Alex Rook acted for disabled clients over council social care cuts

Who? Alex Rook, 35, public law associate at national firm, Irwin Mitchell.

Why is he in the news? Acted for two disabled clients who successfully challenged their local authority’s decision to cut its adult social care budget.

The High Court ruled that Isle of Wight council’s plan to reduce its spend on adult social care was unlawful and should be quashed. Judge Mrs Justice Lang said that the council had failed to comply with its internal guidance on how to assess the impact of its proposed new policy. The authority’s consultation document ‘provided insufficient information to enable those consulted to give intelligent consideration and an intelligent response’.

Isle of Wight council leader David Pugh and cabinet member for adult social care, Roger Mazillius, said: ‘We will immediately comply with the judge’s ruling and will not be appealing the decision.’

Thoughts on the case: ‘This landmark victory sends a clear message to councils in England and Wales. If a council seeks to make cuts to its adult social care budget, it cannot do so by only meeting needs designed to keep someone safe, [and] neglecting their overall quality of life.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The coverage was positive and careful not to breach the confidentiality of our clients. It helped highlight that local authorities, like everyone else, must act in accordance with the law.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I was told from a young age that I was so argumentative I should become a lawyer.’

Career high: ‘Probably this case, though I am always delighted when we make a difference, no matter how small, to the difficult lives of our clients and their carers.’

Career low: ‘Sprinting to the High Court to issue proceedings for a judicial review on the final day before the three-month time limit.’