vigorously and passionately, whilst also keeping a cordial and engaging relationship with the ‘prosecutorial’ mental health team. He takes his time to explore relevant information by not only looking through relevant notes, but also by establishing a respectful working partnership with the mental health team. He is a kind and gentleman who is well respected by all the team members. He is professional in all his interactions and takes his time to ensure that he carries everyone along. He goes the extra mile to ensure his clients understand, as best as possible, the full process of relevant medico-legal dealings. His communication skills are warm and engaging. Mr Lawlor comes with my highest recommendation.

Always delighted to see Steven advocate for his clients at Mental Health Act panel hearings. As they are one of the most vulnerable people in the community, they deserve one of the best to ensure that they receive appropriate and fair legal representation of a high standard Particularly impressed with his in-depth knowledge of his cases as well as the Mental Health Act 1983 as amended. He also attends these hearings on time and comes well prepared to represent his clients. His thorough and intelligent questioning of the medics and social care professionals on behalf of his clients, whilst ensuring that the Mental Health Act statutory criteria is met, not only gives us food for thought but also keeps us on our toes! His ability to put forward a strong and persuasive case in representing his clients’ wishes is impressive. He is also known to address any emerging issues satisfactorily. His summing up of each and every case, especially the complex ones, is also consistently presented with confidence and clarity. Steven Lawlor is an accomplished and skilful advocate with a considerable number of years experience in Mental Health. He engages well with his clients to obtain their instructions and understanding their needs. His straightforward and relaxed manner makes it easier for them to voice their wishes, needs and concerns at panel hearings. This approach is highly valued and greatly appreciated among panel members.

It is an absolute pleasure and honour to provide a testimonial for Mr Steven Lawlor who I have known for over three years now, in my capacity as a Consultant Psychiatrist. As a Psychiatrist, I have had contacts with several mental health Solicitors over the years. Mr Lawlor is very thorough and knowledgeable in his area of expertise. I have seen him defend his clients with a very calm and methodical approach. I have been most impressed with his ability to maintain a cordial and engaging relationship with the mental health team and view each case objectively, and defend fairly and justly. Mr Lawlor has great interpersonal skills. He strikes me as someone who is quite humble, modest and very approachable. No doubt, he is well respected by the team and comes highly recommended.

On behalf of the hospital staff and myself, I wish to extend sincere gratitude for your unending patience and professionalism whilst representing our service users in relation to both First Tier Tribunals and Hospital Manager Hearings alike. You are quickly responsive and resilient in providing answers to any questions I or our service users may have. You have the ability to understand their needs, whilst maintaining a clear calm non-judgemental approach, providing clear advice and robustly advancing their cases on their behalf. Your reputation amongst staff and service users is paramount and a justification for your extensive hard work and rapport with all.

I have known Mr Steven Lawlor for almost 3 years now. He has helped many of my young person in an adolescent unit to fight for their right such as making an appeal to lift their section of Mental Health Act. Steven is very diligent and sees all the young people face to face to understand their position and their state of mind to give them the best chance to succeed. He is very polite towards the judge and the panel during a Mental Health Act Review Tribunal and a firm professional when it comes to argue his case. Steven doesn’t show any sign of weakness and shows sign of hope to all his clients. He has not given up on any of his case and has gone an extra mile to achieve the right help and support his clients need. I have had person experience of working together with Steven to help a vulnerable but risky young person to achieve what is rightfully his needs to be safe and out of hospital. We need many Stevens to make sure that it’s not about winning or the money but it’s about the duty that has to be fulfilled as a solicitor. If I ever need a solicitor; I would opt for Steven. I hope Steven succeeds in all part of his life; all the best.

I have known Mr Lawlor in my capacity as an Independent Hospital Manager sitting at psychiatric hospitals for a number of years, and am delighted to offer the following observations which are based on my dealings with him during that time: In the time I have known him, Mr Lawlor has consistently demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the 1983 and 2007 Mental Health Acts and the Code of Practice, together with the application of other related legislative influences, including mental capacity and human rights legislation, and how they relate to patients detained under the Act and their treatment. In my dealings with Mr Lawlor, he has consistently shown the utmost professionalism and the highest levels of honesty and integrity in his relationships with panel members, members of the treating teams, and patients alike, displaying both enthusiasm and dedication to the patient. In addition, Mr Lawlor’s verbal evidence to the panels has always been delivered courteously, accurately, succinctly and eloquently and in a manner which is informative and likely to be understood not only by panel members but also by the patients if they are present.

I have professional experience of working with Mr Lawlor over the last 5 years including prior to and since qualification as a Mental Health Solicitor. During this time, Mr Lawlor has evidenced a comprehensive working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and been able to apply this for his clients in a variety of situations at the interface of healthcare and Mental Health Law. Mr Lawlor has always been able to develop excellent working relationships and communicate effectively, even with clients who have been experiencing the acute symptoms of their illness or who have had issues related to capacity. This can be challenging but Mr Lawlor has been able to establish the trust of such individuals and, when appropriate, engaged with families and advocates, to enable him to represent his clients and carry out their instructions or act in their best interests. Furthermore, Mr Lawlor has always maintained excellent relationships with mental health professionals involved in his clients’ care. This has allowed for effective communication and meticulous handover of relevant information. Subsequently, this has benefited delivery of holistic patient care and facilitated complex situations such as community discharges for detained and restricted patients. I have always found Mr Lawlor to be approachable, dependable and act with utmost integrity in his work and would highly recommend his services as a Mental Health Consultant.

I am an Independent Hospital Manager contributing to the review and appeal of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. I first met Steven in 2013 and have subsequently observed him representing many detained patients at a number of psychiatric units throughout the Midlands. Steven has a thorough knowledge of the Mental Health Act and of its application to patients’ detention under the various Sections of the Act. He has always presented himself assertively, professionally and courteously with the best interests of his clients in mind, and can confidently hold medical and social services professionals to account at section renewal and appeal hearings. His questioning is always relevant and his submissions to the hospital managers are well founded and succinct. It is clear that Steven has empathy with the patients he represents and is able to establish a good working relationship with them, even when this presents considerable challenges at times. Overall, Steven’s competence is well evidenced, and he is highly regarded by his clients, their support network, hospital managers and his colleagues in the legal profession. I can confidently endorse any application he may make as a Mental Health Act specialist in a variety of roles.

As a long time Independent Hospital Manager, sitting on, as well as chairing, many Patient MHA section renewals and appeals at Cambian, now Cygnet Healthcare, and Dudley & Walsall Mental Health Trust, across many hospital sites, I have had the opportunity to witness first hand the work and conduct of Mr Steven Lawlor. In representing his clients Mr Lawlor has shown his skills as an advocate. In essence, his ability to relate to and build a rapport with the patients, research and prepare strong, effective but succinct arguments on their behalf in order to obtain the best possible outcome for them. He has been consistently reliable, professional and has the ability to think on his feet. Steven’s grasp and knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983, the legal framework and code of practice in relation to these hearings has always been thorough and precise when put across as part of his argument to the panel on behalf of his client. In addition, Mr Lawlor demonstrates a good balance between professionalism and an ability to relate to patients, family members, clinical and social care specialists and the hospital managers in what can be a highly charged and stressful situation.

Mr Lawlor represented one of our patients, detained under Part III of Mental Health Act 1983 as amended in 2007, at their annual Hospital Managers’ Hearing. Mr Lawlor, while representing his client, demonstrated adequate understanding of the provisions of the detaining section under consideration, and of his client’s desired outcome. He was courteous and professional throughout the proceedings of the Hospital Managers’ Hearing.

I have known Steven Lawlor since 2013 whilst working at St Andrews Healthcare as at Mental Health Law Caseworker and now currently working as Mental Health legislation Assistant at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation trust. In the time that I have known him, I found him to have a kind and caring professional manner with patients and professionals. I have been present with him both lay managers and Mental Health Act tribunals and can testify that he has always conducted himself in a professional manner both with other professionals and members of the MDT team. I have always found him to support his clients in their best interests. He has always supported his clients and explained clearly all parts of the tribunal and managers hearing process and given clear advice on the options available using his extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 legislation. I feel that due to Steven’s knowledge he has the skills ad competence for training both medical professionals and hospital managers. In addition I have always found Steven to be helpful and informative both verbally and highly proficient in his response times and information by email. Furthermore if I have ever had any questions he has always come back by email with the relevant answers and quotes from the Mental Health Act. I feel that Steven is able to interact well with both patients and professionals and therefore would be an asset to your firm.

I’ve known Steven in a professional capacity for 5+ years and would highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for legal advice and representation in Mental Health Law matters. I have found during my dealings with him that he has always been responsive and reliable. He has always taken the time to get back to his clients and me on a consistent basis. Any representation from Steven always been delivered in a best interest’s manner to a high standard. Steven has a vast amount of knowledge on the Mental Health legal procedures and processes and I feel assured in the fact that any advice given by him has always been sound and extremely helpful.