Julie Matheson > Kingsley Napley LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Kingsley Napley LLP specialises in advising individuals facing disciplinary investigations in schools and higher education institutions and is strongly equipped to handle cases with criminal liability elements. The team regularly acts for students in sexual and academic misconduct cases, and it boasts a notable record of advising on academic appeals related to examination results, including appeals with disability discrimination elements. The team is co-headed by Iain Miller, Sophie Kemp, and criminal defence expert Sandra Paul, who regularly defends students against allegations of sexual offences. The team also draws on the expertise of regulatory experts Shannett Thompson, Julie Matheson, and Julie Norris, who are well-versed in handling disciplinary proceedings following allegations of academic misconduct.

Kingsley Napley LLP is consistently sought out by regulators for prosecution work. It is also well known for defending law firms, accountancy practices and regulated professionals. Regulatory head Nicola Hill routinely advises the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); Julie Norris is ‘excellent, intelligent and tough‘; Julie Matheson focuses on the accountancy, audit and built environment sectors; Shannett Thompson ‘picks up on cases’ every detail‘; and Iain Miller‘s experience incorporates disciplinary proceedings. Also highly rated, Melinka Berridge represents leading national regulators; Hannah Eales is ‘a standout practitioner‘; and recently-elevated Jessica Clay advises on a range of SRA-related matters. At senior associate level, Charlotte Judd routinely defends accountants and accountancy firms; Kathryn Sheridan represents regulatory bodies presenting hearings before their practice committees; Sarah Atkinson leads investigations on behalf of both the Architects Registration Board and (HCPC); and Clare Hastie is experienced in investigating and preparing fitness to practise cases.

The cross-departmental and ‘top quality’ partnership team at Kingsley Napley LLP regularly assists financial services firms, professional service firms, and individual partners in contentious work concerning employment, regulatory, criminal and reputation management matters. Recent work has included partner and team moves, complex remuneration structures, partner expulsions and non-compete disputes. The team is headed up by Adrian Crawford, who focuses on the City, financial services and professional services sectors, and Iain Miller, who is frequently instructed by regulated professional services partnerships for SRA-related regulatory advice. Jessica Clay is well versed in advising firms and individuals in SRA-related matters including changes to business structures and reporting obligations as well as matters relating to AML and counter-inclusive conduct. Acting across various sectors is the ‘great litigator’ Corinne Aldridge, whose expertise lies in investigations, retirements, post-termination restrictions and claims relating to whistleblowing and discrimination. Nick Ralph is ‘quick to understand a situation as it develops’ whether this involves dismissals, contract negotiations or post termination restrictions. Richard Fox has adopted a senior consultant position. Accountancy sector expert Julie Matheson, regulatory specialist Julie Norris, Andreas White, who is adept in dispute resolution and investigations for clients in the professional services and financial services sectors, and John Young, who is proficient in corporate partnership work, are other key lawyers.