Rogers & Norton Solicitors is pleased to announce that Laura Rumsey, Director and Head of the firm’s Private Client Department, has been appointed as a Panel Deputy by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), with her appointment beginning in January 2026.
Panel Deputy appointments are made by the OPG to a small number of experienced professionals who are trusted to act in Court of Protection matters for individuals who lack mental capacity and have no suitable family member or friend able to manage their affairs. There are only a limited number of Panel Deputies nationally, with very few based in Norfolk, making Laura’s appointment both significant and prestigious.
As a Panel Deputy, Laura will be eligible to be appointed by the Court of Protection to manage a wide and varied caseload, including complex financial deputyship matters, cases involving vulnerable individuals and lower-asset or pro bono appointments. Panel Deputies are appointed for a ten-year tenure and operate under ongoing supervision by the OPG, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required in this area of work.
Laura is a Director at Rogers & Norton and leads the firm’s Private Client team across its Norwich and Dereham offices. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2016, having joined the firm in 2013, and has developed a strong practice in Court of Protection work alongside advising clients on wills, probate, powers of attorney and trust administration. A significant proportion of Laura’s work involves managing the financial affairs of individuals who lack capacity, ensuring their best interests are protected and their affairs are managed with care, transparency and professionalism.
Commenting on her appointment, Laura said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Panel Deputy by the Office of the Public Guardian. Court of Protection work is an area I am particularly passionate about, as it allows me to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This role carries a great deal of responsibility, and I am proud to be trusted to act in the best interests of those who need support managing their affairs.”
Laura is a full member of STEP and Lifetime Lawyers and specialises in advising vulnerable clients. She is regularly appointed as a Deputy, Attorney or Trustee where appropriate and is also a Dementia Friends Champion. In addition, Laura volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Society, delivering dementia awareness sessions to colleagues, professional contacts and members of the public.
Laura’s appointment further strengthens Rogers & Norton’s Court of Protection and Private Client services, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for providing specialist advice in later-life planning and deputyship matters. It also reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and their families across Norfolk through trusted, high-quality legal advice.
For more information on our legal services or to arrange an appointment with a member of our team, contact us at 01603 666001, email enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk or complete the ‘Request a Consultation’ enquiry form on our website.
