Solicitor - Mental Health & Mental Capacity
Soni Mandair is a highly respected consultant solicitor at Shield Solicitors with over 25 years of experience specializing in Mental Health Law. Since beginning her legal career in 1994, she has been an unwavering advocate for vulnerable individuals, ensuring their rights are upheld under the Mental Health Act. Soni has been a member of the prestigious Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme since 1996, reflecting her longstanding commitment to excellence.
Her work encompasses representing patients detained under all sections of the Mental Health Act, from general psychiatric settings to high-security facilities. Known for her deep understanding of mental health law and her passionate advocacy before the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) and Hospital Managers, Soni remains dedicated to providing expert representation to her clients.
Beyond her legal practice, Soni has played a pivotal role in shaping mental health law in England and Wales. As a founding member of the Mental Health Lawyers Association (MHLA) committee, she has contributed to the development of key policies and resources, including co-authoring the second edition of the Mental Health Lawyers Good Practice Guide for Managing Case Files. Her leadership in the field and commitment to high standards have made her a trusted figure in mental health law.
Before joining Shield Solicitors in 2023 as a Consultant Solicitor, Soni held senior managerial positions in other large mental health providers, supervising various teams. She is experienced in representing patients detained or undergoing community treatment under both Part II (civil sections) and Part III (forensic sections) of the Mental Health Act. This includes complex cases involving high-secure hospitals, and she has successfully argued for a patient’s discharge directly from Broadmoor Hospital. Soni’s experience as an accredited police station lawyer, combined with her understanding of criminal practice and procedure, adds depth to her specialist knowledge in forensic mental health law.
In addition to her mental health law practice, Soni also assists in Court of Protection cases, offering specialised guidance and representation. She has advised and represented patients in numerous Hospital Managers hearings, as well as nearest relatives. Soni regularly provides pro bono advice to healthcare providers.
Fluent in Punjabi, Soni adds a culturally sensitive dimension to her practice.
