Overview
Doug Feery specialises in Adult Social Care law, with wide-ranging experience in the Court of Protection, Mental Health Review Tribunals, inquests, and both County and High Court matters. Known for his pragmatic advocacy style, Doug frequently advises on cases that intersect multiple jurisdictions—including whether matters fall within the Family Court, High Court Family Division, or Court of Protection.
Doug regularly acts for individuals and public authorities (including local authorities and NHS bodies) in complex public law matters, often involving judicial review. He also provides expert advice in civil cases involving Mental Health Act provisions, safeguarding, and detention, often arising from issues such as police arrest under section 136 or abuse within care settings.
Key Practice Areas
• Court of Protection
• Mental Health Review Tribunals
• Inquests
• Adult Social Care Law
• Public Law & Judicial Review
• Civil Claims with Mental Health Elements
Notable Cases & Experience
Doug has appeared in numerous high-profile and precedent-setting cases, including:
- R (D) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2003] 1 W.L.R. 1315 – Declaration of incompatibility re: parole rights.
- S v Airedale NHS Trust [2003] EWCA Civ 1036 – Established seclusion in psychiatric hospitals must be justified by necessity.
- G v E & Ors [2010] EWHC 621 (CoP); EWCA Civ 548 – Series of key rulings on deprivation of liberty and the powers of the Court of Protection.
- UXA v Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust [2021] EWHC 3455 (QB) – £2.3M Human Rights Act damages for abuse by a care co-ordinator.
- Dobson v Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police [2025] EWHC 272 (KB) – Police negligence claim.
Qualifications & Memberships
• Called to the Bar: 2000
• BVC – Manchester
• PGDL – Manchester
• BA (Hons) Social Work
• Diploma and Certificate in Social Work
• PGCE
• Court of Protection Bar Association
• Administrative Law Bar Association
• Human Rights Lawyers Association
Teaching & Publications
Doug regularly delivers training to postgraduate students, clinicians, and legal professionals, including:
• AMHP and Approved Clinician programmes at UCLan, Leeds Beckett & Sheffield Hallam
• CPD training on mental capacity, safeguarding, deprivation of liberty, and public law
• Articles in legal and academic journals, including:
- ‘Self-Harm and the Law’ (2007)
- ‘Seclusion, Lord Steyn’s Lament’ (2006)
- Social Work Education: The International Journal (2002)
