Josie Ryan

Josie Ryan is a Trainee Solicitor within our Court of Protection, Health and Welfare team.

Professional Biography

Josie graduated from the University of Lincoln in June 2019 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), achieving an upper second class honours degree. She went on to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) alongside a Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Law, graduating with Distinction in November 2025. Josie is due to qualify as a Solicitor in March 2027.

Josie began her legal career working as a Barrister’s Clerk (Practice Manager) at a set of chambers specialising in clinical negligence and public law in London, where she worked from November 2019 to May 2023. In this role, she was closely involved in the management of Court of Protection and serious medical treatment cases, gaining valuable insight into how these matters are handled at a senior level. This experience sparked her interest in Court of Protection work and led her to pursue this area of law.

She joined Simpson Millar in 2023 as a Paralegal, supporting solicitors across the Court of Protection team, before beginning her training contract in March 2025.

Josie has experience working with clients of all ages in matters relating to deprivation of liberty and best interests decisions, including disputes concerning care arrangements, residence, contact, capacity to engage in relationships, and the use of the internet and social media. She has also supported on complex cases involving serious medical treatment decisions, including assisting qualified solicitors acting as agents for the Official Solicitor, who represents individuals who lack capacity in court proceedings.

In addition, Josie has experience with applications under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court, which is used in exceptional circumstances to protect vulnerable individuals who may fall outside the usual legal frameworks.

In her day-to-day role, Josie assists with the management of Court of Protection cases under the supervision of a qualified solicitor. Her work includes preparing and submitting applications to the Legal Aid Agency, corresponding with parties involved in proceedings, reviewing legal and expert evidence, and supporting clients throughout the process. She also attends client meetings, prepares witness statements, and assists with multi-party meetings and court hearings, helping to ensure that clients’ rights and best interests are properly represented at every stage.