UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Weightmans
We are at the forefront of professional discipline work:
o Healthcare professionals - GMC, GDC and HCPC hearings. Partner to various NHS Trusts, from inception of issues through to resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings, including audits of fitness to practise cases for three UK healthcare regulators and fitness to practise case handling processes.
o Solicitors and legal services regulation - defending solicitors facing SRA proceedings and SDT proceedings, as well as early stages of complaints and advice on compliance through the firms market leading COMPLI offering
o Traditional professions - disciplinary proceedings before RIBA, ARB (architects) and ICAEW (accountants).
o Emerging professions - developing professional regulators, most notably in front of CICAIR (approved inspectors). We have secured appointment to undertake audits of fitness to practise processes and decisions for a statutory regulator of a non-healthcare profession.
Weightmans acts not just in formal disciplinary proceedings themselves, but in all stages including initial crisis containment, pre-dialogue with regulators, and associated corporate protection advice to minimise long-term business damage. We are also advocates at interim hearings of the GMC and GDC, at Performers List hearings, Inquests, and at interim and substantive hearings before the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal. Our work is high-profile including many key High Court and Court of Appeal decisions.
Provided by Chambers
Weightmans is a leading police practice that acts for forces across the country in inquests and judicial reviews, public liability claims and claims of human rights abuses. It frequently acts in claims for assault and malicious prosecution. The firm provides additional representation in employer liability matters.
Provided by Chambers
Weightmans represented the Chief Constable of Kent Police in a negligence claim where the claimant suffered life-changing injuries while suffering a mental health episode following release from detention.
Provided by Chambers
Weightmans has a very large number of extremely experienced, committed and highly competent solicitors.
Across the board, Weightmans' extensive knowledge of the law is evident. Combined with early strategy setting, you know you are in safe hands.
Weightmans are the forerunners and the solicitors of choice for a number of police forces across the country.
Weightmans have a depth of experience, coupled with litigation know-how that is second to none. They have lawyers who not only know the law but have a sixth sense.
Provided by Chambers
John Riddell is one of the most experienced lawyers in the country. He knows what he is doing and is outstanding.
John is extremely experienced, very calm and always engenders trust from the client.
Andrew Steel is a partner based in Weightmans' Manchester office. He is well regarded for defending police forces in relation to civil claims.
Andrew is really well respected and comes across well.
Andrew is a leader in his field.
Andrew is a first-rate lawyer at the top of his game.
Andrew is a very experienced solicitor with an instinctive understanding of the culture and challenges in policing.
Hannah is very knowledgeable and approachable, and is quick to resolve any issues.
Nothing is too much trouble for Hannah and she acts quickly to resolve any issues that arise.
Hannah is a top police solicitor with a national profile. She is exceptionally good at client handling and very experienced.
She is very experienced advising on matters of the highest sensitivity.
Orla has a huge depth of knowledge.
She has brilliant customer care and focus, and a strong understanding of the needs of the client.
Orla Scanlan is very bright and tenacious.
She is a leader in this field. What she doesn't know about police law isn't worth knowing. She is someone who is pragmatic and comprehensive when it comes to claims and the management of claims.
His strategic thinking is nuanced, and he sees points in cases no one else does.
Dan is very knowledgeable, very approachable and very supportive.
Daniel is always completely on top of every case he is instructed in.
Sadie Seabrook has a varied police practice which includes advising on claims such as false imprisonment and breaches of the Human Rights Act.
Sadie is really knowledgeable on police law and is really keen to fight things.
Sadie is a breath of fresh air with a strong legal knowledge and a wealth of experience.
Sadie has unrivalled experience in civil claims against the police.
Sadie is a litigator par excellence.
Christopher Wilkinson is a principal associate at Weightmans. He represents police forces in various matters arising from the use of force and cooperation between the UK and EU crime agencies.
Chris is a truly excellent police lawyer. He stands out for his intimate knowledge of the policing sector and of policing, his thorough approach to case consideration and his client care.
Chris is a very good litigator in the field of police misconduct.
Leona Wyn Roberts is a Legal Director known for her expertise in defending actions brought against police officers.
She is incredible and really in a league of her own.
Nicola Howlett is an associate in Weightmans’ police team, based in London. She specialises in defending civil claims brought against the police and acts on behalf of several police forces nationwide.
She is exceptionally efficient. She is super efficient and gets everything done.
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
Provided by Weightmans
Orla Scanlan
View profile of Orla ScanlanChristopher Wilkinson
View profile of Christopher WilkinsonAndrew Steel
View profile of Andrew SteelHannah Walsh
View profile of Hannah WalshSadie Seabrook
View profile of Sadie SeabrookDaniel Rutherford
View profile of Daniel RutherfordJohn Riddell
View profile of John RiddellLeona Wyn Roberts
View profile of Leona Wyn RobertsNicola Howlett
View profile of Nicola Howlett
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