Graeme Rothwell joins as Team Leader in Public Law & Human Rights
National law firm Simpson Millar continues its strategic growth with several key appointments across its Public Law & Human Rights and Health & Welfare Court of Protection teams.
The firm has welcomed Graeme Rothwell as Team Leader in Public Law & Human Rights, alongside Abigail Hart as Solicitor and Somayya Butt as Paralegal.
In the Health & Welfare Court of Protection team, Jamila Ssali joins as Paralegal in London, with Emily Park appointed as Senior Paralegal and Eleanor Revell as Paralegal, both based in Leeds.
Together, these appointments strengthen Simpson Millar’s capacity to represent individuals and families navigating complex public law challenges, judicial reviews, and welfare matters – including best interests decisions, deprivation of liberty cases, and human rights claims.
Graeme Rothwell joins the firm with over two decades of legal experience and a strong reputation for representing clients in civil liberties and human rights cases. Having begun his career in civil and commercial litigation before qualifying as a solicitor in 2007, he went on to specialise in police and prison law, unlawful detention, and Article 2 inquests.
He has since acted in numerous complex and high-profile cases, including the inquests following the Plymouth mass shootings and the death of Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan, and was recognised in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 for his work in Civil Liberties and Human Rights.
Commenting on his appointment, Graeme said: “Simpson Millar has a well-deserved reputation for standing up for people and ensuring their rights are protected. I’m proud to be joining such a respected team and to help drive forward our shared mission to deliver access to justice for all.”
Shalini Patel, Partner and Head of Public Law and Human Rights at Simpson Millar, added: “Graeme brings outstanding expertise and a proven commitment to representing people when the system has failed them – whether through police misconduct, failings in health or welfare provision, or other abuses of power.
“Alongside the appointments of Abigail, Somayya, Jamila, Emily and Eleanor, his arrival strengthens our ability to meet the growing demand for legal support in this area.
“We’re seeing more and more families facing life-changing challenges – from care and capacity decisions to safeguarding and welfare concerns – and it’s vital that they have experienced and compassionate legal teams ready to help.”
This announcement follows hot on the heels of Simpson Millar’s appointment of Polly Kerr as Head of Education Law, further evidence of the firm’s continued strategic investment in strengthening its specialist teams across Public Law, Education, Childcare, and Court of Protection.
Image provided by Simpson Millar
