Professional Discipline: UK-wide

The Berrymans team receives fulsome praise from the market for its "bespoke, tailored" client service. The practice largely focuses on medical disciplinary cases, although it is branching out and a team was appointed as legal advisers to the General Teaching Council (GTC) in 2010. Its solicitors, based in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Southampton, have represented dentists, doctors, nurses and midwives, before bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC), General Dental Council (GDC), General Optical Council (GOC) and the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Additionally they represent professionals in disputes with their primary care trusts and members of the team have spoken at conferences, including Europe's largest optometric conference, and ran a widely attended series of seminars on NHS complaints.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vicki Swanton works closely with medical defence organisations and insurers and represents doctors and dentists against an array of claims. "Clients love her," and she is equally respected by her peers. Sources say she is "a pleasure to work with or against."

The head of the firm's London healthcare team Gary Allison is "just wonderful," according to one pleased client. He is praised for his wide breadth of knowledge and clients say that the "reason the team works so well is because of the way Gary leads them."

Clare Chapman has represented doctors in a number of complicated cases on behalf of the Medical Protection Society (MPS). According to market sources "she knows the law like nobody else" and is also "tenacious."

Michael Brown is "someone with a vast amount of experience." He has acted on behalf of medical protection societies in a variety of matters, including fitness to practise tribunals in front of the GMC. Sources praise his "good manner with the clients" and his "very good judgement."

Jane Lang has acted in matters involving the GMC and the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Market sources say: "She takes a lot of trouble with her cases - she is a good safe pair of hands."

Juliette Mellman-Jones is applauded for her "excellent judgement." She has acted for clients on behalf of the MPS, including defending accusations of ethical research misconduct. Market sources say: "If you have something that needs to be done she will do it and to a very high standard."

Rosie Shapiro has represented clients at GMC and GOC fitness to practise hearings and is described as "extremely able and analytical, very intelligent and also very personable." She is noted by one source as "one to watch."

Katie Costello's manner with doctors "inspires confidence" and was noted by multiple sources. She has acted for doctors at inquests and before the GMC and sources say she is "very good and very professional."

Solicitor advocate Mark Shaw joined the firm in 2011. He has more than 20 years' experience in the healthcare field. He has represented clients at inquests, disciplinary proceedings and before regulatory bodies including the GDC and GOC.

Max Ekstein is an associate based in Manchester. Sources describe him as "young, but very competent."

The "always very reassuring" Lisa Jones has acted on matters involving the GMC and is described by sources as "very composed" and "helpful in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a case."

"Extremely competent" associate Hannah Pilkington worked on matters including Morgan v A Local Health Authority (Re X, Y and Z), a case that involved the principle of anonymity in childcare proceedings and raised issues relating to Article 8 and Article 10 of the ECHR. One market source said she "will one day be the leader of the whole pack - she's brilliant."

Andrew Truby has acted in GMC fitness to practise tribunals and he has written articles on healthcare-related issues for the British Medical Journal and the Professional Social Work Magazine.

Blake Lapthorn has had another successful year, adding the GDC, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to its already impressive client list. The practice mainly focuses on acting for, and advising, professional regulatory bodies, which furnishes the team's partners with "an understanding of the wider regulatory context." The team undertakes a variety of work, from acting as legal advisers on panels adjudicating on professional misconduct cases for the GTC to acting for the General Social Care Council (GSCC), for whom it undertakes a large amount of advocacy in fitness to practise cases and appeals. According to one regulator, "members feel confident with people from Blake Lapthorn."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradley Albuery is the "very well-respected" head of the firm's regulatory practice. He provides "clear legal advice" and is described as "a tough prosecutor who knows when to give up a point and when to fight it." He acts for the GTC in prosecutions and is the chief point of contact in the practice for clients such as the GDC and the GPhC.

Stephen Murfitt has acted for regulators in appeal cases, sat as a legal adviser on disciplinary committees and has been seconded to regulators such as the Institute for Learning (IfL), where he has advised in the drafting of disciplinary material. One client commended him for his "real understanding of our organisation and the people who work in it."

Nicholas Leale is assessed by the market as a "good safe pair of hands" who "knows the law." He has acted for a number of different regulators as a solicitor advocate, including investigating and presenting allegations of misconduct on behalf of the General Osteopathic Council and acting for the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) in proceedings against solicitors accused of financial impropriety.

Christopher Alder has acted as a legal adviser for the IfL and GTC, and has prosecuted on behalf of regulators, for example in GSCC v Anne-Marie Dainty, a case that involved extensive and complicated paperwork. Market sources say that he is "people-friendly" and has "a nice manner." 

Guy Micklewright has acted as an advocate for the GSCC in appeals to the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal. According to sources, his "knowledge of modern case law is exceptional."

When it comes to acting for healthcare regulators, Capsticks solicitors have an absolutely first-class reputation. Capsticks' major client is the GDC, which retained the team's services in a competitive tender this year. Additionally, the firm was appointed as sole legal services provider to the GPhC for its professional disciplinary work following a competitive tender. The team has branched out from its main focus of healthcare, and in the last year its solicitors acted for the SRA and ILEX Professional Standards. Its solicitors are praised for their "very professional, slick approach" and one source stated that "there is a general feeling that if Capsticks are running the case you're in good hands."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Steel is regarded as "an extremely able operator on the professional discipline regulatory front." Peers recognise his varied career, and his work has included a period at the GMC and has given him a depth of experience that is respected throughout the field.

John Witt is the head of Capsticks' regulatory group. One client said he is "extremely helpful," gives "excellent legal advice," and has a "very clear understanding of the case work we carry out and our statutory function." According to one peer he "runs a very tight team; certainly you'd be happy to put your professional future in his hands."

Partner Daniel Purcell is in charge of Capsticks' efforts on behalf of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE). As a member of the SRA's advocate panel he has appeared before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) numerous times in the past year.

The "entirely knowledgeable" Mark Whiting has worked in the area of professional discipline since he qualified in 2001. He is Capsticks' point man in the work it does with the GDC, overseeing the work carried out in relation to professional discipline cases for the regulator. One source said he is "absolutely excellent as far as I am concerned. Very knowledgeable. Extraordinarily thorough in his advice and his management of the team at Capsticks. I think his awareness of the potential future direction in regulation is top notch."

Shaun O'Malley is described by a market source as a "good lawyer - effective and thorough." He has acted for the prosecution in fitness to practise tribunals on behalf of two of Capsticks' regulatory clients, in addition to acting as an advocate before GDC panels. He has carried out work for healthcare regulators investigating and prosecuting individuals operating beyond the bounds of their qualifications and skills. One client said he is "very professional, always a good performer too."

Annie Sorbie undertakes regulatory work for the GPhC, GCC and GOC. Additionally she is noted for her work with the overarching healthcare regulator, the CHRE.

Solicitor advocate Nimi Bruce practised at the Criminal Bar for seven years before moving in-house at the GMC for four years and joining Capsticks in 2010. More than one interviewee commented on her diligence, stating that "her preparation is absolutely excellent" and "she is well prepared," in addition to noting her "very gracious court manner." She has undertaken work for a number of Capsticks' clients including the GPhC, GSCC, GDC and GOC.

Jane Barker is a "diligent soul who doesn't leave any stone unturned," in the opinion of one interviewee. She has acted for a number of regulators, appearing on their behalf as a prosecutor before their committees as well as in the High Court. Additionally she acts for healthcare regulatory bodies in prosecuting fraud cases.

This firm has long had a reputation for being "one of the best in this market place." Notable successes in the past year include the team's appointment to the panel of the NMC following a competitive tender. The team investigated nearly 500 cases on behalf of the NMC by mid-November, including cases related to the high-profile Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust Public Inquiry. The firm acts for regulatory clients from a number of different sectors including the GMC, GDC and GSCC, the SRA and the Bar Standards Board, bodies from education including the GTC, and regulators as disparate as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the British Horseracing Association and the Financial Reporting Council. Feedback from clients is first rate: "They provide excellent service. They are very thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable about the regulatory world we inhabit."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Judith Chrystie is an experienced regulatory solicitor, who worked for the GOC before joining the firm. She is a legal adviser to the GTC and advises on a broad array of policy matters and regulatory issues, in addition to working on fitness to practise cases and High Court applications. She is described by market sources as "extremely thorough and very reliable," with "a very nice manner with the client."

Sarah Ellson is seen as "outstanding, very able, conscientious and innovative. An entrepreneur who is very, very capable in her field." She is head of the practice and also leads the firm's Manchester office. She acted as lead partner in the firm's work for the GDC which included overseeing numerous fitness to practise cases, redrafting the bodies' regulations and advising on the exercise of its statutory powers. One market source called her "phenomenal - very active, delightful to work with, natural, clever, and there's no edge to her."

Matthew Lohn was appointed managing partner of the firm in October 2011, having previously been head of the public and regulatory law group. Described by a regulator as "one of the top people in the field, he has the confidence of his clients, he's the go-to man." He has been active on the panel of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as well as advising in sensitive GMC cases.

Tom Rider possesses an absolutely stellar reputation in the field, and is described by one source as an "excellent lawyer, who knows our work very well. His history of regulatory work is deep and he has good political skills, which are often missing in lawyers. Not only good technically but also politically and tactically." During 2011 he acted for the GMC in relation to the high-profile public inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. Additionally he oversees applications and appeals for judicial reviews to the High Court and Court of Appeal. Ascribed the full gamut of superlatives by interviewees, "careful, considerate, measured, hard-working," he is "widely admired in the regulatory field."

Mary Timms "really stands out" and is "consistently good." In the last twelve months he has provided training for the members of fitness to practise and disciplinary panels, for regulators including the NMC, the GPhC, the GOC, the General Osteopathic Council and the GCC. Additionally she advises on policy and is involved in judicial reviews and High Court appeals.

Juliet Oliver joined the firm in 2011 from the GMC where she was "the brightest star in the legal department." According to one client "her ability on policy work and legal drafting is outstanding."

Teresa Murphy practised as a barrister prior to joining the firm and has considerable prior experience of representing the NMC. She is an approved advocate and presents before fitness to practise panels for regulators including the NMC, GSCC, GTC and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC, formerly the HPC).

Senior associate Caroline Jaggard is considered an "able lawyer" by market sources. She is involved in the preparation and investigation of professional discipline cases for a number of the firm's regulatory clients. In addition she has advised public bodies on statutory interpretation.

James Moreton joined the firm in April 2011. He has a wealth of experience in complicated fraud cases and since joining the firm has acted as a panel advocate for the SRA in disciplinary proceedings.

Kingsley Napley has achieved an enviable standing in the market over the past few years, and according to one interviewee there is "no question that they are highly regarded in the professional misconduct field. The reputation of the firm is deserved." It is clear that the firm is committed to this field and the promotion of three new partners in this practice area in the last twelve months reflects this. Clients of the firm include the HPC, GDC, GTC, Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Chief Police Officers Staff Association. In the last year the firm was appointed to the panel of the GDC in addition to being reappointed to the SIA's board. Interviewees consistently praise this "excellent very professional firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Caplan QC is one of the few solicitors to have been made an honorary QC and leads the firm's work with the HCPC. Alongside his disciplinary and regulatory caseload he is chair of the Police Appeals Tribunal and is authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge.

Stephen Parkinson is a solicitor with a very strong reputation. He was engaged by the former editor of the Sun, Rebekah Brooks, in matters relating to the phone hacking scandal. One interviewee said: "If I had a discipline problem he's the solicitor I would go to. I like his manner very much and I think he has perfect, faultless judgement." He is the lead partner on the firm's work for the SIA and is described as a "consummate professional, good to deal with."

John Harding is rated highly by those in the know about police defence work. He has established a reputation for representing the higher ranks and acting in high-profile cases. For example he acted for the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire in a case of gross misconduct. One respondent described him as "very kind and very helpful."

Nicola Hill puts her wide range of experience of criminal and regulatory law to use in preparing and presenting prosecutions on behalf of the HCPC and GDC. This includes acting as lead partner in cases such as HPC v John Nichols, where a paramedic was struck off for serious misconduct. Market sources say she is "good at responding to change," as well as being "very thorough, responsible, with the utmost discretion."

Melinka Berridge "has total command, meticulous preparation, and I think she's outstanding in all respects," according to one interviewee. A solicitor advocate, she practised as a Crown prosecutor in New Zealand prior to joining the firm. She has prosecuted cases for regulatory clients such as the HCPC, GTC and GOC, including GTC v Benedict Garrett, where a teacher was suspended after evidence of his stripping alter-ego, Johnny Anglais, came to light.

"Exceptional advocate" Julie Norris was promoted to the partnership in 2011. She has acted for the HCPC, GTC, SIA and the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries. She is described by one source as "calm and realistic and very fluent.'

Barrister Sophie Kemp has acted in numerous fitness to practise cases on behalf of clients such as the HCPC. She was part of the team that defended the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire against gross misconduct accusations and she has written articles on public and regulatory law issues for the In-House Lawyer and New Law Journal.

Elizabeth Taheri "is an extremely competent advocate. Someone whose presentation is very, very clear and concise." She was promoted to associate in 2011 and she has been involved in cases on behalf of clients such as the HCPC and the Architects Registration Board. One source said she is a "particularly accomplished cross-examiner."

The market considers this to be a "massive firm in professional discipline." The reputation of the practice is built on the large amount of work carried out defending professionals on charges of misconduct before their respective regulatory bodies. The practice has two main strands, firstly healthcare which involves defending professionals before the GMC and GDC on behalf of indemnifiers such as the Medical Defence Union (MDU) and the MPS. The second major area for the practice is defending solicitors facing adjudications and disciplinary hearings, and appealing against the decisions of the SRA and SDT in the Administrative Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ralph Shipway "presents his clients' cases calmly. There's no emotion or hysteria, he presents really fairly, really well and looks after clients' interests excellently." With a healthcare focus, he presents for clients such as the MPS and MDU before the fitness to practise panel of the GMC and Conduct and Health Committees.

Sam Flew is "a good performer. A good supporter and very tactical chap, he has transferred his skills very effectively to defence work." Mainly acting in the sphere of healthcare, his practice covers both criminal and professional discipline work and he is described as "a very canny operator" by one source. 

Richard Privett is, according to one source, "one of the most sensible solicitors I’ve come across." He takes private instruction and works with clients such as the Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland and Dental Protection and acts in both criminal cases and cases before the GDC or GMC. One source said he is "very good and very reassuring to the doctors."

Alex Leslie is a "first-class" solicitor with a wealth of experience and is the head of the firm's healthcare practice. He is experienced in representing medical professionals before the Crown Court and both the GDC and GMC. One source called him "very wise, very shrewd and completely unfazed by huge amounts of information and vast volumes of paper."

Nicholas Rawson is the managing partner of the firm's Leeds office. He "really knows his stuff" and has a "very sympathetic and reassuring manner." He practised as a barrister and solicitor in Australia and specialises in defending medical professionals in complicated criminal and professional disciplinary cases. He is known as a "very steady pair of hands" who is good at providing "support when a professional's reputation is on the line."

Ian Sadler has "bags of experience" and is a "steadying influence on worried and nervous clients." The major focus of his practice is defence work on behalf of medical defence organisations and medical professionals.

Anne Green is a "very reliable" solicitor. Part of the healthcare practice, she advises clients appearing before the GMC and GDC as well as in internal hospital disciplinary procedures.

Michaela Nicholas is a former intensive care nurse; she defends healthcare professionals before their professional regulator. Market sources consider her to be a "very good" practitioner.

Nigel West is the head of commercial litigation at the firm. He is a "very sound guy" who "obviously knows his stuff." His practice largely focuses on representing solicitors who face SRA investigations and in proceedings before the SDT. He has led appeals against the decision of these bodies, including one example which went to the Administrative Court.

Kate Williams represents dentists and doctors before the GDC and GMC in addition to acting in internal hospital disciplinary inquiries. One source said she is "very patient" and has a "good legal mind. She is sympathetic and empathetic with the client, and uses this to get a realistic outcome."

William Childs "takes a reassuring laid-back approach, which clients like. He has a no-nonsense approach to cases." He specialises in representing healthcare professionals in criminal and disciplinary cases, before the courts and before regulatory bodies such as the GMC, GDC and employment tribunals. "Enthusiastic and very capable," he "gets good results" and "doctors like him."

The regulatory and professional disciplinary practice of this firm is based across its London, Bristol and Birmingham offices and covers a few major areas. A key sector is the regulation of legal services. The firm has a long-lasting relationship with the SRA and solicitors from Bevan Brittan undertake a large amount of prosecution for the body and act before the SDT on its behalf. The firm was appointed by the Bar Standards Board in the last year to advise on its regulations in relation to the Legal Services Act 2007. Additional areas of interest are healthcare and education.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain Miller is described by sources as "a guru, head and shoulders above others in this area," and he "wrote the book on regulatory law." He has higher rights of audience and has carried out complex litigation on behalf of the SRA including in Thobani v SRA. This involved a solicitor appealing against a decision of the SDT not to reinstate her on the roll of solicitors. It was significant as it was the first appeal of its kind to the High Court, following an amendment made by the Legal Services Act 2007.

Margaret Bromley is a member of the SRA's panel of prosecutors for proceedings before the SDT.

Johanna Davies is "very conscientious," the "sort of person you need in a heavy-duty case. She knows how to marshal stuff, keep the show on the road and keep cheerful." She is involved in cases heard before the SDT and acts for the SRA in inquiries and report work. One source said she is "incredibly organised" and "very good at actually running the detail."

Northern Ireland's number-one professional discipline firm, Carson McDowell is a "very professional firm," that, according to one client, "ticks all the boxes that I'm looking for." Major clients include the MPS and the Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland. Largely focused on defence, the firm's solicitors represent medical professionals before the GDC, GMC and Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roger McMillan is "excellent, very thorough, meticulous, very timely and a very, very approachable person. He is thorough, honest and gives advice that is unequivocally very good." He spends a large proportion of his time defending medical professionals, including one case of a high-profile individual who was facing a Health & Social Care Trust disciplinary investigation and related GMC case that attracted significant local press coverage.

Leigh Linton is regarded as "extremely professional, very knowledgeable and empathetic." Her clients include Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland and Dental Protection. One source said: "She's very meticulous, approachable and tends to communicate very well with the doctors."

Described by one interviewee as a "really nice, strong, niche market firm," Eastwoods has evolved into a very highly regarded firm that has established its reputation by defending doctors and dentists in court and before the disciplinary panels of the GMC and GDC. More than one market source said they recommended the firm to doctors unaffiliated with an indemnifier: "Occasionally I'm asked by doctors who they should go to, and if they're not a member of a defence organisation I recommend Eastwoods."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Eastwood is the managing partner of the firm, and one source describes him as a "legend in his own lifetime. He has that Aussie charm that puts clients completely at ease." Another source said: "He knows his stuff. He's obviously very confident and expresses views quite strongly. He's great."

Adam Smith is a "very well-organised" solicitor that represents medical professionals in a wide range of disciplinary matters, including before the GMC and GDC and in internal NHS disciplinary proceedings.

Surjit Dubb has "huge commitment and passion for the job without being unrealistic about what can be achieved." His work spans the spectrum when it comes to representing medical professionals, and multiple sources praise him for his client manner. One source describes him as "entirely straightforward, and he fights very hard for his client. He's the ideal solicitor."

Adam Weston "really is a star in the making," according to one source. Other sources note his "excellent manner with the doctors" and say: "He's very good. He knows what he's doing."

Joanne Bateman is a "big asset for Eastwoods." She joined the firm in 2010 after ten years in-house at the MDU and was made a partner in 2012. She specialises in acting for medical professionals, particularly those under investigation from their regulators, including the HCPC, GMC, NMC and GDC.

Stephen Hooper's work is based around advising medical professionals under investigation by regulators including the NMC, GMC and GDC, in addition to assisting doctors and dentists with NHS disciplinary proceedings.

This firm of Cardiff-based solicitor advocates specialises in professional discipline, focusing on solicitors. The firm is on the SRA disciplinary proceedings panel and its solicitors regularly prosecute in front of the SDT. Unusually, the firm's advocates also defend solicitors and run appeals against decisions of the SDT, often in the High Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Geoffrey Williams is the "man to go to if you're in trouble" according to one solicitor. He is an "excellent advocate, very knowledgeable on disciplinary cases." He regularly represents the SRA as well as defending individual solicitors. 

Andrew Hopper QC has an "encyclopaedic knowledge of professional conduct laws" and according to one source is "one of the leading individuals" in the field. Only the fifth solicitor to be appointed QC, he is a widely respected authority on the regulation of solicitors. His guide, The Solicitors Handbook 2012, was described by one interviewee as like "the bible" for the subject.

Hempsons is a specialist healthcare firm whose major clients include medical defence unions such as the Dental Defence Union, MDU, MPS and Dental Protection Limited. A particular focus for the firm is representing dentists being investigated by regulators such as the GDC, and clients particularly like the fact that two partners of the firm are qualified dentists. One source said: "Hempsons is always very consistent and the quality extends throughout the firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Ball is very "highly regarded" by market sources. Based in Manchester, she runs Hempsons' crime and regulatory team, advising medical professionals and NHS bodies on issues related to disciplinary and professional investigations by bodies such as the GMC.

Chris Morris is a qualified dentist with ten years of experience, giving him "inside knowledge" of the intricacies of dental cases. He acts for medical professionals under investigation by regulatory bodies; one example of this was GDC v Kunz, a two-week hearing before the GDC, which resulted in the dentist in question being allowed to continue as a dental practitioner. Additionally he speaks before medical conferences including a widely attended lecture tour under the aegis of the British Dental Association and Dental Protection.

Margaret Taylor acted on the high-profile case of Medical Defence Union and Dr D Southall. The defence was successful and Dr Southall, a controversial child protection expert, remained on the medical register. She has become a specialist in the field of child protection.

Richard Creamer is a dual-qualified dentist-solicitor who focuses on representing dentists and doctors. Clients appreciate his understanding of the field, with one saying: "When we have a dental issue, there's a built-in empathy so he'll know where you're coming from."

This team's practice tends to focus heavily on the financial side of the professional discipline field. Clients include the Accountancy & Actuarial Discipline Board, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Additionally the team's solicitors act for individual accountants and individuals facing disciplinary investigations by their regulator.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Lidbetter "is very bright; he really understands the relationship between regulatory law and the public law aspects of things." His work includes advising the ACCA on professional discipline investigations and advising individual accountants under investigation by regulators such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales. One source said he is "very gifted, very good" and has a "very strong public law background. If you're in the middle of disciplinary proceedings, he's a real go-to man on that sort of stuff."

Rod Fletcher is described by market observers as "sensible, calm" and a "quality" lawyer. Interviewees note his work with the Police Federation and his experience of criminal work. He joins the team from Slater & Gordon.

One source described the Cardiff-based team as a growing presence in the field, and it has been appointed to act for the NMC, the UK's largest regulator, at a tender process in the last year. Morgan Cole has a broad client list, including the SRA, GTC for England and GTC for Wales, Human Tissue Authority (HTA), Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Care Council for Wales (CCW). This disparate client list allows the firm's solicitors to "bring a breadth of experience to range of regulatory work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Havard is "experienced and able, and he's also oozing with common sense." Although chairman of Morgan Cole, he still takes a hands-on approach which clients respect. One source said he is "very approachable, utterly reliable. Nothing is too much trouble. Very familiar with the jurisdiction, knows how it works. Charming, easy-going, but tough when he needs to be."

Graham Miles is "professional, knowledgeable, has a lot of experience but is also approachable" according to one interviewee. He works closely with regulators, including the HFEA, GTC and CCW. One source said he is "thoughtful, considered, clear and unambiguous; very calm and very helpful."

Eve Piffaretti is described by one source as "very competent and very practical." Her work includes investigating cases on behalf of the NMC and acting as a legal adviser to disciplinary committees of the GTCE.

Tom Walker is a qualified barrister, and is described by sources as "diligent and hard-working." Clients appreciate his experience in criminal law, which translates well to his professional discipline work, where he acts on behalf of bodies including the IfL, SRA and CCW.

Market commentators pick out this team as a growing force in the professional discipline market. One major client of the team is the MDU, for which it engages in defence work related to GMC investigations and fitness to practise hearings. The team also advises on hearings before the interim orders panel of the GMC, public and private inquiries and internal hospital disciplinary proceedings. With regard to GMC work the firm's solicitors have a "wealth of experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Horsefield is "very thorough and very good," according to one source. He acts for the defence, largely on the healthcare side, in relation to doctors under investigation by the GMC.

Victoria Lord is "increasingly a presence in the market." Sources are quick with praise for her: "She's great, fabulous. She's clever, hard-working, and extremely easy to work with." She appears to be particularly known for GMC cases, having previously prosecuted on behalf of that organisation.

Associate Susan Trigg appears to be making a name for herself at the firm. One source says she is "very calm" and "copes well" with big cases. 

Benjamin Lambert receives acclaim from more than one quarter for his ability to deal with distressed clients: "He really cares about clients - he is the client-handler supreme."

With a strong track record in the market, Penningtons possesses an enviable client list and a strong market reputation. One source said of the team: "They're very approachable, easy to get along with. I find them all quick to understand the point I'm getting at." It is the number-one firm in veterinary medicine and clients include the Royal College of Veterinary Medicine (RCVM) and the Farriers Registration Council (FRC). The team is also on the panel of the SRA and GOC, in addition to working for the GPhC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Katrina Wingfield is a solicitor advocate, and is the "doyenne of the professional regulation world," in the opinion of one interviewee. She is the director of appeals for the GDC and chairs the regulatory board of the ACCA. She is a "person with many years of experience in this area. She is rightly well regarded for her knowledge."

Geoffrey Hudson is, according to one source, "one of the most courteous men I know. If we ask for any input at all he is very knowledgeable and will generally have the answer." Regarded highly, he is on the panel of the SRA, for which he acted on cases including SRA re Michael Adelasoye, a matter in which a solicitor was struck off for contriving to breach immigration laws in relation to sham marriages.

Nicole Curtis is a qualified barrister and joined the partnership of the firm in 2010, when she was one of the first barristers in the UK to join the partnership of a law firm. Interviewees said: "She's really organised, efficient and very experienced." She carries out advocacy for the RCVS, FRC and GOC. One client said she is "very approachable, quick to respond, so you don't find yourself chasing up or wondering when you'll get whatever you asked for. She also has a tactical approach."

Russell-Cooke acts for regulators including the Law Society, the SRA, the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Taxation Disciplinary Board (TDB) and the GDC. The volume of work carried out is noted by sources, who say: "They've got a large amount of regulatory and discipline work and also do crossover. If you're running proceedings and judicial review, they can do it." Cases of note include Architects Registration Board v Vibeke Petersen, the first time a prosecution had been successfully carried out under Section 7 of the Architects Act 1997, which makes it an offence to register as an architect using false credentials.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Cadman is a "superb solicitor advocate," and someone who is "highly rated by the market." He was lead partner for the firm in Darsho Kaur v ILEX Appeal Tribunal, an appeal to change the composition of the Disciplinary Tribunal and the Appeal Tribunal. One source said: "What he has is that judgement, that blend of civil and criminal knowledge, which is really important in regulatory work."

John Gould is very well thought of by the market. He acts for clients such as the SRA and he is the team's main contact for the ARB. He "always takes a very broad look, takes all surrounding issues into account. He's very knowledgeable on regulatory and professional body issues. He can bring all this background knowledge into use when giving advice." 

Jessica Asher "is very good" and "quite practical in how she advises." Clients she has advised in the past twelve months include the SRA and the ARB.

Matthew Bosworth is "very able" and "one to watch." He has worked on cases including The Actuarial Professional Disciplinary Tribunal v Michael Hall, in which charges brought against a student member of the actuarial profession were contested and eventually surmounted.

Formerly operating under the banner of Russell Jones & Walker, this team works for a wide range of regulators including the SRA, ACCA, GCC, RCVS and GOC. The team's client range is appreciated by regulators as it provides its solicitors with a "good understanding of the whole regulatory field" and "wide experience across regulators so they have a good balance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rosemary Rollason has an absolutely exemplary reputation, with sources saying: "She has been doing this work longer than most of the people currently in the market, and she's incredibly knowledgeable." Her work in the last twelve months includes successfully defending an anaesthetist accused of gross misconduct in a GMC fitness to practise case, and training RCVS Disciplinary Committee members.

Scott Ingram is noted by sources for his "wealth of experience in the police world." According to the market he is a "very, very capable person. Trusted and extremely highly regarded across the board." Other sources say: "He is one of the three or four people you would go to as a police officer in trouble. He knows it backwards."  

Clients say this team is "professional, reliable, keeps you well informed, is very knowledgeable and good to work with." The Edinburgh-based group is the number-one ranked Scottish firm for professional discipline in the UK and elicits the respect of the market. Clients include the GDC, GMC, Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS), Law Society of Scotland, Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland and RCN. One source said: "They always do a good job, they're very efficient. They pull the stops out if there are urgent things to be done. Clients like them as well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Carr is a solicitor advocate and chairman of Anderson Strathern. He retains an active practice and clients include the RCN, the GMC, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), where he is the main presenter at its registration and conduct subcommittee hearings. According to one source "he's got a very clear mind, cuts to the chase, and is incisive."

Catriona Watt "is excellent" in the view of market sources. She has acted for clients such as the GDC in cases including Stuart Lutton v GDC, and the RCN, including three fatal accident inquiries where she has represented nurses.

Bankside Law is "a niche boutique" that specialises in defending individuals against proceedings brought by regulatory bodies. In a major coup, the firm won the tender for the MDU, which involves work such as GMC cases, advisory work, coroners' hearings and internal disciplinary hearings. According to one client, the team provides an "excellent service on the whole. They're very prompt - when they say they'll do something they do it in a timely fashion."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Williams' name brings forth consistently glowing reviews from interviewees. "He's thorough, dependable, innovative and a forward-thinker. He runs a tight ship and has all the right qualities." He has worked for the United Chiropractic Association and the ARB and he undertakes an increasing amount of work on behalf of the MDU. He is a "very committed advocate, a real detail man" and provides a "very good service to the client."

Jonathan Goldring is the team's in-house barrister. Described as "excellent, personable and quick to get to the core issue," he regularly defends medical professionals before the GMC, General Osteopathic Council, GCC, HCPC and GSCC.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite acts for a broad range of regulatory organisations including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the GDC. Clients are complimentary, saying the team has "good breadth of skill. All the people we deal with are professional and charming." New clients have been added in the past year, including The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the Royal Institute of British Architects and the RCN. One source says: "I've found everyone there to be really, really good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dinah Tuck "is very thorough and has a very good grasp of the law." She works closely with the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) on the conduct of their disciplinary schemes and is active in preparing cases against the members of these organisations. She is "very down to earth, gives very good advice, and is very reliable. She always has all the details covered."

Melanie Carter heads the professional discipline practice at the firm and is described by one client as "very prompt, very efficient," while another client would "have absolutely no qualms about recommending her." She has a relationship with a number of regulatory bodies including advising the GDC in its broad regulatory functions.

Clients are very pleased with the the service this team offers, with one saying: "It's a really friendly firm. The team is clearly very competent and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. Its good reputation is certainly well deserved." Another client said: "I had a very positive experience. It's good to have someone taking it so seriously."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Halford is "steeped in public law and brings a creative insight to professional regulatory work. I would send work to him if couldn't do it," said one market source. He provides regulatory advice to the Association of Child Psychotherapists.

Paul Ridge is "outstandingly good," according to one client. Another praised his "great level of expertise, quality of output and thoroughness." He has developed a practice related to solicitors in regulatory disputes and has acted successfully on ecclesiastical matters.

Charles Russell has represented the National Pharmacy Association since the 1920s and also numbers Sainsbury's and Lloyd’s Pharmacies amongst its clients. The team's expertise in this area is recognised by the market, with one source describing it as "the leading pharmacy solicitors dealing with community pharmacy, both in terms of professional discipline, fitness to practise and transfer of pharmacy ownership." One client noted the "quality of advice" that the team provides.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Noel Wardle "is very effective. His particular strength is that he's very diligent," said one source. He has acted for pharmacists in front of their regulator the GPhC in a range of cases, including one where he successfully represented a pharmacist accused of the oversupply of medicine before a fitness to practise inquiry.

David Reissner is "one of the top solicitors for pharmacy work," according to one market commentator. He has represented pharmacists in complicated GPhC fitness to practise investigations and has conducted his own advocacy at these hearings.

Rachel Warren is "incredibly good on the law and combines this with superb judgement," says one interviewee. She recently represented a pharmacist in an appeal to the High Court regarding registration in Manherlal Keshavlal Shah v The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

Following a November 2011 merger between Barlow Lyde & Gilbert and Clyde & Co, the market is closely scrutinising its offering in this field. The "million-dollar question," says one source, is "how the operation will work." The legacy team from Barlows brings with it a "fabulous reputation dealing on the claims side," while Clyde & Co is known for its close links to the insurance industry. In the past year, the team has been appointed to the panels of the MPS, ARAG and Abbey Legal Protection, which should lead to plentiful defence work representing professionals in the courts and in front of their regulators.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Scott is "very knowledgeable, and he manages to write short, bang-on-point letters in complicated cases." Sources say he is "particularly able in the accountancy and audit fields."

In 2011 Davies Arnold Cooper merged with Beachcroft to create this insurance giant. One market source said: "The firm to watch out for is Beachcroft because the merger has given it a huge advisory team." The team has offices in London and Leeds and acts for clients including the Chartered Institute of Building, Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy, Family Health Services Appeal Authority and MDU.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Hocking is head of the firm's public sector practice and is "an extremely good advocate." One client said: "He's very good, very direct, which is what I like."

Christopher Briggs joined the firm's Manchester office following the demise of Halliwells, bringing a well-regarded team with him. He largely acts for medical professionals on behalf of the MDU, including recently acting for one doctor accused of serious sexual offences.

The team has been involved in the high-profile Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, has engaged in some GMC work and also runs courses for various regulatory bodies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Luisa Gibbons has been active regarding the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and has been involved in defending doctors before the GMC.

Peter Jones has been involved in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and has worked with a number of other regulators and professional bodies.

The practice represents professionals before a broad range of professional bodies. One market source said: "I rate the firm very highly," and noted that the team is "instructed regularly by insurer clients." Indeed the team's list of clients is impressive, including the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund, the Dental Protection Society, the Veterinary Defence Society, the MPS and, as of 2011, the MDU.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "positively brilliant" Angela Horne is "kept massively busy," by her practice, which includes representing professionals before the GDC and GMC. One source called her "very smart."

According to one market source, this team is "very good, but it is also very approachable, friendly and sensible. They don't get lost in the minutiae and they see the bigger picture." The team represents a range of professionals before their regulatory bodies, is developing an FSA-related niche, represents medical professionals before the GMC and is involved with solicitors' professional discipline. Clients include the Association of Educational Psychologists, GTC and Bakewells Solicitors. One client said: "Overall I think the standard is pretty darn good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Lockley is based in Sheffield and "knows his way around the field." He successfully represented two partners of Bakewells in an SDT tribunal following regulatory failures by a former partner. One source said he is "a good professional adviser and great lawyer. He's super with people and knows his subject."

Sarah Wallace "has really moved ahead" and "built up the FSA side of practice there," according to one market observer. 

Katriona Swan's "clients find her drafting very good, and find her very pragmatic." She has been involved in GMC fitness to practise cases and has been involved with sports regulatory matters.

Legal Risk is a niche firm, focused solely on providing legal advice to law firms on professional discipline, professional regulation and professional liability issues. Its clients include a number of very well-known law firms and according to one client the team "punches above its weight." One source said: "They understand City law firms and advise on financial services matters. They're extremely responsive - their timing turnaround is superb." The team advises companies on reducing their risk and acts for clients in contentious issues, such as SRA investigations and SDT cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Maher is a "very knowledgeable on regulatory issues." Another client adds: "He has a complete grasp of the field in which he operates," and he is "very responsive, and he really knows his stuff."

Susan Mawdsley is an expert in "anti-money laundering and related compliance issues," according to one source. She advises firms on compliance, professional indemnity and risk management and anti-money laundering compliance across jurisdictions.

Francis Dingwall has provided in-house legal teams with advice on compliance on issues such as conflicts, conduct issues and engagement letters.

This team is recognised in the market for its expertise in handling police defence work. Interviewees say the team is "one of the top firms doing police disciplinary work." One source said that the practice has an "excellent reputation with the Met," built up during its more than 30 years' experience in the field.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Reynolds is renowned for his police defence work. Sources say: "He specialises in the field. He's massively highly regarded." One client said that he has "unparalleled commitment and he delivers very good results"

Elizabeth Fox has "been doing this work for years and years," and sources describe her as a standout individual in the market.

Ryan Solicitors is a niche Manchester-based firm that specialises in medical defence work. The team's solicitors "have a wealth of experience in GMC work," and regularly carry out "heavyweight doctors' defence work." Another source said: "They get an enormous amount of work, particularly from the MDU. They're very efficient."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ryan is the head of the firm, and one market source said that he has "been there, seen it, got the t-shirt. I have a sister who's a doctor and if she needed a solicitor, the list of people I'd suggest she went to would include Michael Ryan."

Angela Pilling is recognised in the market for her MDU work and acting in coroners' cases.

Market sources are keen on the work carried out by this practice, with one source saying: "From my experience the firm is terrific: it's hard hitting and my experience with it is great." The team is known for work in a variety of areas including health, financial services and sport. The practice acts for the overarching healthcare regulator, the CHRE, providing legal advice and assisting it in deciding whether to refer decisions of other healthcare regulators to the High Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Thomas Cassels as "a brainbox" and "exceptionally able." He is the head of the firm's administrative and public law group and has acted for clients including the British Olympic Committee.

Joanna Ludlam "is highly able, highly efficient" and provides "very good theoretical analysis, but with a commercial, pragmatic approach that impresses clients." She is known for her BBC Trust work, and was involved in the Leveson Inquiry.

The main focus of the team is health, and the team's solicitors are very active in clinical defence and regulatory matters. Clients of bto include the MDU, RCN, Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland and Dental Protection. Solicitors from the practice regularly appear before bodies such as the GMC and GDC. One source said: "The firm is very competent, that is the main thing. They get good results and they're very responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees consistently mentioned Laura Donald's manner with clients, asserting that she is "brilliant at managing clients." Another source said she is "trustworthy, and will give you a good, fair and well-reasoned opinion." She is a solicitor advocate and regularly appears before GMC interim order panels and fitness to practise panels, on behalf of medical defence organisations.

Douglas Jessiman is the head of the firm's practice in this area and is highly regarded by his peers and clients. He is a "very professional, personable sort of guy. He's got a lot of experience and is a good, pragmatic problem solver," said one source. He regularly appears before the GMC on behalf of various medical defence organisations.

James Stewart is well regarded by bto's clients and is described as "energetic and very dependable at getting through work," and a "very safe pair of hands."

According to one source this team "does what is said on the tin." The team is particularly well known for its disciplinary and regulatory work in the football world, and its clients include the Board of the Premier League, Leeds United FC and Sports Resolutions (UK). Additionally, as a former SRA panel firm, McCormicks' solicitors are adept at dealing with SRA investigations and SDT defence work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter McCormick is "excellent, a fair and proper prosecutor and defender." He is well known in the football world, and sits as chairman of the legal advisory group of the Premier League. He is also an experienced SRA defender and former prosecutor. One source said that he is "thoroughly competent, and absolutely responsive."

One sources describes this as a "big team, with a good client base and a sensible approach." The team's solicitors have been active prosecuting for the GDC and involved in the ongoing Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fiona Hawker has a wide experience in regulatory law, particularly in the field of health. Sources say they are "very impressed" with her work.

Kevin Duce is "spot-on in all he does." He was particularly active in the last year prosecuting for the GDC, which he knows "like the back of his hand."

RPC is active in the professional discipline and regulatory fields, acting for clients including the MPS, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, British Pregnancy Advice Service and British Osteopathic Association. One source said: "They are an excellent firm. I'm consistently impressed with how available, smart, thorough and diligent they are. All the people I've interacted with seem to be cut from the same cloth." The team acts in matters such as defending doctors before the GMC in fitness to practise cases, defending opticians before the GOC and acting in complicated SDT defence cases. One client said: "They're very organised and detailed in their advice; I would have full confidence in using them again."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clare Jaycock is "really professional, calm, and inspires confidence. She has a detailed and logical approach, and gives precise and clear advice. She was very reassuring." She is the firm's head of medical regulation and regularly defends clients in GMC investigations.

Shepherd and Wedderburn has a strong reputation for professional discipline work and is one of the top Scottish firms in the market. One source said that "they have a depth of experience, and understand the sensitivities of clients in this sector because of their wider practice past." The team has clients from the legal, financial services and medical sectors, including the Scottish Legal Complaints Society, the Faculty of Advocates, the British Medical Association, The Institute & Faculty of Actuaries and the Medical & Dental Defence Union for Scotland. One source said: "They combine their competency with efficiency. They don't over-lawyer a case and they identify the correct route to a solution."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Natasha Durkin is an associate at the firm and she is heavily involved in professional discipline work. Her practice includes a large amount of work for the SIA, which involves close co-operation with the police and Crown. One source said that she "is very professional" and "one of her strengths is an interpretation of legislation."

This City-focused practice largely acts in professional discipline and regulatory matters related to financial services and accountancy. The team works for clients such as Baker Tilly, PwC and Deloitte. The firm has been acting for PwC in an Accountancy & Actuarial Discipline Board investigation into the collapse of Cattles, a subprime lender that was alleged to have had an £800 million shortfall in its loan loss provision.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Julian Randall "is responsive, practical and easy to deal with," according to one source. He is widely recognised in the market for his work related to financial services and accountancy, and one peer said: "He's an opponent I have respect for."

Tughans is based in Northern Ireland and the majority of the firm's professional discipline work has a focus on the medical sector, where it regularly defends healthcare professionals under investigation by regulators such as the GMC and the GDC. Additionally the practice has started to receive instruction from the Irish Medical Council and is on the panel for the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Anthony is recognised by the market for the medical defence work he undertakes.

This team is heavily involved in professional discipline work across a variety of areas. Solicitors from the firm specialise in areas such as healthcare, local government, police work, SRA defence work, FSA defence work, the regulation of architects and professional discipline in education. One source said that the team is "ultra-professional and always accessible." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Mitchell is described by one source as "incredibly thorough. He's very, very able, shows great judgement and is very clever." He specialises in professional discipline work in the sphere of healthcare, where he undertakes "high-profile, complex work."

Tim Lang excites comprehensive praise from peers and clients alike. One said he is "utterly professional, passionate, committed and always delivers." Another source said: "Tim is an advocate as well as being a solicitor. He is very experienced and has been a prosecutor so he knows which way the wind blows."

This team prosecutes on behalf of both Scottish and British regulators in addition to defending clients that are being investigated by their professional bodies. Brodies has been appointed presenting solicitor to the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS). In this role the team's solicitors appear at hearings and present the case of the GTCS against teachers that have been convicted of criminal offences or face charges of incompetence or misconduct. In addition members of the team regularly act for company directors facing investigation and potential disqualification.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christine O'Neill is a key contact. 

This Belfast-based firm has significant experience in the regulatory field, including a 40-year relationship with the Northern Ireland Police Federation. The team's solicitors are also instructed by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and have acted in over 80 misconduct cases for the body since 2010.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dorcas Crawford is described by one source as "very thorough and really good at thinking on her feet." Sources add: "She's got a very engaging personality and remains pleasant and good humoured even when she is under pressure."

In this area the firm specialises in defending solicitors under investigation by the SRA and in defending senior police officers facing disciplinary or criminal investigations. The team represented former Assistant Commissioner John Yates in respect to potential charges arising from the phone hacking investigation and represented him in the subsequent Levenson Inquiry.

In February 2013, Howard Kennedy merged with Finers Stephens Innocent LLP and began trading as HowardKennedyFSI.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Ryan is "an extremely good advocate who inspires confidence," according to one market source. Another source called him a "first-class defence advocate. He's clever, skilful in getting the right results and in seeing the flaws in the prosecution's argument."

This London-based practice primarily acts for solicitors, accountants and actuaries under investigation for serious misconduct and alleged criminal offences. One source said that "they are very hands-on, very proactive, and provide very quick turnaround. Their advice is always spot-on and very commercial."   

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Glassey is a key contact.

This niche practice specialises in solicitors' professional discipline, acting for firms and individual solicitors under investigation by the SRA and facing proceedings in the SDT. One source said: "The advice was spot-on and the service was provided in an efficient and fast way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Blatt "specialises in assisting solicitors' firms which are in difficulty. That is a pretty narrow but an immensely valuable expertise and skill," said one market source. He is involved in voluntary practice closures and liaises closely with the SRA and defends clients in front of the SDT.

Robert Forman specialises in SDT work, defending SRA investigations and advocacy in front of the SDT. One source said he is "very good, user-friendly and responsive. The advice given was commercial and very clear. I thought he was excellent."