Samantha Paxman
Barrister (Partner)
Nottingham
samantha.paxman@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6062
As one of the firm’s most experienced barristers, Sam is a trusted advocate with significant experience of undertaking high-profile, lengthy and complex hearings across her inquest, court of protection, civil and regulatory practice. Called to the Bar in 2011 Sam completed pupillage with Browne Jacobson in May 2014.
With extensive experience of representing public bodies in inquests, Sam provides pragmatic and robust advice and representation. She has particular specialism in inquests engaging article 2 and before a jury, such as offender health or mental health inquests.
Sam leads the Browne Jacobson barristers Court of Protection sub-team. Her practice consists of acting for primary, acute and mental healthcare trusts, ICBs and local authorities in s21a, s16 and serious medical treatment cases before all tiers of the Court of Protection.
Sam is frequently instructed on civil cases for contested hearings in relation to complex, high value medical negligence and personal injury claims. She also receives drafting instructions in relation to applications, pleadings and Counsel’s advice on quantum and liability.
Named as a “rising star” in the Legal 500 for Professional Disciplinary work in both 2019 and 2020, Sam conducts multifaceted, lengthy and high-profile cases in the tribunal settings.
Expertise
Featured experience
Acting on behalf of the CCG
Re UR [2021] EWCOP 10 - Acting on behalf of the CCG in S21a proceedings where it was determined that it was in UR’s best interests to return to her birthplace of Poland. The court utilised the parties agreed plan for UR’s move to provide a checklist of considerations for future cases where the court is asked to consider whether someone should permanently leave the country.
Advising upon the lacuna between the MHA and MCA
Advising upon the lacuna between the MHA and MCA and representing a mental health trust in Court of Protection proceedings seeking authority for DOLs and restraint requirements in order to allow patients to step down from detention under s3 MHA to community support placements.
COP covid vaccination cases
Sam has represented a number of public bodies in applications to the Court of Protection to determine whether it is in P’s best interests to have the Covid vaccination where family members disputed this.
Jointly representing two acute hospital trusts
Jointly representing two acute hospital trusts and an ambulance service in an inquest relating to surgical delays in diverticulitis involving expert evidence.
Testimonials
"What a great result you had with this case. I’m sure our success was down to your presentation of the case and it was an outcome that was well received considering how high profile this one was."
"It’s been a real pleasure to work with Sam on this case and I’m firmly of the view that not many [advocates] would have got the result she did with this difficult case. Sam dealt with the twists and turns in a timely manner and with great expertise and knowledge."
"Fantastic work on this tricky case. In dealing with the hearings, managing the client and then handling the (very long!) mediation on Friday. It was a great outcome, the client was happy and they clearly had absolute confidence in you. It’s really appreciated."
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