Hansi Smythe

About Hansi

Hansi has considerable experience in representing clients before the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) and has conducted numerous cases in relation to both civil detention and forensic cases. She also has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor advising and advocating for people in criminal law. In recent years she has decided to specialise in Mental Health law. Hansi also qualified as an Independent Mental Health Advocate, the experience of which has added greatly to her role as a Mental Health Solicitor.

Education

• Legal Practice Course- Commendation, 1994-1995 Westminster University
• Common Professional Examination – 1993-1994 North London University
• BA Hons 2:1 Latin American studies, 1988-1992 Liverpool University
• Including one year of study spent in Ecuador

Career

• 2022 joined GN Law as a solicitor
• 2016-2022 worked as Mental Health solicitor at Needham Poulier Solicitors
• 2016 admitted to the Mental Health Tribunal Panel
• 2013-2016 trained and worked as an advocate and IMHA alongside work as a criminal solicitor
• 1997-2016 worked as criminal solicitor
• 1997 admitted as a solicitor
• 1995-1997 worked as paralegal/trainee solicitor in crime, immigration and family law.

Professional Memberships

• Accredited member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Tribunal Panel
• Member of the Mental Health Lawyers Association

Personal Interests and Activities

Hansi has enjoyed slow but long distance running since being a teenager. She has more recently taken up lindy hop dancing and enjoys cooking and walking.