Why Your Client Needs an Expert
Clinical Psychologist

 I, Dr Alexander Drake, provide psychological expertise that criminal, family, and civil lawyers can rely on when clarity and credibility matter most. Every report is built on established, evidencebased methods, with transparent reasoning that lets you and the court see exactly how conclusions were reached. The result is advice that is practical, proportionate, and defensible – delivered quickly and supported by calm, authoritative evidence in court.

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"I have always found Dr Drake’s reports to be easy to understand and concise. He makes the effort to travel to see clients and will put himself out to see them around their availability. He is always polite and courteous to clients and makes them feel at ease, which is important to them at a difficult time for them. Dr Drake, in my view, addresses the issues requested of him and ensures that his reports reflect what is asked."

Chris Evans Senior Paralegal, Tozers LLP

"I have used Dr Drake both at my current firm and previous firm and have always found the quality of his reports to be fantastic. They are helpful and clear, and he is always willing to answer any queries that arise. The recommendations are always useful and concise. His work is thorough, whilst also keeping client’s limitations in mind. Clients always seem to be at ease talking to Dr Drake. Instruction is always straight forward, with reports being delivered on time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake and will continue to instruct him on cases to come."

Jessie Allen Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"We often instruct Dr Drake and will continue to do so in the future. He is very professional and approachable throughout. He carries a compassionate nature immediately making clients feel very at ease which is reassuring for all especially when dealing with very vulnerable clients. Dr Drake’s turnaround times are very competitive and his reports are thorough, clear and concise with recommendations that are of great assistance. He is always willing to answer any questions and share his exceptional knowledge. We would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake to anyone seeking a psychological expert."

Michelle Brailey Paralegal, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

“Communication around availability and filing dates was superb and very quick to respond which was particularly important when enquiries were being made from court. Organisation of appointment meetings was a smooth process. The report itself was clear and accessible. It covered all points required and relevant to the instructions. The executive summary was helpful for an initial indication of the outcome of the assessment. Overall the whole process was very easy and would instruct again without hesitation.”

Hannah Quick Solicitor, Cartridges Law

"I have instructed Dr Drake on many occasions for the completion of psychological assessments, cognitive assessments, and capacity assessments. He was professional, approachable, and thorough throughout. Assessments are always provided to a very high standard. He is supportive and professional throughout, and the reports were clear, well-reasoned, balanced, and easy to follow. His work was genuinely helpful in informing decision-making and I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Emilie Collis Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"Dr Drake provided exceptional expert witness opinion in our recent Crown Court matter. His report was clear, well structured, and written in a way that made complex issues understandable for all involved. The reasoning was rigorous and the conclusions were firmly grounded in evidence, giving the court and ourselves real confidence in his findings. His recommendations were thoughtful, specific, and genuinely helpful in shaping the case strategy. He met deadlines, responded quickly to questions, and maintained excellent communication throughout. Dr Drake demonstrated complete compliance with the expert witness duties under CrimPR Part 19 and related practice directions. He was a pleasure to work with – reliable, professional, and very easy to instruct. I would highly recommend him.”

Nicola Hall Partner, Tuckers Kent Branch

"Dr Drake is prompt. He files good clear reports. He comes to our office even though we are 40/50 miles away from civilisation. I cannot speak for his bed side manner as I rarely meet him but I think he is always very friendly and clients seem to like him."

Rosie Bracher Solicitor and Partner, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

“I have frequently instructed Dr Drake to undertake cognitive assessments for clients who are involved in care proceedings. His timescales have always been favourable, and his reports have been received on time. His willingness to meet clients in the office has proved to be helpful and convenient. I have found his reports to be thorough, but concise and easy to follow.”

Clare Philbrock Consultant Solicitor, Cartridges Law

"Dr Drake has been our “go-to” expert, clients appear to like him and feel comfortable with him. He is always very professional and willing to travel. His reports are clear and precise and always timely. I would highly recommend him."

Lisa McLaughlin Chartered Legal Executive, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

What I do

I prepare expert reports and deliver oral evidence that supports the court to understand psychological functioning, cognition, risk, and needs. My work is grounded in established research, recognised clinical frameworks, and careful analysis of the facts of the case, ensuring that you receive an evidence-based conclusion.

I work with solicitors, local authorities, social workers, insurers, and other instructing parties – offering clear answers to the legal questions and practical recommendations that assist decision-making so that any guidance can be implemented effectively by non-psychologists.

Areas of instruction

Family proceedings

Cognition, psychological functioning, mental capacity, risk and safeguarding considerations, trauma and attachment-related presentations (where relevant) – all with comprehensive recommendations for support and intervention

Criminal proceedings

Cognitive and psychological factors relevant to offending, fitness-to-plead, malingering, risk formulation and management.

Civil proceedings

Personal injury and medicolegal assessment of attribution, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and rehabilitation recommendations, and functional impact of events.

Assessments offered

  • Cognitive and neuropsychological assessment
  • Mental capacity and fitness to plead assessments
  • Psychological assessment
  • Malingering and symptom validity assessments
  • Personal injury and medicolegal assessments
  • Risk assessment

The Lucerna Opinions Approach

My practice is built around four things that instructing professionals repeatedly tell me they need:

Evidence-based methodology

I use established, research-informed approaches and explain why each method is chosen so that my conclusions do not invite challenge

Transparent process

You and the court can see how I moved from instructions and data to formulation, opinion, and recommendations, making for a compelling and robust conclusion

Comprehensive recommendations

Practical, specific, and proportionate guidance to assist solicitors, social workers, and the court without needing specialist mental health knowledge or training

Robust court presence

I provide reliable, authoritative oral evidence that remains calm, clear, and focused on the questions that matter so that you can be confident in your case

How My Process Works

01
Initial Instruction Review
I clarify the key questions, required timescales, and what information is needed. Where appropriate, I can provide feedback on the instructions to ensure that the questions you have are answered.
02
Records And Collateral Analysis
I review relevant documents and integrate multiple sources of evidence. I triangulate my analysis so that you can be confident in the credibility of my opinion.
03
Assessment
Interview, psychometrics and/or neuropsychological testing as appropriate, with attention to validity and consistency of presentation and grounding in research literature, ensuring robust findings.
04
Formulation And Opinion
I link findings to the legal questions, set out strengths and limitations, and provide a reasoned conclusion. My opinions are resistant to challenge because I apply the highest standards while being open about any limitations.
05
Report And Recommendations
A clear, structured report that supports decision-making and outlines practical next steps. You will be able to follow my reasoning without needing specialist training to understand or implement any recommendations.
06
Court Attendance
I provide oral evidence when required and respond to questions in a measured, well-explained manner. You can be confident whenever I am asked to appear.

What you can expect from my reports

  • Clear answers to the instructed questions
  • A structured explanation of the evidence considered and how it was weighed
  • Balanced discussion of alternative explanations and uncertainties
  • Plain-English summaries where helpful, without losing clinical precision
  • Actionable recommendations that connect directly to the findings

Contact

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© 2026 Lucerna Opinions 
Lucerna Opinions t/a Dr Alexander Drake Ltd,
Office 10281, 182-184 High Street North,
East Ham, London, E6 2JA