A new firm has been formed by three solicitors who have a high profile in public law and human rights work. Rook Irwin Sweeney, founded by Anne-Marie Irwin, Polly Sweeney and Alex Rook on education, will focus on health and social care, Court of Protection and judicial review. The firm is based in Bristol and London.

Polly Sweeney, Irwin Mitchell

Polly Sweeney

All three were solicitors at national firm Irwin Mitchell, where Sweeney and Rook were partners. Irwin was a senior associate.

In a statement, the firm said: ‘We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for the country, and especially for children and adults who are disabled. The emergency Coronavirus Act 2020 and other government measures significantly weaken the fundamental legal rights of our clients. As a firm, we are extremely well placed to support our clients through the challenging times that we will face in the weeks and months ahead.’