Professional Discipline: Best of the UK

Firms

Lawyers

Professional=20 Discipline: Best of the UK (36)

Band 1Capsticks=20 Solicitors LLPField=20 Fisher Waterhouse LLPRadcliffesLeBrasseur
Band 2Bevan=20 Brittan LLPBlake=20 LapthornEastwoodsGeoffrey=20 Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor = Advocates)HempsonsHerbert=20 Smith LLPKingsley=20 NapleyMills=20 & Reeve LLPPenningtons=20 Solicitors LLPRussell=20 Jones & WalkerRussell-Cooke=20 LLP
Band 3Bankside=20 LawBarlow=20 Lyde & Gilbert LLPBeachcroft=20 LLPBerrymans=20 Lace MawerIrwin=20 MitchellMorgan=20 ColeNabarro=20 LLPRyan=20 SolicitorsWard=20 Hadaway
Band 4Anderson=20 StrathernBaker=20 & McKenzie LLPBindmans=20 LLPCarson=20 McDowellCharles=20 Russell LLPEversheds=20 LLPFarrer=20 & CoFoxFulbright=20 & Jaworski International L.L.P.McCormicksNorton=20 Rose LLPShepherd=20 and Wedderburn LLPTughans

Professional=20 Discipline: Best of the UK (92)

StarRalph=20 Shipway (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Band 1Bradley=20 Albuery (Blake Lapthorn)Peter=20 Cadman (Russell-Cooke LLP)Simon=20 Eastwood (Eastwoods)Rod=20 Fletcher (Russell Jones & Walker)Sam=20 Flew (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Andrew=20 Lidbetter (Herbert Smith LLP)Matthew=20 Lohn (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Iain=20 Miller (Bevan Brittan LLP)Richard=20 Privett (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Tom=20 Rider (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Geoffrey=20 Williams (Geoffrey Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor=20 Advocates))Katrina=20 Wingfield (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)John=20 Witt (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 2Andrew=20 Anthony (Tughans)Anne=20 Ball (Hempsons)Michael=20 Caplan QC (Kingsley Napley)Judith=20 Chrystie (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Hugh=20 Donald (Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP)Sarah=20 Ellson (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Gould (Russell-Cooke LLP)Andrew=20 Hopper (Geoffrey Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor=20 Advocates))Geoffrey=20 Hudson (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Andrew=20 Lockley (Irwin Mitchell)Daniel=20 Purcell (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Rosemary=20 Rollason (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Ian=20 Ryan (Finers Stephens Innocent)Michael=20 Ryan (Ryan Solicitors)Peter=20 Steel (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Mary=20 Timms (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Williams (Bankside Law)
Band 3Margaret=20 Bromley (Bevan Brittan LLP)Tom=20 Epps (Russell Jones & Walker)Peter=20 Fitzpatrick (Nabarro LLP)David=20 Glendinning (Ward Hadaway)Jonathan=20 Goodwin (Jonathan Goodwin Solicitor Advocate)Stephen=20 Hocking (Beachcroft LLP)Nick=20 Leale (Blake Lapthorn)Alex=20 Leslie (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)George=20 Marriott (Gorvins Solicitors)Graham=20 Miles (Morgan Cole)John=20 Mitchell (Weightmans)Chris=20 Morris (Hempsons)Luisa=20 Morris (Eversheds LLP)Stephen=20 Murfitt (Blake Lapthorn)Nicholas=20 Rawson (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Vicki=20 Swanton (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Margaret=20 Taylor (Hempsons)John=20 Weaver (Russell-Cooke LLP)Jayne=20 Willetts (Townshends LLP)
Band 4Gary=20 Allison (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Christopher=20 Briggs (Halliwells LLP)Michael=20 J Brown (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Lista=20 M Cannon (Fulbright & Jaworski International = L.L.P.)Tom=20 Cassels (Baker & McKenzie LLP)Kevin=20 Duce (Mills & Reeve LLP)Charles=20 Evans (Norton Rose LLP)Neil=20 Grant (Bevan Brittan LLP)Anne=20 Green (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Tony=20 Guise (Guise Solicitors)John=20 Halford (Bindmans LLP)Robin=20 Havard (Morgan Cole)Fiona=20 Hawker (Mills & Reeve LLP)Christopher=20 Horsefield (Nabarro LLP)Scott=20 Ingram (Russell Jones & Walker)Peter=20 Jones (Eversheds LLP)Helen=20 Kitchen (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Ian=20 Mason (Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP)David=20 Mayhew (Herbert Smith LLP)Peter=20 McCormick (McCormicks)David=20 A McIntosh (Fox)Roger=20 McMillan (Carson McDowell)Charles=20 Metherell (Michelmores LLP)Michaela=20 Nicholas (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Stephen=20 Parkinson (Kingsley Napley)Colin=20 Reynolds (Reynolds Dawson)Mary=20 Robertson (Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP)Ian=20 Sadler (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Andrew=20 Scott (Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP)Adam=20 Smith (Eastwoods)William=20 Twidale (Farrer & Co)Nigel=20 West (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Up and ComingClare=20 Chapman (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Lorna=20 Hardman (Brown Jacobson Solicitors)
One to WatchJane=20 Barker (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Matthew=20 Bosworth (Russell-Cooke LLP)Leigh=20 Linton (Carson McDowell)Len=20 Murray (Taylor Wessing LLP)Angela=20 Pilling (Ryan Solicitors)Tracy=20 Sell-Peters (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Annie=20 Sorbie (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Mark=20 Whiting (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)

Professional Discipline: Health: Best of the UK (16)

StarRalph=20 Shipway (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Band 1Bradley=20 Albuery (Blake Lapthorn)Simon=20 Eastwood (Eastwoods)Sam=20 Flew (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Matthew=20 Lohn (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Witt (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 2Anne=20 Ball (Hempsons)Sarah=20 Ellson (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Geoffrey=20 Hudson (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Daniel=20 Purcell (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Michael=20 Ryan (Ryan Solicitors)Peter=20 Steel (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 3Peter=20 Jones (Eversheds LLP)Roger=20 McMillan (Carson McDowell)Graham=20 Miles (Morgan Cole)Chris=20 Morris (Hempsons)

Professional = Discipline: Best of=20 the UK (36 Firms)

Band 1Capsticks=20 Solicitors LLPField=20 Fisher Waterhouse LLPRadcliffesLeBrasseur
Band 2Bevan=20 Brittan LLPBlake=20 LapthornEastwoodsGeoffrey=20 Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor = Advocates)HempsonsHerbert=20 Smith LLPKingsley=20 NapleyMills=20 & Reeve LLPPenningtons=20 Solicitors LLPRussell=20 Jones & WalkerRussell-Cooke=20 LLP
Band 3Bankside=20 LawBarlow=20 Lyde & Gilbert LLPBeachcroft=20 LLPBerrymans=20 Lace MawerIrwin=20 MitchellMorgan=20 ColeNabarro=20 LLPRyan=20 SolicitorsWard=20 Hadaway
Band 4Anderson=20 StrathernBaker=20 & McKenzie LLPBindmans=20 LLPCarson=20 McDowellCharles=20 Russell LLPEversheds=20 LLPFarrer=20 & CoFoxFulbright=20 & Jaworski International L.L.P.McCormicksNorton=20 Rose LLPShepherd=20 and Wedderburn LLPTughans

Professional Discipline: = Best of the=20 UK (92 People)

StarRalph=20 Shipway (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Band 1Bradley=20 Albuery (Blake Lapthorn)Peter=20 Cadman (Russell-Cooke LLP)Simon=20 Eastwood (Eastwoods)Rod=20 Fletcher (Russell Jones & Walker)Sam=20 Flew (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Andrew=20 Lidbetter (Herbert Smith LLP)Matthew=20 Lohn (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Iain=20 Miller (Bevan Brittan LLP)Richard=20 Privett (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Tom=20 Rider (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Geoffrey=20 Williams (Geoffrey Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor=20 Advocates))Katrina=20 Wingfield (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)John=20 Witt (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 2Andrew=20 Anthony (Tughans)Anne=20 Ball (Hempsons)Michael=20 Caplan QC (Kingsley Napley)Judith=20 Chrystie (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Hugh=20 Donald (Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP)Sarah=20 Ellson (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Gould (Russell-Cooke LLP)Andrew=20 Hopper (Geoffrey Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor=20 Advocates))Geoffrey=20 Hudson (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Andrew=20 Lockley (Irwin Mitchell)Daniel=20 Purcell (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Rosemary=20 Rollason (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Ian=20 Ryan (Finers Stephens Innocent)Michael=20 Ryan (Ryan Solicitors)Peter=20 Steel (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Mary=20 Timms (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Williams (Bankside Law)
Band 3Margaret=20 Bromley (Bevan Brittan LLP)Tom=20 Epps (Russell Jones & Walker)Peter=20 Fitzpatrick (Nabarro LLP)David=20 Glendinning (Ward Hadaway)Jonathan=20 Goodwin (Jonathan Goodwin Solicitor Advocate)Stephen=20 Hocking (Beachcroft LLP)Nick=20 Leale (Blake Lapthorn)Alex=20 Leslie (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)George=20 Marriott (Gorvins Solicitors)Graham=20 Miles (Morgan Cole)John=20 Mitchell (Weightmans)Chris=20 Morris (Hempsons)Luisa=20 Morris (Eversheds LLP)Stephen=20 Murfitt (Blake Lapthorn)Nicholas=20 Rawson (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Vicki=20 Swanton (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Margaret=20 Taylor (Hempsons)John=20 Weaver (Russell-Cooke LLP)Jayne=20 Willetts (Townshends LLP)
Band 4Gary=20 Allison (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Christopher=20 Briggs (Halliwells LLP)Michael=20 J Brown (Berrymans Lace Mawer)Lista=20 M Cannon (Fulbright & Jaworski International = L.L.P.)Tom=20 Cassels (Baker & McKenzie LLP)Kevin=20 Duce (Mills & Reeve LLP)Charles=20 Evans (Norton Rose LLP)Neil=20 Grant (Bevan Brittan LLP)Anne=20 Green (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Tony=20 Guise (Guise Solicitors)John=20 Halford (Bindmans LLP)Robin=20 Havard (Morgan Cole)Fiona=20 Hawker (Mills & Reeve LLP)Christopher=20 Horsefield (Nabarro LLP)Scott=20 Ingram (Russell Jones & Walker)Peter=20 Jones (Eversheds LLP)Helen=20 Kitchen (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Ian=20 Mason (Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP)David=20 Mayhew (Herbert Smith LLP)Peter=20 McCormick (McCormicks)David=20 A McIntosh (Fox)Roger=20 McMillan (Carson McDowell)Charles=20 Metherell (Michelmores LLP)Michaela=20 Nicholas (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Stephen=20 Parkinson (Kingsley Napley)Colin=20 Reynolds (Reynolds Dawson)Mary=20 Robertson (Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP)Ian=20 Sadler (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Andrew=20 Scott (Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP)Adam=20 Smith (Eastwoods)William=20 Twidale (Farrer & Co)Nigel=20 West (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Up and ComingClare=20 Chapman (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Lorna=20 Hardman (Brown Jacobson Solicitors)
One to WatchJane=20 Barker (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Matthew=20 Bosworth (Russell-Cooke LLP)Leigh=20 Linton (Carson McDowell)Len=20 Murray (Taylor Wessing LLP)Angela=20 Pilling (Ryan Solicitors)Tracy=20 Sell-Peters (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Annie=20 Sorbie (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Mark=20 Whiting (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)

Professional Discipline: Health: Best of the UK (16 = People)

StarRalph=20 Shipway (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)
Band 1Bradley=20 Albuery (Blake Lapthorn)Simon=20 Eastwood (Eastwoods)Sam=20 Flew (RadcliffesLeBrasseur)Matthew=20 Lohn (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)John=20 Witt (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 2Anne=20 Ball (Hempsons)Sarah=20 Ellson (Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP)Geoffrey=20 Hudson (Penningtons Solicitors LLP)Daniel=20 Purcell (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)Michael=20 Ryan (Ryan Solicitors)Peter=20 Steel (Capsticks Solicitors LLP)
Band 3Peter=20 Jones (Eversheds LLP)Roger=20 McMillan (Carson McDowell)Graham=20 Miles (Morgan Cole)Chris=20 Morris (Hempsons)

Professional Discipline: Best of the UK

OverviewIn an increasingly regulated = society,=20 professional discipline lingers under the political spotlight as the=20 after-effects of Shipman and the GMC=E2=80=99s subsequent White Paper = continue to be=20 felt. A general increase in regulatory work has pushed the market beyond = the=20 traditional representation of those in the healthcare industry into = assisting=20 solicitors, teachers, those working in the financial arena and sporting = figures.=20 As public awareness of high-profile disciplinary cases has grown so too = has the=20 need for regulatory bodies to retain a certain level of transparency and = objectivity to ensure that they are genuinely independent of their = professional=20 interests. An example of this is the Law Society recently giving way to = the SRA,=20 which is very much at arm=E2=80=99s length from the Law Society as an = investigator and=20 prosecutor. In an attempt to be more cost-effective, in-house legal = teams have=20 continued to flourish, although a significant number of regulators have = also=20 recently been through tendering processes. Standard of proof also = remains a hot=20 topic in this area as the proposed move from a criminal to civil = standard=20 remains on the cards. The GDC has lowered its standard of proof with the = result=20 of more cases being pursued and it looks likely that the GMC will do the = same.=20 The area continues to expand and it is even beginning to mushroom out = into the=20 disciplining of students training to become professionals. All the signs = point=20 to the fact that this is an area that will only continue to flourish. = Index of=20 Acronyms AADB: Accountancy and Actuarial Discipline Board AIDB: = Accountancy=20 Investigation & Discipline Board ACCA: Association of Chartered = Certified=20 Accountants ACPO: Association of Chief Police Officers ARB: Architects=20 Registration Board CHRE: Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence = CIB:=20 Chartered Institute of Bankers CIPFA: Chartered Institute of Public = Finance and=20 Accountancy FIA: Faculty and Institute of Actuaries GCC: General = Chiropractic=20 Council GDC: General Dental Council GMC: General Medical Council GOC: = General=20 Optical Council GSCC: General Social Care Council GTC: General Teaching = Council=20 for England HPC: Health Professions Council ICAEW: Institute of = Chartered=20 Accountants in England and Wales IfL: Institute for Learning IPCC: = Independent=20 Police Complaints Commission MDDUS: Medical and Dental Defence Union of = Scotland=20 MDU: Medical Dental Union MPS: Medical Protection Society NISCC: = Northern=20 Ireland Social Care Council NMC: Nursing and Midwifery Council PCT: = Primary Care=20 Trust RCN: Royal College of Nursing RICS: Royal Institute of Chartered = Surveyors=20 RPSGB: Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain SDT: Solicitors=20 Disciplinary Tribunal SIA: Security Industry Authority SRA: Solicitors=20 Regulation Authority UCA: United Chiropractic Association

= see=20 more

1Capsticks=20 Solicitors LLP

Following a string of major tender wins for high-profile regulatory = bodies,=20 Capsticks has positioned itself at the forefront of healthcare = regulatory work.=20 The GDC reappointed the firm following a competitive tender and the firm = was=20 also successful in the NMC tender, singularly replacing a panel of four = other=20 firms. Additionally, the firm has recently joined the RPSGB and CHRE = panels. In=20 light of these impressive successes, it is perhaps no surprise that this = firm is=20 hailed =E2=80=9Ca highly efficient, well-oiled machine=E2=80=9D = that delivers outstanding=20 levels of advice and support, with =E2=80=9Cno weak links in the = chain.=E2=80=9D As the=20 head of the healthcare regulatory group, the =E2=80=9Cpolished and = analytical=E2=80=9D John=20 Witt leads the team in its work on behalf of the GDC and the RPSGB;=20 interviewees lavish praise on his outstanding client care skills and = ability to=20 cut through large volumes of work in order to get to the heart of a = matter. As=20 well as supervising many of the past year=E2=80=99s cases, Witt also = personally took the=20 helm for a number of the more delicate matters and continues to present = before=20 the fitness to practice panels and interim orders committees. Leading = the firm=E2=80=99s=20 GCC work, the =E2=80=9Cenergetic and enthusiastic=E2=80=9D Daniel=20 Purcell also directed the teams that successfully tendered for the = NMC and=20 the CHRE. Sources recognise him for his impressive = =E2=80=9Cgo-getting approach - he=20 leaves no stone unturned.=E2=80=9D As client partner for the NMC and = the CHRE,=20 Purcell is responsible for leading a large team in providing the = substantial=20 amount of work required by these prolific clients. Peter=20 Steel is a valuable new addition to the team from Mills & Reeve. = His=20 previous experience as the principal legal adviser at the GMC has = contributed to=20 his expert knowledge of regulatory law, and commentators value = =E2=80=9Chis=20 insightful and reasonable counsel.=E2=80=9D Jane=20 Barker =E2=80=9Chas a good eye for which points to take up in a = case=E2=80=9D and the=20 instinct to immediately grasp the crux of a matter. Annie=20 Sorbie =E2=80=9Cis an exceptionally bright and analytical = associate=E2=80=9D=20 who is especially skilled in handling delicate witnesses and shows=20 unwavering dedication and commitment to her work. Meanwhile, Mark=20 Whiting consistently impresses with his excellent research and = preparation,=20 helping to ensure his cases always run smoothly.

1Field=20 Fisher Waterhouse LLP

Universally recognised as a major player in healthcare regulatory = work, the=20 firm continues to expand its formidable professional discipline = practice, having=20 won tenders for bodies as diverse as the Rugby Football Union and the = Financial=20 Reporting Council. Despite having lost out on being reappointed onto the = NMC=20 panel, the firm also continues to act for a number of significant = healthcare=20 clients such as the GMC, the GDC, the GSCC and the RPSGB. In 2007, Field = Fisher=20 was involved in prosecuting three of the biggest healthcare regulatory = cases of=20 the year on behalf of the GMC: Dr Southall, Dr Wakefield and Dr Sharma. = The=20 group is seeking to expand further into defence work, having won a = tender for=20 Specsavers to act on behalf of respondents. Despite growth in the = practice=E2=80=99s=20 size, clients appreciate the group=E2=80=99s small-firm approach to = serving their needs,=20 saying it remains =E2=80=9Calways approachable and cost-aware in its = counsel.=E2=80=9D=20 Clients are also impressed by the reassuring 24/7 service they = receive and=20 the =E2=80=9Cpositive, pragmatic and thoughtful advice=E2=80=9D = offered by individuals=20 such as practice head Matthew=20 Lohn. With a wealth of experience, =E2=80=9CLohn is undoubtedly a = leader in this=20 field and intellectually top-drawer,=E2=80=9D interviewees say. He = particularly=20 specialises in healthcare, financial, sporting and education regulation. = Tom=20 Rider is also highly rated by commentators: =E2=80=9CHe is all = the things you=E2=80=99d=20 want in a solicitor - he commands authority and his advice inspires=20 confidence.=E2=80=9D Rider has prosecuted some of the GMC=E2=80=99s = highest-profile cases=20 and regularly presents to disciplinary committees. Judith=20 Chrystie advises both private clients and regulatory bodies such as = the GMC=20 and the GSCC, and is considered =E2=80=9Ca first-class lawyer - she = is sure-footed=20 and accessible when dealing with clients.=E2=80=9D Rosemary=20 Rollason impresses clients with her clarity of advice and = personalised=20 service: =E2=80=9CShe ensures that she completely understands our = position and what=20 it is we=E2=80=99re trying to achieve, then tailors her counsel = accordingly.=E2=80=9D =E2=80=9CA=20 very supportive person to deal with,=E2=80=9D Rollason is admired as = =E2=80=9Ca very=20 diplomatic adviser who will still make the point that needs to be = made.=E2=80=9D She=20 acts for regulatory bodies in a range of sectors, including healthcare, = social=20 care and teaching. Mary=20 Timms has particular experience in training members of disciplinary = and=20 fitness to practice panels, with recent clients including the RPSGB and = the GCC.=20 She demonstrates an impeccable sense of judgement and is =E2=80=9Ca = very good=20 troubleshooter with a calm, confident manner - you can be in the middle = of a=20 crisis and she=E2=80=99ll come in and solve it,=E2=80=9D sources = state. Based in the=20 Manchester office, the =E2=80=9Cabsolutely impressive and = hard-working=E2=80=9D Sarah=20 Ellson has experience of all the different aspects of the = group=E2=80=99s work, in=20 particular prosecuting at the GMC and the NMC.

1RadcliffesLeBrasseur

This =E2=80=9Coutstanding firm=E2=80=9D remains at the = forefront of this field for=20 its defence work and is widely recognised for the huge volume of work it = carries=20 out. Despite being at a relatively small firm, the team works in an = array of=20 industry sectors and has particular strength in the representation of = healthcare=20 professionals and solicitors. Working for both defence organisations and = individuals, the group has been heavily involved in legal challenges and = changes=20 in the disciplinary field. As well as its admirable workload, the team's = strength is demonstrated by the sheer number of standout individuals = featured in=20 the table. Retaining his place as =E2=80=9Cking of the GMC,=E2=80=9D = Ralph=20 Shipway is regarded as being =E2=80=9Ca cut above the rest - what = he doesn=E2=80=99t know=20 about this area isn=E2=80=99t worth knowing.=E2=80=9D The = =E2=80=9Cimmensely calm but extremely=20 savvy=E2=80=9D Sam=20 Flew has particular expertise in defending healthcare professionals = in=20 criminal matters, and is hailed as =E2=80=9Ca highly active and major = figure in the=20 field.=E2=80=9D Leading the medical defence team, Alex=20 Leslie is well respected for his vast experience in health-related = law.=20 Dubbed =E2=80=9CMr Efficient=E2=80=9D by interviewees, Richard=20 Privett =E2=80=9Chandles cases beautifully=E2=80=9D and = adopts a practical and=20 straightforward approach: =E2=80=9CHe has a very good take on what = one should be=20 doing in a particular case.=E2=80=9D Heading the Leeds office, Nicholas=20 Rawson =E2=80=9Cbrings a solid touch to any case;=E2=80=9D = clients value his sound=20 judgement. Nigel=20 West is highlighted for his =E2=80=9Cfine, persuasive drafting = skills=E2=80=9D and=20 strategic approach to his work. Admired for =E2=80=9Cher first-class = legal=20 intellect,=E2=80=9D Anne=20 Green attracts regular instructions from medical and dental defence=20 organisations. Michaela=20 Nicholas also specialises in medical and dental defence claims; = sources=20 heartily commend =E2=80=9Cher unflappable demeanour and extremely = good=20 instincts.=E2=80=9D The =E2=80=9Ccool, calm = adviser=E2=80=9D=20 Ian Sadler is recognised for his vast experience in health service = matters.=20 With =E2=80=9Ca level of professional maturity way beyond her = years,=E2=80=9D Clare=20 Chapman is appreciated for her problem-solving skills and = =E2=80=9Ckeen,=20 hard-working and reliable method of counsel.=E2=80=9D=20 Tracy Sell-Peters demonstrates excellent client care skills: = =E2=80=9CShe works=20 hard and goes above and beyond to meet our needs.=E2=80=9D While it = remains to be=20 seen whether the firm will make a significant impact in industries other = than=20 healthcare, it looks likely to continue to dominate the market for = healthcare=20 defence work. Clients praise the efficiency, support and reliability of = the=20 specialist teams.

2Bevan=20 Brittan LLP

This group is active on behalf of a range of healthcare and = solicitor=20 regulatory bodies and is praised for its =E2=80=9Cfirst-class = knowledge of the=20 industry.=E2=80=9D A substantial development in the firm=E2=80=99s = professional discipline=20 practice has been the extension of its service to include admissions = cases for=20 solicitors. Hailed as an =E2=80=9Cexceptional lawyer=E2=80=9D by = interviewees, Iain=20 Miller=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9Crelaxed and calm manner=E2=80=9D = makes him a fine choice for=20 clients. He worked on Jidefeo v Law Society, one of the first cases of = its kind=20 in which judicial guidance was given on the standards of admission to = the=20 profession. During the past year, Miller and Margaret=20 Bromley have also prosecuted a large number of cases before the SDT, = and=20 other regulatory bodies to feature on the group=E2=80=99s list include = the GSCC and the=20 SRA. Charles=20 Metherell sits on the SRA=E2=80=99s intervention panel and has been = very active=20 dealing with a series of high-profile interventions. Like the rest of = his=20 teammates, Neil=20 Grant attracts clients with his =E2=80=9Chighly amiable service - = he is extremely=20 easy to communicate with.=E2=80=9D

2Blake=20 Lapthorn

Going from strength to strength, Blake Lapthorn has recently won = several=20 important new clients, including the GCC and the IfL, and continues to = act for=20 established clients such as the GTC and the NMC. =E2=80=9CA leading = light in the=20 field,=E2=80=9D Bradley=20 Albuery heads the team and represents clients in the healthcare, = education=20 and accountancy sectors. Sources admire his =E2=80=9Crobust advocacy = skills=E2=80=9D and=20 praise him as =E2=80=9Ca very energetic adviser who is sympathetic to = his clients=E2=80=99=20 needs.=E2=80=9D Clients also praise him and colleagues Nick=20 Leale and Stephen=20 Murfitt for their clear and straightforward presentation of cases. = Leale=20 runs the London office and works for regulatory bodies in a variety of=20 disciplines, while Murfitt heads the litigation department and sits as a = legal=20 assessor at the RPSGB. The firm has expanded its offering in the = professional=20 discipline sector, demonstrating its commitment to the field and = impressing=20 interviewees with its greater impact and workload during the past year. = Clients=20 highlight the lawyers=E2=80=99 impressive service: =E2=80=9CWe have = confidence in their=20 top-quality advice. They listen to what we=E2=80=99re trying to achieve = and recognise=20 the context in which we are working.=E2=80=9D

2Eastwoods

Widely known and highly recommended for its work in healthcare = defence,=20 this niche firm has excellent judgement on account of its vast = experience in the=20 sector. With a reputation for providing hands-on care, the group of = specialist=20 lawyers handles the full spectrum of healthcare defence work. Head of = the firm=20 Simon=20 Eastwood =E2=80=9Cis a tenacious lawyer who puts his heart and = soul into a case=20 and really cares about his clients,=E2=80=9D sources affirm. He is = praised for his=20 ability to examine a case in its wider perspective and identify points = that=20 others may overlook. Adam=20 Smith is commended for his excellent practice specialising in GMC=20 matters.

2Geoffrey=20 Williams & Christopher Green (Solicitor Advocates)

This Cardiff-based firm is hugely respected for its expertise in = Law=20 Society disciplinary procedures, and remains a top choice for solicitors = needing=20 advice. Widely acknowledged as a leading advocate for legal professional = discipline work, Geoffrey=20 Williams is =E2=80=9Can exceptional advocate=E2=80=9D who has = won respect from both=20 sides; he appears in the SDT both on behalf of the Law Society and in = defence of=20 solicitors. He also prosecutes on behalf of RICS. Clients appreciate = Williams=E2=80=99=20 =E2=80=9Cextremely calm, very reassuring manner=E2=80=9D and = praise him as a =E2=80=9Cclear,=20 considerate and articulate lawyer who listens to everyone involved = before=20 presenting his own view on the matter.=E2=80=9D The = =E2=80=9Cfearless and creative=E2=80=9D=20 Andrew=20 Hopper now maintains a practice that comprises exclusively defence = work.=20 Sources deem him =E2=80=9Csecond to none in solicitor disciplinary = and regulatory=20 work=E2=80=9D and he has put his knowledge to good use by co-writing = =E2=80=98The=20 Solicitor=E2=80=99s Handbook=E2=80=99, which is yet to be published as = it is currently the=20 subject of High Court litigation.

2Hempsons

Clients extol this =E2=80=9Cuser-friendly outfit, where the = lawyers offer a=20 complete understanding of legal issues and a strong intellectual = approach to=20 cases.=E2=80=9D While the group does take on some prosecution work = for a number of=20 professional regulatory bodies, it is primarily known as a defence firm. = It=20 represents numerous medical professional defence organisations such as = the MDU=20 and the MPS and acts on behalf of various individual practitioners. = According to=20 clients, Anne=20 Ball =E2=80=9Cis outstanding: she=E2=80=99s very astute, superb = at dealing with doctors=20 and always keeps a cool head.=E2=80=9D Chris=20 Morris heads the professional regulatory group with = =E2=80=9Cdogged=20 determination: he just keeps going until he gets what he wants, which is = a=20 sterling quality.=E2=80=9D He regularly defends practitioners before = the GMC and the=20 GDC. Margaret=20 Taylor manages a busy practice representing medical practitioners = charged=20 with criminal offences.

2Herbert=20 Smith LLP

This firm attracts clients with its =E2=80=9Cfirst-class = service, prompt and=20 highly attentive lawyers and valuable regulatory training.=E2=80=9D = Working=20 predominantly at the high-value end of the market, the firm has = witnessed steady=20 growth in its client base: significant work has included acting on = behalf of an=20 accountancy firm in an investigation by the ICAEW, and representing the = ACCA in=20 an investigation into a complaint against one of its members regarding = an=20 alleged breach of ACCA's bylaws. Department head Andrew=20 Lidbetter is =E2=80=9Can extremely bright, level-headed and = modest litigator=E2=80=9D=20 who provides just the kind of service his clients are after: = =E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s got a very=20 measured way of giving advice and pointing out pitfalls - he=E2=80=99s = super-reliable=20 and thorough.=E2=80=9D=20 David Mayhew stands out in the market for his extensive experience = of=20 financial services-related professional discipline, and for the = excellent=20 relationships he established in his time as the leading advocate at the=20 FSA.

2Kingsley=20 Napley

While this outfit remains best known for its police disciplinary = work, the=20 firm also represents professionals in the health, financial and security = industries. It recently won a tender to work for the HPC and clients = also=20 include the SIA and ACPO. Interviewees admire the firm=E2=80=99s strong = bench of lawyers=20 and the democratic approach they take to their work. =E2=80=9CAn = incredibly=20 supportive and utterly dependable silk,=E2=80=9D Michael=20 Caplan QC=E2=80=99s active workload includes leading a team that = appears before the=20 HPC committees, representing doctors at the GMC and advising the RPSGB. = Stephen=20 Parkinson also acts for medical professionals before the GMC; in = other=20 highlight work, he represented Sir Ian Blair in the IPCC Stockwell II=20 investigation. =E2=80=9CAn intelligent practitioner who has an acute = awareness of=20 political sensitivities,=E2=80=9D Parkinson is praised for his = steady advice and=20 thorough preparation.

2Mills=20 & Reeve LLP

Having traditionally worked in the healthcare area of professional=20 discipline, the firm continues to expand its practice to service clients = in=20 other industries, including the Law Society, the IfL and the AADB. = However, the=20 group retains its stronghold in the healthcare sector, with highlights = including=20 a successful tender for a place on the panel of external legal providers = for the=20 GDC and an appointment to the panel for the Commission for Healthcare = Audit and=20 Inspection. Clients appreciate the expert knowledge and clear advice = that the=20 lawyers provide, particularly in the case of the = =E2=80=9Cstraightforward and=20 dynamic=E2=80=9D=20 Kevin Duce, who supervises the day-to-day work of the = Birmingham-based team=20 and works with regulatory bodies such as the GCC. Fiona=20 Hawker heads the London and Birmingham teams and is admired by = sources for=20 her personable and tailored approach to clients=E2=80=99 needs: = =E2=80=9CShe understands that=20 clients are not all identikit - she listens to their requirements and is = able to=20 provide the service they need.=E2=80=9D

2Penningtons=20 Solicitors LLP

The firm continues to be a major player in the healthcare = professional=20 discipline arena: it represents high-profile clients such as the RPSGB, = which=20 reappointed the firm to its fitness to practice panel after putting the = role out=20 for competitive tender. The group has also appeared in cases at the SDT = and=20 members of the team have sat as legal assessors for bodies such as the = GCC and=20 GSCC. In addition, the team continues to host a highly popular seminar = on=20 professional discipline. Clients seek out this outfit because it = =E2=80=9Cis=20 consistently good on all counts, and the hard-working lawyers willingly = respond=20 to our needs as and when they arise.=E2=80=9D=20 Katrina Wingfield has been dubbed =E2=80=9Cthe matriarch of the = professional=20 discipline world=E2=80=9D by market commentators due to her vast = experience in=20 regulatory work on behalf of healthcare professionals, solicitors, = accountants=20 and social workers. =E2=80=9CWise counsel=E2=80=9D=20 Geoffrey Hudson is noted for =E2=80=9Chis impeccable performance = in the courtroom=20 and high-quality representation.=E2=80=9D He has particular = experience of pharmacy=20 and veterinary law. Helen=20 Kitchen brings =E2=80=9Cinvaluable experience=E2=80=9D to her = work on behalf of a=20 client list featuring the GCC and the GSCC.

2Russell=20 Jones & Walker

This firm is commended for its quality work on behalf of = professionals=20 across a range of industry sectors, including healthcare, law, the = police force=20 and sports. It has represented clients before regulatory bodies such as = the=20 ACCA, the GMC, the SRA, the RCN and the NMC, and continues to receive=20 instructions from the Police Federation. The firm demonstrates fine = judgement=20 when deciding whether to proceed with stressful cases, and inspires = confidence=20 with its efficient and thorough work ethic. Rod=20 Fletcher heads the business and regulatory investigations team and = is=20 praised for his sophisticated practice: =E2=80=9CLike a very clever = chess player, he=20 is able to anticipate the next moves in a case before they happen and = prepare=20 his client for the implications.=E2=80=9D Making their debuts in the = table this=20 year, Tom=20 Epps attracts widespread recognition for his excellent initiative = and highly=20 attentive advice, while Scott=20 Ingram demonstrates =E2=80=9Cterrific judgement=E2=80=9D and = is lauded for his=20 ability to put clients at ease in sensitive situations.

2Russell-Cooke=20 LLP

Market commentators hold this outfit in high esteem because of its=20 =E2=80=9Cpragmatic, no-nonsense lawyers, who get to the crux of a = case straight=20 away.=E2=80=9D Among those is the =E2=80=9Clegendary"=20 Peter Cadman, who "goes right to the heart of the matter and = expresses it=20 simply and clearly,=E2=80=9D according to sources. His expertise = lies primarily in=20 law disciplinary work, and clients appreciate his experience and = thorough=20 understanding of the issues. In the recent highlight case Sheikh v Law = Society=20 of England & Wales, the team successfully resisted Ms = Sheikh=E2=80=99s petition to=20 appeal the decision in favour of the Law Society. Other regulatory = bodies such=20 as the SRA, the GDC and the ARB feature on the firm=E2=80=99s client = list. The=20 =E2=80=9Chighly intelligent and innovative=E2=80=9D=20 John Gould has "unsurpassed knowledge of regulatory = powers=E2=80=9D that=20 enables him to provide practical solutions for his clients. John=20 Weaver =E2=80=9Cis a tough and economical lawyer=E2=80=9D = whose considered approach=20 is appreciated by clients: =E2=80=9CHe knows when to exert his = authority and when to=20 ask for help on a matter.=E2=80=9D Matthew=20 Bosworth=E2=80=99s name is singled out as one to watch out for in = the future on=20 account of =E2=80=9Chis challenging and dynamic approach=E2=80=9D = and the great level of=20 support and advice he provides.

3Bankside=20 Law

The firm is continuing to increase its share of the market, = representing=20 regulatory bodies such as the SRA in solicitor prosecutions, the ARB in=20 architects=E2=80=99 misconduct matters, the MDU in defence of doctors = and the UCA in=20 defence of chiropractors. Clients value the strength and depth of = expertise=20 present throughout the firm: =E2=80=9CThere is more than just one = person with=20 relevant experience, so if someone is unavailable, you can always be = advised by=20 another member of the team very quickly and easily.=E2=80=9D=20 Ian Ryan=E2=80=99s clients benefit from his background in criminal = law and the=20 forensic approach he takes to his work, as well as his ability to put = them at=20 ease. His work highlights include representing a Metropolitan Police = officer in=20 the Stockwell II inquiry, acting on behalf of the SRA in the high courts = and=20 regularly defending solicitors at the SDT. The =E2=80=9Caccomplished = and=20 tenacious=E2=80=9D=20 John Williams is applauded for =E2=80=9Chis highly astute counsel = - he makes=20 certain his clients always get the best deal,=E2=80=9D according to = interviewees. He=20 regularly defends doctors at the GMC on behalf of the MDU, and also = prosecutes=20 architects for disciplinary matters at the ARB. Ian Ryan has recently = left the=20 firm to join Finers Stephens Innocent.

3Barlow=20 Lyde & Gilbert LLP

This firm has =E2=80=9Cresisted falling into the = =E2=80=98factory mentality' - instead,=20 it produces tailored advice and pulls out all the stops to provide us = with a=20 good service,=E2=80=9D satisfied clients say. In recent highlight = work, the lawyers=20 successfully defended PwC against first disciplinary proceedings brought = by the=20 AIDB, which resulted in a significant costs recovery against the = regulator. The=20 firm also carries out work on behalf of various law firms, barristers, = financial=20 services firms and the LSE. In the latter area, Ian=20 Mason possesses valuable insight into the FSA=E2=80=99s operations = thanks to his=20 background working for the organisation and his vast experience of = acting for=20 firms and individuals in bodies such as the LSE. Meanwhile, professional = discipline team leader Andrew=20 Scott has represented accountancy firms in a number of high-profile=20 regulatory inquiries, such as Maxwell and Barings.

3Beachcroft=20 LLP

This firm=E2=80=99s dedicated professional discipline team = regularly receives=20 instructions from clients as diverse as the CIPFA, the GTC, the AIDB, = the CIB=20 and the MDU. Significant work in the sector has involved the group = acting on=20 behalf of two of the law firms facing conduct allegations in the = well-publicised=20 miners=E2=80=99 claims to recover solicitors=E2=80=99 fees which were = paid out to handle=20 compensation claims. Leading the London team, Stephen=20 Hocking has an excellent sense of judgement and a breadth of = knowledge;=20 clients have come to rely on his "direct and watertight = advice.=E2=80=9D The=20 well-reputed Christopher=20 Horsefield works out of the firm=E2=80=99s Leeds office and = represents clients in=20 professional discipline cases before bodies such as the GMC.

3Berrymans=20 Lace Mawer

This =E2=80=9Cextremely efficient firm=E2=80=9D regularly = acts for clients before a=20 wide range of regulatory bodies, including the GMC, the GDC, the GOC and = the Law=20 Society. The team has worked on a large volume of healthcare-related = cases,=20 including defending a doctor at the GMC against charges of serious = professional=20 misconduct relating to the death of a baby at an accident and emergency=20 department. Vicki=20 Swanton is well reputed among clients for =E2=80=9Cher incredibly = hard-working=20 attitude; she really fights her clients=E2=80=99 cases.=E2=80=9D Gary=20 Allison employs his in-depth knowledge and vast experience of the = healthcare=20 and regulatory sectors on behalf of clients such as the MPS. Michael=20 Brown, who leads the team in the northern office, notably represents = both=20 practitioners and defence organisations in disciplinary = work.

3Irwin=20 Mitchell

With a professional discipline group operating out of its public = law=20 office, Irwin Mitchell remains a significant name for legal professional = discipline work, appearing in cases such as Michael Harvey v Law Society = and=20 defending solicitors before the SDT. As for the group=E2=80=99s work in = the healthcare=20 sector, the =E2=80=9Csuper-bright=E2=80=9D Andrew=20 Lockley was recently appointed as a legal assessor to the GMC. A = hugely=20 experienced lawyer with fine presentation skills, he is lauded for = =E2=80=9Chis=20 incisive analysis of the issues of a case and ability to articulate = arguments=20 extremely well.=E2=80=9D

3Morgan=20 Cole

An important player in health and social care regulatory matters, = this=20 group has had an impressive spate of tender wins of late, including its=20 appointment to the legal panel of the RPSGB to investigate and present = fitness=20 to practice cases and its reappointment to act as legal adviser to = committees of=20 the GTC. The firm has also been appointed to the legal panel of the = Healthcare=20 Commission and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. In = other=20 significant roles, regulatory law specialist Graham=20 Miles recently joined Robin=20 Havard on the prosecuting panel of the SRA. While interviewees = identified=20 Havard as =E2=80=9Cthe new boy on the block,=E2=80=9D they = eagerly predict a bright=20 future for this =E2=80=9Cconscientious and fine = advocate.=E2=80=9D

3Nabarro=20 LLP

Peter=20 Fitzpatrick joined the firm in October 2007, bringing with him a = team of=20 five associates and a thriving healthcare regulatory practice. While the = group=20 receives regular instructions from the MDU, individual doctors are = increasingly=20 enlisting the team=E2=80=99s services on a private basis. Work = highlights include=20 representing a leading Home Office forensic pathologist at a fitness to = practice=20 hearing and acting for doctors at numerous inquests involving deaths in = prison.=20 Sources applaud Fitzpatrick=E2=80=99s high-quality service: = =E2=80=9CClients requiring his=20 assistance should count themselves lucky to have him on their=20 side.=E2=80=9D

3Ryan=20 Solicitors

This Manchester-based firm has carved out a niche for itself in = medical=20 disciplinary defence work before the GMC, and continues to be a top = choice=20 thanks to the expertise it has developed. Clients appreciate the highly=20 specialised nature of the firm and deem it =E2=80=9Cone of the best = in the field for=20 its line of work.=E2=80=9D=20 Michael Ryan =E2=80=9Cknows his work inside-out and = upside-down,=E2=80=9D say=20 interviewees, and his top-quality counsel is highly reputed. Clients = value=20 ex-nurse Angela=20 Pilling=E2=80=99s expertise and industry knowledge, and commend her = ability to deal=20 with difficult medical practitioners.

3Ward=20 Hadaway

Based in Newcastle, Ward Hadaway acts as legal adviser to the GTC, = and also=20 receives instructions from the GSCC and the GCC. David=20 Glendinning heads the disciplinary and professional regulation team = and=20 impresses interviewees with his advocacy and client-handling = skills.

4Anderson=20 Strathern

This Scottish firm serves an impressively large and varied client = base=20 featuring regulatory bodies such as the GMC, the RCN, the RPSGB and the = Law=20 Society of Scotland. Clients respect the team=E2=80=99s very extensive = knowledge of, and=20 vast experience in, regulatory law. Its recent workload has included=20 representing the GMC in Dr Julie Mallon v GMC and advising the Institute = of=20 Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Robert Carr is the lead contact=20 here.

4Baker=20 & McKenzie LLP

This firm has a long-standing relationship with the CHRE and has = recently=20 been reappointed to its panel, meaning the team will continue to act for = the=20 Council before the Administrative Court as well as in an advisory = capacity. In=20 other professional discipline matters, the group has been involved in = several=20 confidential financial services investigations. Senior associate Len=20 Murray heads the department, and is keenly recommended for his = reassuring=20 and thorough counsel: =E2=80=9CHe ensures his clients are in the best = practical=20 position before getting to court.=E2=80=9D Sources also highlight = =E2=80=9Creal star of a=20 partner=E2=80=9D=20 Tom Cassels for his fine-tuned sense of the legal issues=20 .

4Bindmans=20 LLP

With a professional discipline practice comprising mainly = healthcare and=20 solicitor matters, Bindman & Partners is recognised for its = representation=20 of both complainants and the subjects of complaint. In a recent = high-profile=20 case, the group appeared before the NMC in the defence of a qualified = nurse=20 turned undercover reporter who secretly filmed at Ealing Hospital for = the=20 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary =E2=80=98Angels=E2=80=99. As well as = acting as the standing=20 legal adviser to the Association of Child Psychotherapists, John=20 Halford also assists the Law Society. He is praised by clients for = =E2=80=9Chis=20 responsive, informative and clear advice - he is always willing to = listen and=20 help with our concerns.=E2=80=9D

4Carson=20 McDowell

Carson McDowell has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the = Northern=20 Ireland market and =E2=80=9Calways goes the extra mile for its = clients.=E2=80=9D The=20 team=E2=80=99s extensive work on behalf of the MPS has recently included = successfully=20 representing a general practitioner during a police investigation into=20 allegations of forgery, perjury and involuntary manslaughter. Other = high-profile=20 clients include the MDDUS, the NISCC and Dental Protection Limited. = Leading the=20 team is Roger=20 McMillan, =E2=80=9Can immensely clever lawyer=E2=80=9D who is = known for =E2=80=9Chis=20 superbly intuitive client care skills - but he can definitely play = hardball when=20 necessary.=E2=80=9D=20 Leigh Linton is =E2=80=9Can efficient and proactive = adviser=E2=80=9D who is well=20 liked by panels.

4Charles=20 Russell LLP

The team=E2=80=99s main area of specialism lies in the pharmacy = sector, with=20 regular instructions to act for clients including the National Pharmacy=20 Association before regulators such as the RPSGB, the CHRE and numerous = PCTs=20 featuring in its workload. The group=E2=80=99s expertise is also = employed on behalf of=20 other healthcare industry practitioners and in sports disciplinary = matters.=20 David Reissner is the main contact.

4Eversheds=20 LLP

With =E2=80=9Ca refreshing and efficient approach to = cases,=E2=80=9D this group is=20 able to get to the bottom of complex medical issues and is renowned for = its=20 attentive and smooth running of hearings. The GMC remains a major client = on the=20 team=E2=80=99s list, with a relationship spanning almost four years. = Significant recent=20 work includes prosecuting the case of Dr Southall and others relating to = the=20 controversial continuous negative extrathoracic pressure (CNEP) trials = on=20 premature babies. Louisa=20 Morris is widely recognised for handling difficult witnesses and = tricky=20 cases with =E2=80=9Ca calm and reassuring manner,=E2=80=9D while = lead partner Peter=20 Jones demonstrates strong organisational skills and maintains a = thorough=20 grasp on the cases his team is involved in.

4Farrer=20 & Co

The firm has a reputation for working at the complex end of = financial=20 professional disciplinary cases, where it provides a = =E2=80=9Ccomforting, commercial=20 and bespoke service to clients.=E2=80=9D Work highlights have = included successfully=20 defending the former finance director of Mayflower Corporation before = the AADB=20 and recovering an unprecedented amount of costs against this regulator. = William=20 Twidale is praised for his client care skills and ability to deal = with=20 witnesses in difficult situations, as well as his impressive breadth of=20 knowledge.

4Fox

A new firm to the market, Fox has already worked on a number of = solicitor=20 disciplinary cases, including advising a major City law firm on its = response to=20 a general investigation by the SRA and representing a partner at the SDT = in a=20 matter involving international fraud and money laundering allegations.=20 =E2=80=9CAstute operator=E2=80=9D David=20 McIntosh joined the firm as a full-time consultant in March 2007, = bringing=20 with him extensive experience in the defence of solicitors.

4Fulbright=20 & Jaworski International L.L.P.

Specialising in financial professional discipline matters, the = firm=E2=80=99s=20 notable workload has included representing more than 20 management firms = and key=20 individuals in regulatory investigations and Financial Ombudsman Service = complaints. Lista=20 Cannon heads Fulbright=E2=80=99s London office. She combines common = sense and=20 commercial sense to provide an excellent, user-friendly service for=20 clients.

4McCormicks

Offering a practice that centres primarily on sports regulatory = work, this=20 professional discipline team impresses clients with =E2=80=9Cits = co-operative work=20 ethic. The lawyers make you feel important and they prioritise your = work.=E2=80=9D=20 The Premier League and the FA feature among the group=E2=80=99s = sporting clients.=20 Clients dub Peter=20 McCormick =E2=80=9Can intellectually clever, commercially astute = lawyer who is=20 very good to have on your side in a time of crisis.=E2=80=9D He = applies his great=20 depth of experience and legal knowledge in a calm and efficient=20 manner.

4Norton=20 Rose LLP

This firm mainly works on professional discipline matters arising = in the=20 financial industries, and recently advised clients facing disciplinary = action by=20 the FSA. Other notable work for the team includes representing clients = before=20 the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal and advising the = Disciplinary=20 Committee of the ICAEW. Clients rely on the quietly authoritative Charles=20 Evans to =E2=80=9Cfind the optimum solution, as opposed to just = telling you what=20 the law is without offering a practical = application.=E2=80=9D

4Shepherd=20 and Wedderburn LLP

This firm offers expert advice to professionals involved in the = healthcare=20 and financial sectors and is commended for its strong teamwork. Its = client base=20 features regulatory bodies such as the MDDUS and MPS, the UK Actuarial=20 Profession and the SIA. Recent highlights for the firm include = successfully=20 obtaining an acquittal for a highly regarded paediatric neurologist = during a=20 two-week hearing at the GMC. Head of the group Hugh=20 Donald provides clients with proactive and helpful counsel as a = result of=20 his vast experience in the field. Mary=20 Robertson regularly appears before the GMC and the GDC on behalf of = doctors,=20 as well as investigating and prosecuting cases for the FIA. She is = recommended=20 for her good rapport with clients and excellent judgement.

4Tughans

This Northern Irish firm regularly appears before regulatory bodies = such as=20 the GDC and the GMC, acting on behalf of medical practitioners. The = =E2=80=9Chighly=20 skilled and courteous lawyers=E2=80=9D attract client praise for = their wealth of=20 experience and attentive counsel. Operating out of the litigation = department, Andrew=20 Anthony =E2=80=9Cis an impressive lawyer who combines = encyclopaedic knowledge of=20 medical law with a pragmatic approach - he will concentrate on resolving = disputes rather than taking an adversarial stance,=E2=80=9D admiring = sources=20 say.

Other Notable Practitioners

Having recently moved from Bankside Law to Finers Stephens = Innocent, Ian=20 Ryan brings to the table a background in criminal law and a forensic = approach to matters; clients appreciate his personable and reassuring = manner.=20 His highlight work has included representing a Metropolitan Police = officer in=20 the Stockwell II inquiry, acting on behalf of the SRA in the high courts = and=20 regularly defending solicitors at the SDT. Sole practitioner Jonathan=20 Goodwin prosecutes on behalf of clients such as the SRA, RICS and = ARB; he=20 also maintains a healthy defence practice representing professionals,=20 particularly solicitors. Commentators admire him as =E2=80=9Ca = tenacious attorney: he=20 comes across well in court and fights hard for his = client.=E2=80=9D=20 George Marriott of Gorvins Solicitors =E2=80=9Cis a commanding = presence in the=20 courtroom.=E2=80=9D He is particularly well regarded for his Law = Society work. John=20 Mitchell of Weightmans regularly appears before tribunals such as = the GMC on=20 behalf of medical practitioners. Having recently moved to Townshends LLP = from=20 Hammonds, Jayne=20 Willetts and her seven-strong team prosecute and defend lawyers at = the SDT.=20 Highly thought of at the Law Society, she is praised for her excellent = results=20 and judgements. Christopher=20 Briggs recently moved from DLA Piper to Halliwells LLP to join a = newly=20 established dedicated insurance healthcare unit. Recent highlights = include=20 representing a medical practitioner in the first successful application = for=20 restoration to the Medical Register following the five-year erasure = rule. Tony=20 Guise of Guise Solicitors is recognised for immense knowledge in the = field,=20 which he employs on behalf of solicitors before the SDT. At Reynolds = Dawson, Colin=20 Reynolds has great experience in defending police officers faced = with=20 charges of misconduct. Lorna=20 Hardman has recently moved from Capsticks to Brown Jacobson = Solicitors in=20 Nottingham. With a background in clinical negligence, she is also = experienced at=20 representing NHS clients at inquests.

Chambers News

May 2009

Chambers to host =E2=80=99Meet the Editors=E2=80=99 = reception.

Our UK editorial team=20 will be hosting a reception in Birmingham. The reception will be a = chance for=20 everyone to put faces to names and for us to address any queries you may = have=20 about our guides or our process.

If you would like to attend, please email Catherine=20 McGregor

Calendar

May 2009
Launch of Chambers Associate 2009

4th June 2009
Chambers UK, Meet the Editors, = Birmingham.

11th June 2009
The Chambers USA Awards for Excellence, New = York=20

12th June 2009
Launch of Chambers USA 2009

10th September 2009
The Chambers Latin America Awards 2009, = Miami=20

11th September 2009
Launch of Chambers Latin America 2010=20 Edition

8th October 2009
The Chambers Bar Awards 2009, London

For more information contact=20 us

Saville House, 23 Long Lane, London EC1A = 9HL=20 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7606 8844 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7606 = 0906=20 2009 =C2=A9 Michael Chambers and Orbach & Chambers Ltd =