Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP Avis 

Nothing short of outstanding. From the moment we first connected with Polly Sweeney at RIS, we knew we were in the most safe and trusted pair of hands. Our case was complex and drawn out, yet Polly never faltered and her grit and determination for justice was and is extraordinary. Fearless and brave, with an absolute integrity to uphold the law and individuals rights.

I was recently represented by James Betts For and on behalf of Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP in the appeal against sections B & F of my daughters EHC plan. The case was heard at tribunal and we secured a significant number of amendments to my daughters EHC plan which now accurately reflects her needs and the provision required.
James was incredible throughout. His communication with his clients is outstanding as is his attention to detail and he always brings a sense of calm during the stressful times of the appeal process. Through his work it is clear that his role is not just a job to him but that he genuinely cares about the cases he is involved with and that he is passionate about securing the correct outcome for the children and families he represents. I cannot thank him or speak highly enough. James Betts really is the best at what he does and wish him further success throughout his career.

Alex Rook, of Rook Irwin Sweeney, helped us immensely in negotiating challenging issues relating to the safeguarding of a woman with learning disabilities and questions around her mental capacity and potential exploitation and coercive control. Alex was completely honest and open from the start in terms of potential costs and kept us regularly updated on what he could do or what we could do for ourselves, which was of immense help. Professionally Alex's knowledge and advice around the law on mental capacity was crucial to our achieving our end goal of an Office of the Public Guardian investigation and an application to the Court of Protection to safeguard this vulnerable woman. None of this would have happened if it were not for the knowledge, expertise and intervention of Alex. Additionally it was clear he listened and was able to quickly identify the important aspects of the case; but he did all of this in a warm, interested and caring manner. I could not recommend Alex Rook and Rook Irwin Sweeney highly enough.

Having home-cared for my 97yr old mum, who has multiple life-limiting conditions including end stage dementia, it became apparent in June that I could no longer give her the care she now needed.
Reluctantly, given the hospital’s decision making it clear she was now an “end of life” patient, my daughter and I thought a nursing home would be the only place where she would get the care she now needed. The hospital arranged that she received Continuing Healthcare from the NHS.
After 3 months, the CCG did an assessment as my mum was still alive. This resulted in funding being stopped, regardless of the fact that nothing had significantly changed since her discharge from hospital.
Our family group consists of 3 people, mum, my daughter and me. Being faced with a huge bill from the nursing home of more than £8,000, and wondering how the CCG could come to their decision was extremely stressful. All this at a time when mum was in extreme pain and her dementia getting worse and other symptoms becoming evident, I had no idea where to turn.
Being a pensioner myself, I felt my chance of challenging the CCG decision was very daunting. Once I saw the amount of paperwork and the very confusing methods used to “score” the conditions, I realised it was far too much for me to take on and overturn the decision.
I was recommended to contact Rook, Irwin, Sweeney initially to find out if they thought I had a chance of overturning the decision and resume the funding for mum.
From the first conversation, I felt I had been put into safe hands.
Throughout the process I was able to ask questions, send emails and generally be kept entirely up to date with every stage of the appeal. There was never a delay in answering any concerns I had (no matter how small!) and that was exactly what I needed as I knew from reports in the press, how difficult it is made for families to change a CCG decision for funding.
The best news arrived on Monday this week when I received an email saying that funding had been restored from the date it had stopped. I was reduced to tears!
I can’t thank Anne-Marie Irwin enough for all that she did for mum, my daughter and myself. I hope that no one is forced to go through this experience but, as budget restrictions will always play a big part in deciding whether funding will be granted, then help given by this firm of amazing solicitors will always be needed.
I can highly recommend Rook, Irwin, Sweeney for their quality of advice, knowledge and care.