Karen Pratt

Overview Karen Pratt is an Equity Partner and Head of the Court of Protection team at BHP Law. She is a highly experienced specialist in deputyship and trust work, acting for vulnerable individuals with significant personal injury and clinical negligence awards. Karen is recognised for her expertise in managing complex, high-value estates and for providing long-term, strategic support to clients who lack capacity to manage their own affairs. Her work involves not only the careful administration of substantial assets, but also ensuring that clients receive the appropriate care, support, and financial security throughout their lives. She has built a strong reputation within the sector and is regularly instructed by personal injury lawyers, case managers and financial advisers. Experience & background Karen qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and has developed a distinguished career spanning both litigation and private client work. She was a founding partner of a specialist firm in Newcastle in 1989, before joining BHP Law as a Partner in 1997. Her early career focused on clinical negligence and multi-party litigation, including high-value and complex claims. This experience now underpins her work in Court of Protection matters, particularly in managing substantial compensation awards and supporting clients with life-changing injuries. Karen has over a decade of experience acting as a professional deputy and trustee, managing assets with a combined value in excess of £60 million, alongside significant annual income streams. Her clients often present with complex physical and mental health needs, requiring careful, long-term financial and welfare planning. She established the Court of Protection team at BHP Law, recognising the need for a dedicated and specialist service in this area. Under her leadership, the team has developed a strong reputation for handling complex, high-value and sensitive matters. Approach Karen adopts a strategic and highly considered approach to her work, balancing robust financial management with a clear focus on client welfare. She understands the long-term nature of deputyship and trust roles and is committed to ensuring that clients’ needs are met both now and in the future. She works closely with families, case managers, medical professionals and financial advisers to provide a coordinated, holistic service. Her approach is defined by careful planning, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility to the individuals she represents. Recognition & Professional Standing Karen is widely respected within the Court of Protection and personal injury sectors for her depth of experience and specialist knowledge. Her practice is built almost entirely on referrals from professional contacts and existing clients, reflecting the trust placed in her judgement and expertise.