Capsticks LLP > Birmingham, England > Firm Profile

‘Leaders in health sector work.’

‘My experience with Capsticks has been very positive. They are organised, responsive and on top of their cases. I have found the Capsticks solicitors to be calm under pressure, and able to work in a pragmatic and effective manner to secure the best outcome for the client.’

‘Specialist practitioners of the highest calibre.’

‘They really are true experts in this field. They are also approachable, personable and down to earth, which means that they really strike strong client relationships and rapport with witnesses in the litigation (and often in extremely difficult cases).’

‘What this team don’t know about healthcare isn’t worth knowing… They provide pragmatic, proportionate, responsive reassuring support.’

‘Capsticks are different, they combine expertise in the health sector with a bespoke approach and their client care is genuine.’

‘Each member of the team is known to me – I value their willingness to provide client support, not simply impart legal advice.’

‘There is always good communication between the team working on a particular case, with both partners and more junior members working together seamlessly. They work well with clients and listen to and act upon advice given.’

‘Practitioners who are extremely experienced in professional discipline. This experience has been acquired through work at a range of different bodies – consequently they are able to advise clients to a high level.’

‘The written and preparatory work undertaken by the lawyers at the firm tends to be amongst the most thorough that clients come across. The lawyers are also very easy to work with.’

‘Mark Whiting is hugely experienced in the sector – he blends commerciality with an ability to meet the needs of regulatory clients.’

‘Nicole Curtis is a standout advocate – her advice is accurate, timely, and sets outs the risks and opportunities in the clearest of terms.’

‘Kate Steele is a very capable lawyer and relationship manager. Her advice is incisive, pragmatic and provided with clarity.’

‘Keziah Pearson possesses excellent judgement when it comes to case management.’

‘Capsticks does a brilliant job when representing the SRA. This reflects its all-round expertise in regulatory law.’

‘Nimi Bruce is a strong advocate who is committed to her work.’

‘Capsticks continues to provide an excellent service nationally to defendants facing clinical negligence claims.’

‘Majid Hassan is a particularly impressive practitioner with extensive experience of the interface between clinical negligence and sport, and great commercial awareness.’

‘In my view, Capsticks are the best NHS defendant panel firm bar none. They are extremely well led by Peter Marquand and he has recruited brilliantly. This means that the various teams work efficiently and are well supervised against a background of unrivalled experience in the health litigation field.’

‘Cassius Box is hugely experienced, astute and has excellent judgment. Gerard Aston is a superb supervisor and team leader who gets the best out of those around him.’ 

‘Excellent legal and clinical knowledge. Efficient and calm. Fantastic and well-deserved reputation and a great team to work with for all manner of clinical negligence allegations.’

‘Professional and knowledgeable, the individuals I work with are always on top of the job, able to contribute usefully on all aspects and excellent to work with. Special mentions to Charlotte Millar (a tireless worker with formidable intellect) and Cassius Box (likewise).’

‘This is one of the foremost practices in the healthcare sector for defendants. They have been in the field for years and have commensurate experience.’

‘Attentive, responsive, adaptive.’

‘A strong team with many pairs of safe hands means that work is turned around quickly, competently and efficiently. Experts in the field who know exactly what they are doing and how to achieve the best outcome for their clients, whether you are dealing with a paralegal, a partner or everyone in between.’

‘Sarah Christy is a joy to work with. Her experience means that she knows exactly what to ask for from her clients in a timely manner and to navigate difficult cases through to excellent resolutions.’

‘Charlotte Rawson is calm and collected, an excellent draftsman with a very firm grip on steering difficult cases to the best outcomes.’

‘Michael Owen steers the Capsticks ship admirably, and his team clearly follow his lead of intelligence, strength and humour.’

‘Michael Owen always makes sure our business interests are protected. Always guides us to make the right decisions, he’s always upfront with costs where other companies have let me down.’

‘Michael Owen – great client care, excellent quality of advice and support, great feedback from my team further to training he has delivered.’

‘The Capsticks housing management team is extremely knowledgeable with genuine sector expertise and knowledge throughout the team. They also have excellent client care skills, are responsive and very much part of the process. They seek at all times to partner with us and build longstanding trusted relationships.’

‘The team are all very approachable, friendly, reliable and provide timely and approachable legal advice and assistance. Importantly, they provide good value for money. There are no weak links. Certainly a formidable team.’

‘Adam Hartrick, Ian Cooper and the healthcare advisory team always make time to help and support us. They are friendly, approachable and dependable. They have their finger on the ever-fluctuating pulse of the NHS which is so reassuring. They consider the emotional impact of legal matters on our healthcare providers, in addition to the professional, and it is this human approach that makes them really unique.’

‘Adam Hartrick is a true expert in his field, highly regarded and respected by all. He has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of NHS Acute Healthcare that is invaluable. Adam is always sensitive and compassionate in his approach, recognising the often extreme demands that our healthcare providers are working under.’

‘The team are very approachable, helpful, professional and knowledgeable. The practice have several different departments so can consult with colleagues if the scope of part of the advice required lies outside their area of expertise, which can be really helpful.

‘The team are always available to provide advice and support on complex matters.’

‘Adam Hartrick is exceptional, he always provides excellent timely advice in practical terms. We very much value the support that Adam provides to our Trust and would recommend him unreservedly.’

‘Good experience of the challenges the sector faces and opportunities to navigate through them.’

‘Adam Hartrick and his team are our first choice for mental health legislation advice – they have a wealth of knowledge and experience, are responsive and easy to work with and their excellent clinical insight means they offer sensible workable solutions.’

‘Adam Hartrick is a hard worker and always generous with his time. Adam’s gentle, approachable manner belies his astute ability to get to the heart of a problem and and offer carefully considered solutions guided by his many years supporting NHS trusts. Adam is our go-to lawyer.’

‘Specifically in the West Midlands the partner I have worked with is Lucy Erskine. She is extremely able’.

‘Absolutely superb team — a real pleasure to work with’.

‘The team at Capsticks are reliably good at what they do. They know the field well and this shows itself in their sensible approach to questions of case strategy.’

‘Alice Eastwood deserves a mention – we had a very interesting case together. It was a challenging case for a number of reasons, but made much easier by Alice’s good sense!’.

‘I was instructed by Natalie Walter. Natalie’s preparation of the case was excellent. She was a good sounding board to discuss strategy, and put the client in the best position possible for the mediation’.

‘Charlotte Rathbone (partner) and Natalie Walter (senior associate). Strong group working on cases at the very highest end of complex healthcare litigation, in terms of both quantum and legal complexity.’

‘Capsticks is one of the leading clin neg practices. Ruth Day is outstanding’.

‘I have worked with a number of individuals at Capsticks and they are always very approachable and really switched on. It is always a pleasure to work with the clinical negligence team. In particular, Lucy Erskine and Helen Ayers stand out’.

‘What makes Capsticks unique is their ability to clearly walk you through complex legal structures and requirements. They explain implications and lay out options in a way that can be clearly understood by their clients. With Capsticks you feel as though they are genuinely in it for you and want you to be successful.’

‘It’s their partnership approach which makes the team stand out. They are always on hand, incredibly responsive, and provide comfort with their advice and knowledge. The whole team were great, however Dylan Young stands out. Exceptional delivery.’

‘The advice I had was very helpful and the response was quick and timely. The responsiveness and readiness to help gave a good impression.’

‘The team demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding.’

‘They have provided high-quality and timely advice consistently. This is underpinned by their understanding of the complexities, challenges and opportunities that face NHS organisations. Their advice is excellent, providing both a clear legal position and proposed pragmatic solutions. They are the go-to legal firm for complex legal issues facing the NHS.’

‘Andrew Rowland has an unrivalled experience of employment law in the NHS. He understands both the big picture and practical issues at provider level, whether complex issues relating to industrial action legislation or individual employment relations issues. I highly value Andrew’s clear and pragmatic advice at both trust and national level.’

‘Excellent understanding of the unique elements of the registered provider development sector.’

‘James Howard and his team are very open, approachable, responsive, and are able to explain complex real estate issues in plain language.’

‘Always look to solve problems in advance of them happening; preventing most issues from taking place beforehand is a skill and takes experience and sector knowledge.’

‘Honest, straightforward approach in plain English for all the people they interact with.’

‘The responsiveness and quality of service is excellent. Flexible, pragmatic, and commercial.’

‘A very good balance of thoroughness and commercial flexibility.’

‘I have always found the Capsticks team highly engaged with its clients with a real depth of knowledge of the individual circumstances of its clients. They are innovative and solution focused. The Capsticks team is diverse, but a common trait is a focus on client satisfaction and delivering quality work in a collaborative way.’

‘Chimi Shakohoxha is highly engaged and innovative in his approach. He fosters great collaborative working relationships with clients. Chimi can be relied on for an informal opinion at early stages of project initiation.’

‘The two individuals who stand out in Leeds are Dominic Ip and Ruth Day. Most recently, I have worked with Ruth Day on a difficult but important issue to the indemnifier of clinical negligence claims. At short notice she dealt with the necessary liaison and interaction with the claimant’s team and the court will true aplomb.’

‘Very experienced team with strength in depth.’

‘Ruth Day is superb: great with clients, excellent judgment, good knowledge of law and applies it to good tactical effect.’

‘Dominic Ip and Keith Blundred are excellent partners.’

‘I find them efficient, experienced and easy to work with.’

‘Great experience in the field of clinical negligence, good relationships with their clients, and good communication with experts and clinicians. Ruth Day is extremely experienced and easy to work with.’

‘The firm has a unique focus on providing a full spectrum service to providers and regulators in the health and social care sphere.’

‘Philip Hatherall has outstanding experience in dealing with sensitive claims arising out of non-recent mistreatment and abuse of patients in clinical settings. He is good strategist, able to steer a course through arduous negotiations to the desired outcome.’

‘The Capsticks team is really knowledgeable in the sector, for example with the complexities of medical workforce challenges, but the team is also approachable, friendly and down to earth which supports getting to the nub of issues and advice quickly’.

‘Capsticks’ sector knowledge in employment law is excellent, as is its overall client representation. It is well experienced in NHS employment work‘.

‘John Hatton is thorough and detailed in his preparation and representation of his clients, for example, I’ve seen his input on interlocutory issues that require written representations and those representations are on point and persuasive‘.

‘What this team don’t know about Healthcare isn’t worth knowing… They provide pragmatic, proportionate, responsive reassuring support. It’s crystal clear that they look after and really value their staff living their own values’.

‘Raj Chahal’s no nonsense, reassuring, razor sharp timely approach is impressive’.

‘A genuinely brilliant and likeable group of employment and healthcare sector specialists. They are charismatic, tactical and exceptionally knowledgeable. They work as a team effectively and efficiently to achieve outstanding results for clients nationally. They deal with the full range of employment litigation’.

‘Jonathan Lewis: An outstanding solicitor who is firmly on the partner track. He is a master tactician in complex litigation who carefully navigates difficult cases to achieve excellent results for his clients time after time. Jonathan regularly transforms a weak case into a strong one‘.

‘Jonathan Lewis is a standout associate in the team who will undoubtedly go far – he has a nose for strategy, is unafraid to think laterally about cases, and gets involved in the technical legal nuances engaged in any given matter which other associates might avoid’.

‘Francis Lyons is charming, unflappable and a pleasure to work with. One of the best out there for complex serious medical treatment cases Grace Plaxton. Brilliant under pressure, extremely responsive, makes the most stressful situations manageable through her calm demeanour’.

‘Francis Lyons is a superb CoP partner, knows everything about everything. Really thorough knowledge of health legislation in particular and the complete service to the health sector in terms of Court of Protection proceedings.’

‘The team at Capsticks has a great reputation for CoP welfare work. Anita Rao stands out as exceptionally dedicated to progressing cases swiftly and working collaboratively with opponents to do so’.

‘Francis Lyons has made himself available to assist with urgent queries and in the event that he doesn’t have capacity to assist, he has provided me with the contact details for a colleague who is readily available to provide advice’.

‘They have an accessible, responsive and knowledgeable team. The experience they have of working with NHS bodies translates seamlessly into an efficient yet empathetic approach to the challenging cases in this area of practice’.

‘Ellie Ward is outstanding. I particularly enjoy working with her as her judgment is impeccable. The considered and comprehensive advice which she provides to clients is faultless’.

‘Holly Bridden is top-notch, completely calm in all situations, and has great client-handling skills. Ellie Ward is a dream to work with, providing a perfect service to her clients. Munpreet Hundle is an absolute star and works with great effectiveness and with a deep understanding of the sector’.

‘Francis Lyons is the consistent figure and he is always approachable and responsive’.

‘The team are open, fair and honest. Quick to advise and offer solutions, reliable and hardworking. They are all efficient and offer value for money and cost savings where possible. I have used other solicitors in the past and it certainly emphasises the high quality services provided by the Capsticks Team I work with. I would highly recommend!!’

‘I would like to highlight how excellent Natalie Hurst is at her job. She is organised, efficient, open, hardworking, analytical and definitely goes over and above her role as associate.’

‘I have found that the team are professional in all matters, keep to arrangements and offer practical advice. I have never had any concerns over the advice provided.’

‘Natalie Hurst, is friendly and seems genuinely care about supporting us. They return emails / calls promptly and understand our needs.’

‘Generally, very adept at housing law. From a barrister’s point of view, instructions are always clear, solicitors and paralegals are always very accessible. A very reliable team.’

‘Natalie Hurst, Laura Waby, Karen Smith – very skilled and knowledgable about housing law. Very easy to contact.’

‘Tom Bradbury – extremely knowledgable and skilled at handling anti-social behaviour of all types.’

‘Very experienced and down-to-earth. They really understand healthcare and the challenges that brings. They think strategically in employment relations cases and can explain complex legal arguments in simple terms.’

‘Friendly and approachable. Rachael Heenan and Alistair Kernohan have provided excellent support to me on employment relations cases. Rachael gained the trust of my CEO in a particularly difficult case which made the process much easier.’

‘Worked with the team on a long-running case and the particular standout was their adaptability in light of feedback and the amount of time they dedicated to ensure we were kept properly (and promptly) informed throughout the case.‘

‘Rachael Heenan is responsive and a reflective listener.’

‘Responsive and well informed regarding the nature of the healthcare sector, and they provide pragmatic advice.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and very personable.’

‘Paul McFarlane is a go-to representative for NHS employers and others in the public sector.’

‘Industry leader in healthcare issues, particularly medical HR, inquest and public law. Super responsive and has some real star performers. Excellent strategic and tactical advice.’

‘Andrew Rowland is my overall go-to guy. Assured, calm and a superb tactician with a great way with clients. Alessandra Gettins is superb and astute on all matters employment.’

‘Responsive approach and the continuity. Also very helpful to have the individual employer knowledge applied to a national position, particularly regarding industrial action.’

‘I recommend them for the strength of the relationships and the trust and understanding developed over a number of years.’

‘The team ensures they are all sighted on the issues affecting us.’

‘They are approachable and understand the level of risk we are prepared to consider.’

‘Fantastic partner availability, good and broad knowledge of the sector and very personable.’

‘The Capsticks team are focussed on our requirements – we are a niche regulator and at no stage do we feel that we are, metaphorically, at the end of a conveyor belt. This approach applies across all the functional areas: policy advice, casework and training. It is a pleasure to work with Capsticks – they ‘get’ us.’

‘Peter Edwards delivers an exceptional level of performance at each engagement. Peter knows our organisation well and his advice is tailored to our requirements. Importantly, Peter does not shrink from giving advice which may not be what we wish to hear, but nonetheless enables proper risk management and protection of reputation. Most impressive.’

‘I’ve worked with Capsticks on a number of occasions and highly value the support provided. Their detailed knowledge of the legal framework and caselaw within which healthcare operates is coupled with an appreciation of the challenges currently faced in the sector and a robust knowledge of how the NHS operates.’

‘The support and advice from Peter Edwards is always on the mark and well reasoned, as well as being delivered in a calm and reassuring way that builds confidence.’

‘In spite of being a large player in the field, Capsticks manage to retain the personal touch through excellent partner engagement, availability and top-class expertise.’

‘Peter Edwards has expertise and insight in healthcare governance which is truly second to none. Peter manages to navigate the complexities of the situation with ease, providing clinically precise advise and guidance in a manner that is non-legalistic and tailored to the client perfectly.’

‘The flexibility to support and work with us on legal matters. Significant client focus, understanding of our issues and consideration of options.’

‘Excellent knowledge of primary care contracts. Great understanding of the way primary care is funded and rent reimbursed and structured. The team were very efficient, with rapid turnaround of any queries raised, and they summarised the legal terminology and placed this in layman’s language.’

‘The team are very helpful, experienced, knowledgeable and approachable. Communication is effective in all forms and the service received is always excellent from initial inquiry to completion of the project/advice. The practice are able to call upon colleagues from all departments when required to ensure that full, well-rounded advice is given.’

‘The team are very flexible to the needs of the project and finding solutions to work in an agile manner.’

‘Strong individuals led by Lisa Geary, who is always available to discuss professional matters but also takes an interest at a personal level. Mentions are also due for Deema Sodha and Tracey Blundell, who are excellent solicitors who understand the sector but also very personable people who you are happy to have a coffee with.’

‘I have worked with Capsticks over the years whilst I have been a representative for various trusts. In all cases I have found them extremely professional, responsive, knowledgeable and respectful. The management leadership is second to none and the service offered and delivered is exemplar. I would in all instances recommend this company and would not hesitate to use them time and time again.’

‘The Practice, led by Lisa Geary, are the best primary care solicitors in the sector, with a wide-ranging knowledge and real experience in understanding and advising on the issues that arise during transactions between stakeholders in the sector.’

‘Lisa Geary has unparalleled knowledge and experience in the primary care sector of commercial property and is always alive to the myriad legal, commercial, and NHS process implications of the relevant matters on each transaction.’

‘We were primarily supported by two of the Partners – Lisa Geary and Tracey Blundell. Both took a proactive and supportive approach to the legal work required from inception through to completion of the project. This was alongside crafting the necessary legal frameworks required to ensure the success of ongoing partner/user group relationships in the finished project.’