Ashfords LLP harnesses cross-sectoral expertise to assist national organisations with the full scope of regulatory health and safety matters, undertaking crisis management, advisory and defence representation work. Based in Bristol, team lead Ian Manners is renowned for handling ‘heavyweight cases’ involving fatal injury and care-related suicide, representing clients in issues from the immediate aftermath of serious incidents to the regulatory investigation and prosecution stages. Working between Bristol and Exeter, Lara Moore specialises in health and safety matters in the marine and transport sector, while Rory MacNeice advises on compliance issues arising in sports. Associate Zoe Hunt is a key contact for clients facing regulatory prosecution and investigation, as well as sensitive inquest work.

Renowned for its market-leading rail sector practice, Burges Salmon LLP leverages an ‘excellent depth of expertise’ to advise clients on health and safety issues across a diverse range of sectors. The cross-departmental team is well-equipped to represent companies in criminal and civil matters arising from serious incidents, including criminal litigation, regulatory enforcements and inquests. The team is co-led by Guy Bastable, a specialist in high-profile health and safety criminal and regulatory investigations, and the ‘exceptional’ Charlotte Whitaker, who handles multi-fatality incidents and sensitive inquests. Sam Aldous specialises in corporate crime and regulatory investigations, director Ben Davies has extensive experience in criminal litigation, and Marisa Hornabrook advises clients on crisis management and incident response work. Marie-Elizabeth Bailey also comes recommended.

Highly regarded for its ‘very hands on and client-centered approach’, the health and safety team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is instructed by leading companies and insurers in key sectors, including the construction, agriculture and manufacturing industries. The firm has developed a specialism in compliance with environmental law, as well as assisting clients in navigating new legal obligations surrounding building and fire safety. Peter James leads the Bristol team, representing clients in investigations and prosecutions related to corporate manslaughter, as well as health and safety cases resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Associate Chris Stephens provides expert advice on health and safety, environmental issues, and risk management, with notable expertise in the agricultural sector. Former team lead Richard Ottley retired in October 2024.

TLT advises a wide range of domestic and multi-national clients, providing comprehensive support on the full gamut of health and safety matters. With offices in Bristol, London, and Manchester, the firm’s regulatory practice stands out for its deep expertise in sectors including the retail, leisure, food and drink, and the public sectors. In Bristol, team lead Kerry Gwyther advises leading corporate clients on regulatory compliance, incident management and investigations. Duncan Reed is sought after by major retail and consumer clients regarding health and safety compliance requirements, alongside a robust practice representing clients facing regulatory prosecution. Richard Collie is also a key contact for product safety and regulatory issues.

The team at Bevan Brittan LLP stands out for its robust public sector expertise, advising various NHS trusts and ambulance trusts, local authorities, charities and regulatory bodies on the full gamut of health and safety matters. Of note, the firm offers advisory support to NHS clients regarding compliance with the new regulations under the Building Safety Act 2022. The team is led by Hannah Taylor in Bristol; Taylor represents private and public sector clients in serious incident response matters and inquests. Carlton Sadler specialises in regulatory issues in the health and social care sectors, and associate Claire Leonard acts for organisations facing enforcement actions by the HSE, local authorities and the police.

‘Nationally renowned firm’ Browne Jacobson LLP handles a wide range of health and safety matters, from health and safety due diligence in corporate transactions to fatal accident protocols and risk management. The team acts for a range of private and public sector clients, with notable experience prosecuting for local authorities and fire authorities. The ‘very talented’ Dale Collins represents multi-nationals and SMEs in regulatory investigations and prosecutions from the Exeter office, while Nigel Lyons advises clients in the context of fatal and non-fatal accidents resulting in criminal investigation, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Foot Anstey advises clients on the prevention of health and safety regulatory intervention, as well as representing clients in the event of investigation and prosecution. At the helm, Nathan Peacey leverages extensive expertise in regulatory investigations and corporate crime, advising leading companies on regulatory changes and compliance issues. Tamzin Robson is a key contact for regulatory compliance, particularly regarding health and safety matters in corporate transactions. Tim Williamson left the firm in October 2024.

Michelmores LLP is well-equipped to handle serious injury and work-place fatality cases, providing comprehensive support to clients from the initial crisis response to defending them during investigations and prosecutions. The team is also noted for its strong marine safety practice, representing clients facing MCA and MAIB investigations. Working between the Exeter and London offices, Andrew Oldland KC spearheads the team, harnessing experience prosecuting for the HSE in health and safety matters. In Exeter, Jayne Clemens, Scott Love and Chloe Chappell are key contacts for corporate manslaughter, criminal and regulatory investigations.

The ‘well-respected and very experienced team’ at RPC handles a range of complex health and safety issues, including serious incidents, gross negligence claims and corporate manslaughter issues. The practice is co-led by the ‘brilliant’ Gavin Reese and Fiona Hahlo, who represent clients in investigations and prosecutions for catastrophic injuries and fatal accidents. Senior associates Steven Aitken and Charles Appleby are key contacts in the Bristol office.