Professional Discipline | UK

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.

Clyde & Co draws upon the firm's signature strengths and institutional knowledge of the insurance sector to represent medical practitioners on behalf of private medical malpractice insurers in fitness-to-practise hearings. The team frequently represents healthcare professionals in GMC and GDC investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and dishonesty. It is also adept at assisting NHS trusts with independent investigations into the care provided by medical professionals. The firm possesses additional strength in representing solicitors in SDT proceedings.

Kingsley Napley has an outstanding professional discipline practice with a formidable track record in defending professionals facing disciplinary proceedings. The firm also advises regulators on investigatory and prosecutorial matters, alongside broader roles counselling on public policy and governance issues. The team regularly acts for clients in a diverse range of industries, including legal services, health and social care, education and finance.

Weightmans is recognised for its strength in advising on regulation and compliance issues for medical professionals, regularly assisting them with hearings before the GMC and GDC. The firm is noted for its ability to assist with police investigations as well as sensitive inquests and inquiries. The team possesses noteworthy expertise in defending solicitors facing SRA proceedings.

Blake Morgan has a distinguished team that acts for a broad range of regulators, with a particular focus on the healthcare and education sectors. The firm is noted for undertaking its own advocacy and advising major regulators such as the GDC and the TRA. The firm possesses a strong presence in the architectural and social care sectors and frequently acts for engineering regulators. The team also advises on changes and reviews of statutes as well as general governance issues.

CMS has a standout team recognised for its representation of medical practitioners before the GMC. The firm also assists regulators such as the GOC, GPhC and RICS with the prosecution of cases. The team regularly advises on individual hearings as well as the development and review of regulatory proceedings.

Fieldfisher is a highly respected practice that undertakes investigation and prosecution work for major regulatory bodies. The firm possesses expertise across numerous sectors, including health, police, education and finance. Fieldfisher is also adept at assisting with audits of clients' regulatory procedures and the provision of training.

Murdochs Solicitors has a niche team specialising in defence of solicitors' professional discipline proceedings. The firm has particular expertise in SDT matters, SRA forensic investigations and voluntary practice closures. It is experienced in providing advice on interventions and appeals.

Russell-Cooke is held in high esteem for its regulatory work in the legal, financial and healthcare sectors. The firm frequently assists regulators with investigations, evidence gathering and regulatory action. It also acts on behalf of individual practitioners and organisations in defending against disciplinary proceedings.

Taylor Wessing possesses particular strength in the field of financial sector regulation, advising on high-profile regulatory proceedings against accountants. The firm frequently acts for major professional service firms in relation to FRC investigations. The team is experienced in managing the interaction between large and complex civil claims, disciplinary processes and regulatory inquiries.

Bates Wells is recognised for its expertise in regulation across a range of sectors, particularly accountancy, veterinary and healthcare. The firm regularly assists with investigations into allegations such as sexual misconduct and dishonesty. Bates Wells also provides advice and representation to regulators on corporate governance and regulatory matters.

Blackfords represents individuals particularly in the health and social care sectors, appearing in hearings before a variety of regulators such as the GMC, NMC, Social Work England and the HCPC. The team is also recognised for its experience acting for police officers and Ministry of Defence police personnel facing misconduct proceedings. The team is well placed at handling professional discipline matters that overlap with criminal investigations.

Browne Jacobson has a respected practice known for its expertise in the healthcare and education sectors. The firm represents numerous regulators, providing them with advocacy, advice on investigations, and training. The team is experienced in the full spectrum of professional disciplinary work, including presenting before panels, conducting cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal and acting as legal advisers to statutory committees.

Herbert Smith Freehills has a specialist practice noted for advising on regulatory matters relating to the financial and accountancy sectors. The firm acts for professional bodies such as the FRC and ACCA, as well as individuals and firms involved in disciplinary proceedings. It is also adept at advising on cases involving criminal proceedings brought against regulated professionals.

Hickman & Rose represents professionals and firms in the financial and legal services facing investigations by the FRC, FCA and SRA. The team advises individuals who are also represented in relation to criminal allegations.

Richard Nelson is a multidisciplinary practice that offers representation to individuals in the healthcare and legal sectors. Its team regularly advises solicitors facing SRA investigations for a range of matters including serious misconduct. It is also adept at assisting healthcare professionals such as nurses, social workers, and doctors facing misconduct allegations and fitness-to-practise hearings as well as other regulatory issues.

RPC predominantly represents individuals and firms in the legal services, accountancy and architecture industries. The team offers a broad range of support from advice to representation in regulatory investigations and proceedings before disciplinary tribunals. They have significant experience defending registrants before the SRA, BSB, FRC, ICAEW, ARB and RICS.