Part of the firm’s nationwide regulatory team, Shoosmiths LLP‘s South East health and safety team handles the full spectrum of contentions and non-contentious work for its large and varied client base. The South East team is jointly headed by Charles Arrand (Milton Keynes) and Philip Ryan (Reading), and provides advice and support on serious and fatal matters such as work arising from the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. Arrand advises clients from a variety of sectors on the full range of regulatory crime work, and is especially well-regarded for his sensitivity to reputational harms. Principal associate Joanne Sear, based in the firm’s Thames Valley office, provides general and strategic advice to high-value and prestigious clients. ‘Hardworking and passionate’ associate Rubina Zaidi is also recommended.
Health and safety in South East
Shoosmiths LLP
Practice head(s):
Roy Tozer (national); Charles Arrand; Phil Ryan
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Sear; Rubina Zaidi
Testimonials
‘Jo Sear – excellent team player and great with the technology required for large projects.’
‘The team continues to attract a lot of very able lawyers. There is a positive approach to work with a genuine emphasis on client care.’
‘I work with Joanne Sear and Philip Ryan. I am impressed with both of them but Jo in particular has been a godsend on a recent piece of regulatory work. Whereas most lawyers I have worked with in this field sit on the fence and are reluctant to give precise advice or guidance but this was not the case with Jo. It felt much more like a partnership.’
‘The team are just that a team that works with you for the best outcomes appropriate to the issue and connected with the correct empathy. This is of course underpinned by significant experience and sound advice.’
‘Unlike some firms who dabble in health & safety, and profess to be experts, Shoosmiths are true experts in the area of H&S. They have specialist teams with individuals who have genuine expertise and understanding of the law in this area. The team speak the language of the board room, allowing them to advise companies and company officers on the nuances of H&S legislation and how duties and responsibilities arise.’
‘Charles Arrand – a doyen of the H&S world. Charles commands the respect of judges, barristers and solicitor alike. He has such a deep rooted knowledge of H&S law, thereby allowing him to advise companies and company officers on criminal investigations by the CPS and HSS, and parallel coronial proceedings. In times of crisis, he is exactly who a board want on their side.’
‘Rubina Zaidi – a hard working and passionate solicitor. She always goes the extra mile for her clients and demonstrates an enquiring mind. Incredible work ethic and extremely hard working.’
Key clients
IKEA Limited
Hitachi Rail
Work highlights
- Advising a contracting company involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower in relation to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the associated regulatory investigations.
- Representing Bombardier, the manufacturers of the tram involved in the Croydon Tram disaster in November 2016 in which seven people were killed and 61 injured.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s Guildford-based regulatory crime department provides full-service support to clients on matters relating to health and safety regulations. The team is experienced in both longer-term advisory work and representing those facing investigation and prosecution. Team head Rachel Warren acts for clients from sectors including retail and leisure, and housebuilding and construction, where she is especially adept at handling matters relating to fire safety. She is supported by associate Charlotte Healy, who brings experience in commercial litigation and in the niche area of food labelling, food safety, and allergens.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Warren
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Healy
Testimonials
‘Very client focused. A small specialist team that I knows their business and practice area and places the client first. Great to work with.’
‘Charlotte Healy – very hardworking, great attention to detail.’
‘Rachel Warren – knows her specialism. Good leader of a very well-thought-of team.’
Gardner Leader LLP
Led by Michelle Di Gioia, who is based in Newbury, Gardner Leader LLP’s team advises a range of clients on the full spectrum of health and safety law, including compliance, risk and reputation management, and litigation. The team continues to provide advice and training on COVID safety precautions, and draws on the experience of other teams across the firm.
Practice head(s):
Michelle Di Gioia