Leading Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Health and safety

Gordons LLP benefitted from the arrival of Simon Tingle, who is the new head of regulatory and compliance. Previously at DLA Piper, Tingle has experience advising both large corporates and individuals, particularly those in the retail, logistics, and food and drink sectors.

Health and safety in Yorkshire And The Humber

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP takes on a blend of insurance instructions and direct commercial work, delivering all types of regulatory legal services. The team is increasingly developing its expertise in advising organisations and individuals facing criminal investigations including investigations by the police and other regulated bodies regarding potential health and safety offences. The team is spearheaded by Chris Baranowski, who is skilled in advising individuals and organisations across a range of sectors, primarily in relation to corporate manslaughter and health and safety investigations brought by the police and the Health and Safety Executive, particularly regarding fatalities and construction side incidents. Matthew Breakell acts predominantly for commercial clients, undertaking investigations and representing clients at inquests and prosecutions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Baranowski; Matthew Breakell


Les références

‘The team look to manage their clients proactively, providing the information to protect themselves rather than reactively. Professionals from different sectors all collaborate to provide expertise from various sectors, allowing customers to contextualise any given circumstance to their business.’

‘The key individuals I work closely with centre their focus on learning. This, in turn, builds solid relationships. The experts speak from a position of strength as they have real-life examples of where things have gone well or otherwise, which provides clients with confidence that the decisions they make are correct.’

‘Matthew Breakell’s loyal client base is a testament to his ability and dedication.’

Principaux clients

Wren Kitchens


Sewell Group


Dimensions UK Ltd


Parkdean Resorts


Milestone Infrastructure


Network Rail


Tata Chemicals Europe


Churchill Group


Arnold Laver & Co Ltd


Harron Homes Ltd


NFU Mutual


Aviva Insurance


Zurich Insurance


RSA Insurance


AIG Insurance


Chubb Insurance


QBE Insurance


Stark Building Materials UK Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Dimensions UK in relation to a CQC criminal case where it was successfully argued there was an abuse of process and an appeal brought by way of Judicial Review by the CQC was refused.
  • Acting for one of the UK’s largest retailers of building materials in respect of a prosecution brought for asbestos exposure at one of its branches following a four-year investigation.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper advises a client roster of board members and senior management of large and small companies and organisations, engaging in contentious and non-contentious work. The group is skilled at helping clients manage risk, avoiding the need for investigations and providing specialist advice on complex problems regarding transactions and commercial matters. Teresa Hitchcock helms the national safety, health and environment team; she regularly advises international businesses, government departments and non-profit organisations covering all areas of health and safety. Ailish Oxenforth specialises in contentious and advisory matters, undertaking a broad range of work, with particular experience advising on strategic health and safety issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Teresa Hitchcock


Autres avocats clés:

Ailish Oxenforth


Les références

‘DLA Piper gives very commercial and practical advice.’

‘The team has very good subject matter expertise.’

Principaux clients

Arconic Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Arconic Architectural Products SAS, a French company which was a manufacturer of products used as raw materials in the supply chain for the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower.

DWF

DWF‘s ‘experienced’ team receives instructions from both insurers and corporate clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters. With a strong focus on high-profile cases and public inquiries, the team is often involved in serious and complex health and safety prosecutions and investigations. Mark Thompson heads up the Leeds team, with a notable practice in public enquiries, with particular experience in a number of complex manslaughter investigations, prosecutions and inquests. David Chant undertakes significant work for clients being investigated by regulated bodies for both criminal and regulatory health and safety offences.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Thompson


Autres avocats clés:

David Chant


Les références

‘The Yorkshire health and safety team benefits from massive strength in depth and the ability to call on colleagues when required from its national team.’

‘Mark Thompson stands out as an excellent lawyer who leads this team.’

‘Very experienced and competent team. Excellent knowledge of the area and client care that is second to none.’

Principaux clients

NFUM


QBE


RSA


HDI Global


Allianz


Axa


Starr


LV


DAS


Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea


Chubb


Barcode Warehouse Ltd


Europa Caravans


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised The Barcode Warehouse Ltd following a fatal accident in which an employee was fatally injured when his FLT overturned – in relation to the HSE investigation, Coronial Inquest and prosecution.
  • Advised Europa Caravans Ltd in relation to a HSE investigation and prosecution following the amputation of an employee’s arm when he used an unguarded saw whilst manufacturing caravans.
  • Represented J M Nixon & Son in relation to a HSE prosecution following a fatal cattle trampling incident on a public footpath that ran through the partnership’s farm.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP supports a number of large corporations facing regulatory investigations, often in the energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. The team focuses on contentious health and safety work but also has a significant non-contentious offering that includes compliance work. The team comprises several dual-qualified health and safety professionals, led by the ‘brilliant’ Paul Verrico. Verrico supports firms post-incident and undertakes innovative prevention strategies. Sarah Valentine is experienced in the health and safety aspects of significant international projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Verrico


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Valentine; Philip Crosbie


Les références

‘Eversheds Sutherland’s pragmatic and no-nonsense approach makes a refreshing change. Their experience and expertise in the health & safety sector are second to none. They have provided valuable and insightful assistance in reviewing our organisation’s policies and procedures, providing the required assurance to operate in a safe and compliant manner.’

‘Paul Verrico is astucious and a brilliant lawyer, who always delivers for us. During a recent project, I received nothing but praise for his abilities.’

‘The team are professional and prompt in providing sound and pragmatic legal advice, always able and willing to meet to discuss and explore the nuances of the issues at hand.’

Principaux clients

Tarmac


Drax Power


McCain Foods


China Light and Power


Sellafield


Thames Water Utilities


The Bannatyne Group


AMES/Griffon Group


Northumbrian Water


Nestle UK Limited


High Speed Two (HS2)


Hutchison Ports


Northern Gas Networks


Cadent Gas


Universities Safety and Health Association


Harworth Group


Parker Hannifin


Sembcorp


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised China Light and Power on improving safety across its site in Hong Kong to ensure the organisation is aligned with leading practices across the energy sector.
  • Advised Drax Power on its successful defence of a HSE prosecution for allegedly exposing workers to wood dust.
  • Advised Tarmac following a fatal incident at the Mountsorrel Quarry, providing crisis management support, representation at the inquest and in a prosecution brought by the HSE.

Walker Morris LLP

Walker Morris LLP is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious health and safety matters. The team is particularly active in the construction, retail and food sectors, with a growing number of mandates from housebuilding and infrastructure clients. The group have capabilities in handling cross-jurisdictional mandates and expertise in more specialist areas of health and safety, particularly in crisis management and incident response work. Stuart Ponting spearheads the team, and often supports on major transactional work where there are significant regulatory concerns; a significant part of his practice involves advising US law firms on UK operations. Rachel Turnbull is experienced in representing clients at the coroner’s court, conducting investigations and advising on corporate transactions often involving complex health and safety matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Ponting


Autres avocats clés:

Rachel Turnbull


Les références

‘Stuart Ponting is good, very pragmatic and always considering wider strategy. Works constructively with other parties while protecting the interests of his client.’

‘Walker Morris is extremely proactive in providing sound legal advice, which is also commercial. They understand your requirements and provide necessary guidance and support.’

‘Stuart Ponting is extremely approachable, very thorough and provides advice in an accessible way. He listens to what you are trying to achieve and is always able to give clear advice which considers the strength of your argument and your likelihood of success.’

Principaux clients

Evri


Galliford Try plc


Grace and Tailor


Hovis Limited


KONE plc


Leeson Polyurethanes Limited


Sterling GP


Stonebridge Homes


Starbucks Limited


Unite plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Securing the withdrawal, pre-trial, of a complex health and safety prosecution concerning work at height issues brought by HSE against Hovis Ltd.
  • Advising a PLC retailer following a fatal electrocution at one of its stores.
  • Representing Leeson Polyurethanes in an ongoing multi-agency investigation following a fatal fire at its premises in Warwickshire.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard covers all aspects of traditional health and safety law, including fire and building safety and food and product safety issues; the team is particularly experienced in inquests and public inquiries. Erin Shoesmith leads the health and safety practice, and is regularly sought out for business-critical matters regarding complex and sensitive instructions. David Young has extensive experience advising clients in the energy, manufacturing, construction and retail sectors, while Stuart Wardlaw is skilled in the manufacturing, chemical, energy, utilities and natural resources sectors. Adrian Mansbridge has strong experience defending corporate entities and individuals regarding breaches of technical regulations, as well as advising on product safety issues and niche regulatory regimes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Erin Shoesmith


Autres avocats clés:

David Young; Stuart Wardlaw; Adrian Mansbridge


Les références

‘Excellent knowledge of the issues, good communicators and are always happy to answer our questions. Very responsive to our needs. Gave us great confidence.’

‘Adrian Mansbridge is excellent.’

‘Very responsive and excellent technical knowledge.’

Principaux clients

PGL Travel Limited


Siemans Plc


Bestway Northern Limited


Home Office


Victorian Plumbing Group Plc


Eddie Stobart Limited


Tradebe Healthcare National Limited


Joseph Ash Limited


Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc


Skanska Construction UK Limited, Skanska AB & Morrison Utility Services Limited


Boohoo Group of Companies


ASDA Stores Limited


Foresight Group LLP


B.Braun Medical Limited


CMS

CMS fields specialists in high-risk sectors, generally focusing on high-profile, contentious work including trials and inquests. The group has proven experience handling the health and safety aspects of transactional work and is noted for its work advising on fire and building safety-related matters. The ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ Lukas Rootman spearheads the team based in Sheffield; he is a regulatory expert covering defence and advisory work and has extensive advocacy experience defending HSE prosecutions. Aimie Farmer advises a number of large corporations and has growing expertise in fire and building safety work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lukas Rootman


Autres avocats clés:

Aimie Farmer


Les références

‘The team provide efficient and quality advice in a fast-moving regulatory landscape, specifically regarding the Building Safety Act and fire safety. They are ahead of the curve.’

‘Aimie Farmer is extremely responsive, concise and has a great understanding of the changing safety landscape. She will always make herself available.’

‘The people in the team make the practice unique. All are very personable, and they can interact with people at all levels. The advice they give is pragmatic and commercial. They are with you every step of the way.

Principaux clients

Volta Data Centres Limited


Ontic UK


Aldar Properties PJSC


AESSEAL


Comer Property Management Limited


Maxis GBN


Principaux dossiers


  • Undertook health and safety due diligence for Aldar Properties PJSC on acquiring London Square Developments for an enterprise value in excess of £230m.
  • Acted for Comer Property Management in a health and safety prosecution following a near fatality of a child.

Weightmans

Weightmans' ‘forward-thinking’ team has significant capabilities across a breadth of sectors, including the education, public and insurance industries, and is active on a range of health and safety matters. David Lewis is the head of the national regulatory practice and is experienced in handling health and safety enforcement actions; his work is complimented by his experience as an assistant coroner. Anna Naylor is the technical lead for health and safety and has particular expertise in advising on deaths occurring in custody.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Lewis; Anna Naylor


Les références

‘I have found the team to be very personable, engaging and knowledgeable about their specific areas of expertise. There is good communication between me as a client as well as between each other within the team, from the most junior staff to partners, providing confidence for me in the team and service, in that there is consistency with advice across the team.’

‘The team are highly professional and discreet in the way they manage me as a client. Individuals are truly supportive of my difficult situation and I feel very supportive and confident that I am in safe hands.’

‘Weightmans have an excellent well regarded team in health and safety. They are hugely efficient in ensuring that evidence is gathered at an early stage and that the overall strategy in facing the client’s problems is well thought out and pragmatic. With this team, there is a real sense of mission to do well for the client.’

Principaux clients

Jaguar Land Rover


North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust


Zurich


AXA XL


AIG


Ageas


Hiscox


Wirral Borough Council


Lancashire County Council


British Transport Police


Camerons Brewery


Staffordshire County Council


Damasco Ltd


Postpack Ltd


Premum Care Ltd.


Cheshire East Council


East Riding District Council


Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council


Protector


Leeds City Council


Former Executives of the Countess of Chester


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Jaguar Land Rover in relation to a range of health and safety matters.

Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP‘s strong health and safety practice, which is adept at handling a wide range of health and safety matters, benefits from the addition of Claire Burrows to its Leeds team. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having represented a number of clients following major, high-profile health and safety incidents.

Autres avocats clés:

Claire Burrows


Les références

‘My experience with Brabners’ Health & safety team has been outstanding. They are diligent and agile and have an intuitive grasp of our needs and the nature of our work.’

‘Their wealth of experience alongside their forward-looking research and handling of future regulatory changes sets them apart.’

Principaux clients

B&E Boys Limited


MySpace Housing


SM Global Consulting


Manchester Ship Canal Co


Wirral Methodist Housing Association


Peel Ports Group


Petty Pool Trust


All About Children


Polymeric Labels Ltd


Shaw Trust


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a construction and development company following a serious fire that led to the total loss of property during an ongoing Health and Safety Executive and Fire Authority investigation.
  • Advising a commercial core participant on the ongoing Grenfell Tower public inquiry.
  • Advising a fabrication company during a joint investigation by the HSE and Police following an incident resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to another individual.

Clarion

Clarion's practice, under the leadership of Paul Matthews, tackles a broad spectrum of health and safety matters, offering guidance to numerous national clients across various sectors. Matthews is a regulatory defence specialist with significant experience regarding high-profile investigations and prosecutions. He is joined by Lucy Alderson, who is developing a particular niche within food and safety compliance work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Matthews


Autres avocats clés:

Lucy Alderson


Principaux clients

Kwik-Fit


Electricity North West


Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal advises on a range of health and safety matters across a number of sectors, with strong experience in the construction and retail spaces; the team is notably skilled in crisis management issues following severe or fatal accidents in the workplace. Leeds-based Pauline Munro handles a diverse range of regulatory matters, which frequently involve fatal accidents or other severe health and safety issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pauline Munro


Les références

‘A very experienced team with a deep understanding of the sector.’

‘Once an initial case has been discussed, they work together to quickly offer a strategy to resolve it with as little negative impact on the company as possible. They are very quick to respond to initial calls. We consider the team at Gateley Legal to be part of our own team.’

Principaux clients

United Molasses Group


Drayton Manor Park Limited


Taylor Wimpey plc


Vistry Group


Bellway plc


Story Homes Group


Keepmoat


Barratt Developments plc


Dr. Oetker (UK) Limited


Malmaison & Hotel du Vin Property Holdings Limited


Samworth Brothers Limited


Sudlows Limited


Lovell


Mamas and Papas Limited


WG Carter


Sport Regulation Authority


Davidsons Developments Limited


Croudace Homes Group


DCC plc


Certas Energy UK Limited


Nylacast Limited


Viva Nylons Limited


Grupo Bimbo (New York Bagels)


Sunrise Poultry Farms Limited


Miller Homes Limited


Kennedys

Kennedys conducts health safety work for insurers and corporate clients across a significant range of sectors, with an increasing number of instructions within the healthcare sector. Marta Tomlinson frequently represents high-profile corporate and individual clients faced with complex investigations or proceedings. Kadie Cooper is noted for advising organisations and individuals in relation to investigations and prosecutions brought by regulatory bodies.

Autres avocats clés:

Marta Tomlinson; Kadie Cooper


Les références

‘The whole team were fantastic; their personal approach made a really difficult time easier for both me and my family. Marta Tomlinson’s empathetic approach was felt throughout. ’

‘Marta Tomlinson was the lead for our case; she became someone I felt I could trust wholeheartedly, and she reassured me throughout. She was always attentive to my personal needs at each visit to the firm and also through the court process.’

‘The most focused team, all fully committed to one common goal and that is to help and benefit their client. They all work well together, one cohesive unit with what seems to be limitless determination and drive to do the best, seek out the best and be the best. They really go above and beyond as a team to deliver, with excellent communication throughout.’

Principaux clients

Accelerant


AIG


AXA


Chubb


Cleveland Potash Limited


Culina Group


Generali


J D Wetherspoon PLC


Mitie Care and Custody Limited


Morrison Group


Savills (UK) Limited


Skanska


Swanton Care


rradar

rradar's team acts for insurers and commercial clients on health and safety matters spanning numerous sectors. Stephanie Thirlwell heads up the team, providing advice regarding investigations into companies and individuals conducted by regulatory bodies. Jeff Swales leads the team in Hull, with a breadth of experience across health and safety matters, while Rupert Nevin is noted for his extensive experience advising businesses on national and global regulatory investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephanie Thirlwell; Jeff Swales


Autres avocats clés:

Rupert Nevin; Helen Taylor


Les références

‘Rupert Nevin is, without a doubt, one of the brightest lawyers with the sharpest legal minds in the fields of health and safety.’

‘The vastly experienced team are able to provide advice and assistance to a wide spectrum of clients spread across utilities, transportation and manufacturing. Rupert Nevin and Stephanie Thirlwell stand out as experts in their field, having gained many years of experience providing regulatory compliance advice and guidance to their clients.’

‘Their knowledge and understanding of health & safety law is exceptional. Clients are able to build a close relationship with the team and feel they are being included in every aspect of any proceedings.’

Principaux clients

HACS Construction Ltd


Europe Active Projects Ltd


Trustees of Kingswood School