Professional Discipline | UK

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 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 has 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.

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.

Astraea Group specialises in solicitors' regulation and misconduct. The team is often instructed by the SRA for its expertise in handling complex disciplinary proceedings.

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.

CM Murray houses a well-regarded team of professional discipline solicitors. The team is particularly recognised for its work representing law firms and legal professionals in investigations regarding allegations of misconduct.

DAC Beachcroft has a professional discipline practice that spans a broad spectrum of professionals including accountants, lawyers, surveyors and medical practitioners. The firm is especially experienced in auditor and accountant cases, representing both individuals and firms, and is active in healthcare defence work.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer 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.