Caroline Hurst

Alice Nortcliffe is a Trainee Solicitor in our Court of Protection team, based in our Leeds office.

Professional Biography

Alice graduated from Newcastle University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History before completing a Master of Arts (MA) in Law at the University of Sheffield in 2020. During her postgraduate studies, she developed a particular interest in medical law, with her dissertation focusing on best interests decisions in serious medical treatment cases involving children.

Before joining Simpson Millar in December 2024, Alice gained extensive experience in Public Law and Human Rights. She initially worked as a Paralegal at a Yorkshire-based firm before moving to a national law firm, where she was part of the Public Law and Human Rights department. In this role, she worked on Judicial Review cases challenging public bodies over their care provision for both adults and children,  age assessment disputes and cases involving vulnerable individuals. She also gained Court of Protection experience, assisting with best interests decisions and deprivation of liberty challenges, receiving instructions from advocates, the Official Solicitor (a court-appointed representative for those who cannot act for themselves), and family members.

Since joining Simpson Millar, Alice has been working in mental capacity law, assisting on cases concerning deprivation of liberty (where an individual is under continuous supervision and not free to leave due to concerns about their safety and wellbeing) and best interests disputes regarding care, residence, and contact. She has worked on complex cases relating to medical decisions, social media and internet use, and capacity to engage in sexual relationships. Alice also has experience in applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court, representing vulnerable individuals in exceptional circumstances.

Alice is responsible for assisting with case management under the supervision of a qualified Solicitor, which includes making applications to the Legal Aid Agency, corresponding with all parties involved in proceedings, reviewing legal evidence, and advising clients. She frequently attends client visits, multi-party meetings, and court hearings, ensuring that her clients' rights and best interests are safeguarded.