Jemma Morland

Director and Head of Court of Protection - Property & Affairs

Job Role at EMG

In 2014 I acted alongside Emma Gaudern to set up EMG Solicitors Ltd and I am currently a Director of the firm. I lead the Court of Protection department, working as a Solicitor specialising in all matters pertaining to the Court of Protection and Trust administration. I ordinarily represent clients who are incapacitated, as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and I often act as a professional deputy and trustee. I have a varied caseload and I manage the affairs of a large number of vulnerable people, usually those who have lost capacity due to an injury at birth, catastrophic accidents, illness or learning disability. I am involved in lots of cases where there is also a personal injury litigation case and I am experienced in both pre and post settlement administration.

As well as regular client contact, I am also responsible for general day to day money management, overseeing financial investments, the completion of annual tax returns, reporting to the OPG, advising on and drafting all types of Court of Protection applications (see our services section for details), close co-ordination with relatives, case managers, carers and therapists and the purchase of assets including suitable accommodation and adapted vehicles. This list is just an example of what my role entails and is not exhaustive. In addition to my Court of Protection work I manage numerous personal injury trusts, where the client has capacity but their personal injury award needs to be protected, and I also provide advice to lay deputies or trustees who want to act as a deputy or trustee for a close family member or friend.

I also act as a professional Litigation Friend and I provide expert witness reports for use within litigation cases, providing my opinion on the costs associated with a deputy or trustee acting on behalf of a specific client over a certain period of time.

Experience

I qualified as a solicitor in 2010 after undertaking my training contract at a high street firm in Wallsend. During my training contract, and post qualification, I specialised in family law, housing law, social welfare law and Court of Protection matters. This experience has proved invaluable because it has broadened my understanding of various areas often touched upon by Court of Protection cases.

I have now specialised in Court of Protection cases since 2011 and I have been involved in many complex, international and high value cases in that time. Our department is one of the largest independent Court of Protection teams in the North of England and we are often called upon to assist in matters that require specialist and detailed knowledge of all Court of Protection and Trust matters. I thoroughly enjoy my job and I feel very passionately about providing an excellent standard of client care, advocating for my clients best interests at all times and promoting as much independence and autonomy wherever possible.

What do you like about working at EMG?

I truly believe we have a fabulous bunch of enthusiastic, empathetic and hardworking individuals employed at EMG who not only make it a great place to work but who prioritise the client’s needs first. We also have some lovely clients, for whom it is a real pleasure to advise and assist. I honestly mean it when I say I have some of the best colleagues and clients around. It is also a huge bonus that whenever you are in the office there is usually an abundance of cake due to our many baking enthusiasts!

Outside of EMG?

I love spending time with my husband, young son and 12 year old dog (who is still super energetic despite her advancing years). You can often find us on some type of outdoor adventure or setting up a homemade indoor ninja warrior course if the weather isn’t accommodating!

Jemma qualified in September 2010.