Laura Hughes > Browne Jacobson LLP > Nottingham, England > Lawyer Profile

James Fawcett leads the insurance team at Browne Jacobson LLP, with frequent assistance from Nottingham-based head of public law Laura Hughes. The group has experience in dealing with injury cases of maximum severity, including brain and spinal injuries. It also defends on foreseeable risk of injury cases in more minor incidents. The firm’s particular specialism is in adult and child abuse cases; namely acting in public liability matters defending local governments against vicarious liability claims in instances of child sexual abuse, as well as in ‘failure to remove’ cases involving complex Human Rights issues.

Browne Jacobson LLP is instructed by a wide range of public sector clients, from local government to universities across the country, with Welsh clientele being a new niche area of focus. The firm is noted for its strong Public Inquiry practice, and has acted for core participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and for NHS England in the Manchester Bombing Inquest. Ros Foster focuses on regulatory work and health care clients, having been instructed on a variety of judicial reviews against the Parliamentary and health service Ombudsman. Richard Barlow advises many public bodies on governance, judicial review and vires issues. Ben Standing is a name to watch for his work in environmental public law challenges. Laura Hughes completes the roster of recommended practitioners.

Browne Jacobson LLP provides a ‘first class service‘ to public sector clients, which include governmental bodies, non-departmental public bodies, local authorities, NHS trusts and national parks, as well as corporate clients, advising on all environmental matters they may face. Combined with the planning expertise of the firm, the unit is adept at advising at the intersection of planning and environmental issues, such as environmental impact assessments. Richard Barlow heads the environmental team and advises public sector clients also in the context of judicial review proceedings and risk management issues. Laura Hughes covers both planning and environmental law and has a particular specialism in nature conservation matters and Andrew Hopkin is experienced in environmental cases concerning, among others, pollution, emissions and waste.

Browne Jacobson LLP works with sporting venue operators, sports clubs, local councils, and sporting bodies on a wide range of work, handling development matters, contract disputes, procurement, regulatory issues and much more. Insurance specialist Kevin Lawson is a key name in Birmingham, while the team includes a number of ‘excellent team players’ in the Nottingham office, including real estate partner Sarah Parkinson and public law specialist Laura Hughes.