
Samantha Paxman
Barrister (Partner)
Nottingham
samantha.paxman@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6062
Called to the Bar in 2011, Samantha is a distinguished barrister renown for her expertise in handling high-profile, lengthy and complex hearings across her inquest, court of protection and civil practice. She leads our team of barristers in Nottingham and Cardiff and is approved by the Bar Standards Board as a Pupil Supervisor.
With over 10 years’ experience representing public and private organisations from the health and social care sector at inquests, Samantha is recognised for her astute representation in court and often appears alongside King’s Counsel. Known for her compassionate approach and dedication to her clients’ interests, Samantha prepares meticulously and advocates powerfully.
Samantha has particular expertise in cases involving offender health, mental health and those with complex medical complications. She has represented a number of clients in linked or cluster inquests advising on themes and systemic issues across the cases.
Samantha 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 across proceedings before all tiers of the Court of Protection. Combining her knowledge of mental capacity law with her understanding of clients, Samantha provides robust and pragmatic representation centred on the best interests.
Samantha has an extensive civil practice in relation to high value, complex medical negligence and personal injury.
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."