About

Provided by Capsticks LLP

Capsticks’ regulatory division is a leader in professional discipline in the healthcare and legal services markets with a reputation for quality and excellent client care. Representing numerous regulators, including our own professional body, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we know what it takes to make sure action is proportionate as well as cost-efficient. We act for six of the nine statutory healthcare regulators in the UK, not only in relation to “fitness to practise” cases, which is the bulk of the work, but also in High Court appeals and judicial reviews.


Regulatory bodies face the dual challenge of maintaining high professional standards without being judged to have taken disproportionate action. With an extensive team and a bespoke case management system, we help clients face a daunting volume of cases and deliver against tough KPI targets with focused evidence gathering and close monitoring of case progression.


To keep clients one step ahead we constantly review the regulatory horizon and run well-received training sessions on changes to legislation and the regulatory landscape. And for teams working within cumbersome frameworks, we help draft policy and guidance to improve efficiencies.


We are one of a very small number of firms who undertake volume work in this specialist field, and that’s why we forge long-term relationships with many of our clients and attract some of the best minds in the business.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Discipline - UK-wide

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Capsticks houses a first-rate team held in high regard for its expertise in professional discipline matters in the healthcare and legal sectors. The team undertakes fitness-to-practise hearings, High Court appeals and judicial reviews for numerous major healthcare regulators such as the GDC, GPhC and GCC. The firm continues to advise the SRA as sole provider for disciplinary and litigation work, including matters before the SDT.

Work Highlights

  • Capsticks was instructed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to undertake proceedings against a vet who had been convicted of murder. Disciplinary action was taken on the basis that the conviction rendered him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
James Penry-Davey
Head of Professional Discipline
1
Band 1
James Penry-Davey leads Capsticks' regulatory team. He offers clients the benefit of his considerable experience handling investigations for regulators such as the GDC and NMC. He frequently handles prosecutions involving allegations of dishonesty, inappropriate care, sexual misconduct and issues of consent.

James is always on hand and friendly. He sees the bigger picture.

James has an excellent understanding of the area of law and the challenges facing the client, which is reflected in his pragmatic advice.

James is extremely knowledgeable, unbelievably calm under pressure and quickly grasps the important aspects of a case. He is fantastic to work with because he just gets it very quickly.

1
Nicole Curtis
1
Band 1
Nicole Curtis is held in particularly high regard for her experience in the veterinary and healthcare sectors. She is regularly called upon to represent the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Farriers Registration Council in fitness-to-practise proceedings.

Nicole is a national leader in the field of professional discipline. She has a depth and breadth of experience that is used to provide prompt, accurate and clear advice and advocacy for her clients.

Nicole Curtis is brilliant. She is helpful, sensible, capable, knowledgeable and endlessly reliable.

2
Kate Steele
2
Band 2
Kate Steele brings to bear deep expertise in handling regulatory investigations into allegations of dishonesty and sexual misconduct on behalf of medical regulatory bodies. She represents clients in fitness-to-practise hearings, court proceedings and tribunals.

Kate Steele is very impressive in terms of legal ability and client management. She has her finger on the pulse.

Kate is highly regarded across the field of professional discipline. She's well known and respected.

2
Mark Whiting
Head of Professional Discipline
2
Band 2
Mark Whiting represents a range of regulatory bodies in fitness-to-practise hearings and investigations, including the NMC and Social Work England. He is adept at handling High Court appeals of decisions by regulators, as well as reviewing past decisions.

Mark is an extremely experienced and talented lawyer with a real passion for process improvement and design. He is a safe and sage pair of hands and a pleasure to work with.

He knows his stuff and reads the room well.

5
Keziah Pearson
5
Band 5
Keziah Pearson frequently assists healthcare and legal regulators with professional discipline matters for the SRA, NMC and Social Work England. She handles investigations, appeals and reviews of regulatory proceedings.

Keziah is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is forward-thinking and innovative in her approach.

She is sharp, detail-oriented and excellent at client care.

5
Mark Rogers
5
Band 5

Mark Rogers possesses tremendous expertise in the professional discipline practice area, where he has a strong track record of handling litigation and investigations for bodies such as the SRA and GDC, among others.

Mark is a very good and measured lawyer.

A really excellent solicitor.

Ranked Lawyers at
Capsticks LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Professional Discipline

1
James Penry-Davey
Head of Professional Discipline
1
Band 1
1
Nicole Curtis
1
Band 1
2
Kate Steele
2
Band 2
2
Mark Whiting
Head of Professional Discipline
2
Band 2
5
Keziah Pearson
5
Band 5
5
Mark Rogers
5
Band 5

Members

Provided by Capsticks LLP

Clients

Provided by Capsticks LLP

Bar Standards Board (BSB)

General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

General Dental Council (GDC)

General Optical Council (GOC)

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care

Social Work England

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Industries

Provided by Capsticks LLP

Emergency Services

Healthcare

Legal Services

Social Care