Based in our Cardiff office, Dan Taylor is a Principal Associate in Browne Jacobson’s health advisory and inquest team. Here, Dan shares how he found his way into mental health and capacity law, his passion for the Welsh language and a surprising former role.

How did you get into mental health and mental capacity law? 

I have always been fascinated by how the mind develops and mental health generally, particularly the ethical questions it raises, and the human stories that sit at the heart of it. So it felt like a natural fit when I eventually found my way into this area of law.

However, my journey into mental health and capacity law really did happen by accident. Early in my career, I was asked to assist a colleague who had a sudden influx of work. I stepped in to help, not necessarily anticipating that it would shape the direction of my career, but something about the work immediately clicked for me. The intersection of law, medicine, ethics and the rights of some of the most vulnerable people in society made it unlike anything else I had worked on, and I found myself intrigued by it.

From that point on, I threw myself into developing my practice, deepening my understanding of the legal frameworks and the clinical context, and building relationships across the sector. Looking back, what started as a one-off request turned into the defining thread of my career.

What do you like about working in mental health and mental capacity law?

For me, it comes down to two main things: the intellectual challenge, and the human element.

On the intellectual side, no two days are ever the same. Each case revolves around completely different facts and brings an entirely new set of circumstances. I find applying the law to those facts fascinating. Even seemingly similar cases can have very different outcomes, which keeps the work fresh, challenging and intellectually stimulating. 

Then there is the human element, which is perhaps the more profound of the two. Our work involves some of the most vulnerable people in our community, whose voices can often go unheard, and whose circumstances require careful, considered and compassionate legal support. Playing even a small part in making their lives a little better, or ensuring that their rights are protected, is something I find rewarding. It gives the work a real sense of purpose.

That combination is what keeps me passionate about this area of law.

What is your greatest professional achievement so far?

That’s a difficult question! I’m quite modest when it comes to talking about my own work, and it’s hard to single out one achievement above everything else. There are however several things I’m proud of for different reasons.

Conducting cases through the medium of the Welsh language is particularly close to my heart. Those who know me will know how passionate I am about the Welsh language as it is a huge part of who I am. Being able to bring that into my professional life, and to advocate for clients in Welsh before the courts, is something I find deeply meaningful on both a personal and professional level.

Winning the overall champion award at the Welsh Law Awards in 2024 was another highlight. To be recognised in that way, particularly in Wales where so much of my practice is rooted, meant a great deal.

I’m also proud to have led on some complex and significant cases, from the lower courts right through to the Court of Appeal, alongside a brilliant team. 

What are some of the best aspects of working at Browne Jacobson?

That’s an easy one: the clients, the complexity of the work, the team, the management and the culture – those things immediately jumped out at me from day one, and they continue to be what I value most about working here.

I am still relatively new to the firm, but it did not take long to appreciate the culture at Browne Jacobson – warm, inclusive and consistent right across the firm. That, combined with brilliant colleagues and management, makes it a great place to work. 

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I used to work at Disneyland Paris, as a singer.

What’s the most unusual thing that has happened to you in your career?

I am not sure I can answer this one because after years of working in mental health and mental capacity law, my threshold for what counts as "unusual" has been set at quite a high level. Very little catches me off guard now!

So rather than attempting to identify something that would qualify, I will say watch this space! I have a feeling that the best, or the most unusual, moment is yet to come – and I reserve the right to submit a compelling answer for a future edition.