A top south coast lawyer has been appointed to a professional panel that helps and protects vulnerable people.

Carla Brown, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate at Ringwood-headquartered Ellis Jones Solicitors, has joined the Panel of Deputies, an official body that safeguards individuals who lack mental capacity and have no-one else to act for them.

The appointment was made by the Office of the Public Guardian, an executive agency of the government in England and Wales that supports people without capacity to manage their property and affairs.

As an official ‘Panel Deputy’, Carla joins an approved list of legal professionals who can be chosen by the Court of Protection to work with a vulnerable person as and when help is needed.

To be approved by the Court, panel members have to be experienced legal professionals who can be trusted for their knowledge, insight and understanding. A Panel Deputy is appointed to a specific case by the Court when no other suitable person is available, willing or able to take on the role. Carla said:

“This is all about safeguarding the interests of people who, for a variety of potential reasons, are simply not able to make certain decisions for themselves and otherwise have no-one to manage their affairs.”

Congratulating Carla on her appointment, Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said:

“In joining the Panel of Deputies, Carla is being recognised personally and professionally as an ideal lawyer to act on behalf of vulnerable adults who lack mental capacity. It reflects her extensive experience and commitment to many individuals in her legal work.”

Carla is among several Ellis Jones colleagues who have recently been referenced in the prestigious Legal 500 directory of the UK’s top law firms and solicitors for 2026.

She is also ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the top ‘Band One for Private Wealth Law in Southampton and Surrounds’.

Ellis Jones, with 189 staff including 24 partners, has eight offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Dorchester, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.