Robert Hurling appointed as a Court of Protection panel deputy by the Office of the Public Guardian
Court of Protection Partner Robert Hurling has been appointed as a Court of Protection panel deputy by the Office of the Public Guardian.
Panel deputies are appointed by the Court where no suitable family member or professional is available to act, often due to family conflict, financial complexity, or a lack of immediate funds. The role is highly selective.
Robert’s appointment reflects his extensive experience in complex Court of Protection and deputyship matters. His practice spans deputyship work and expert witness instructions, with a particular focus on high value clinical negligence and personal injury claims. Many of the individuals he acts for receive high value damages awards and require long term financial management, care coordination, and property planning.
“It’s a privilege and real honour to be appointed as a panel deputy and I am looking forward to the opportunities ahead,” Robert said.
“Panel deputy appointments often sit at the intersection of family dynamics, high value assets, and vulnerability. The role demands sound judgment, resilience, and a constant focus on best interests.”
Robert’s deputyship work frequently involves long standing relationships with regular and ongoing contact. His clients include elderly individuals with disputed family arrangements, young adults with serious mental health challenges, and people who lack capacity and hold substantial assets requiring careful oversight.
A key part of the role involves managing family relationships alongside financial decision making. Disputes over care, property, or spending are common, and Robert often finds himself acting as a steady, impartial presence.
“Managing people is at the core of my practice. Families are often under extreme stress, and my role is to stay balanced, set clear boundaries, and keep decisions anchored to what genuinely improves the person’s day to day life.”
Robert is known for a highly personal, hands-on working style. He maintains direct client contact and coordinates closely with case managers, therapists, carers, and investment advisers, underscoring the senior level expertise at Spencer West.
Looking ahead, with the recent opening of Spencer West’s New York practice, Robert anticipates cross border deputyship work involving UK families based in the United States who retain UK assets.
Robert’s path into Court of Protection work began with a role at the Official Solicitor’s Office following the 2008 recession. What started as an unexpected move has developed into a specialist career defined by technical complexity and human impact.
“The work is deeply rewarding. Panel deputyship brings together everything I value about this area of law, responsibility, trust, and the chance to make a sustained difference over time.”
