Capsticks LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Capsticks LLP Offices
1 ST GEORGE'S ROAD
LONDON
SW19 4DR
England
Capsticks LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 1
Capsticks LLP‘s ‘market-leading regulatory team‘ routinely provides legal advice to statutory regulators. Mark WhitingPractice head(s):
James Penry-Davey; Mark Whiting
Other key lawyers:
Nicole Curtis; Mark Rogers; Kate Steele; Katrina Wingfield; Nimi Bruce; Ian Brook; Anna Holdsworth; Keziah Pearson; Jenny Wood; Rory Mulchrone; John Tippett-Cooper; Cameron Scott; Victoria Sheppard-Jones; Louisa Atkin; David Collins; Louise Culleton; Hannah Pilkington; Adelita Thursby-Pelham
Testimonials
‘Market-leading regulatory team.’
‘Very practical, forward-thinking team, with strong knowledge of the regulatory market and the ability to apply this to complex issues. Impressive.’
‘James Penry-Davey is able to analyse complex legal issues quickly and provide practical advice in a client-friendly manner. James provides first-class client care and contract management.’
‘Nicole Curtis is a clever lawyer who you want to listen to.’
‘Mark Rogers handles SRA work, and is extremely quick and focused.’
‘Kate Steele is a talented lawyer with an ability to cut through complex issues.’
‘Anna Holdsworth is thorough, hardworking and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Jenny Wood is an incredibly personable and excellent lawyer.’
Key clients
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Social Work England
Teaching Regulation Agency
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Farriers Registration Council
General Dental Council
General Osteopathic Council
Bar Standards Board
General Optical Council
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Health and Care Professions Council
General Chiropractic Council
Work highlights
- Instructed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to prosecute a major law firm, and one of its former partners, for multiple breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
- Represented Social Work England in the case of a social worker, who received complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
- Acted for the Teaching Regulation Agency in a case, in which an art teacher and department head was alleged to have inserted former pupils’ work into other pupils’ coursework folders, and completed work herself that was used for pupils’ coursework.
Insurance > Clinical negligence: defendant Tier 1
The team at Capsticks LLP is co-led by Peter Marquand and Catherine Bennett, and also fields such seasoned names as Philip HatherallPractice head(s):
Peter Marquand; Catherine Bennett
Other key lawyers:
Ed Mellor; Cassius Box; Majid Hassan; Anna Walsh; Rebecca Richardson; Gerard Aston; Helen Thackwray; Georgia Ford; Tamara Knight; Charlotte Millar; Ruth Day; Charlotte Rathbone
Testimonials
‘They are one of the top defendant clinical negligence firms in the country. The department is extremely well led by Peter Marquand who is an outstanding lawyer. They have great strength-in-depth and are very experienced.’
‘Majid Hassan is a kind and thoughtful leader of his team, and is a shrewd judge of the merits of a case. He is ably assisted by Ed Mellor, who is conscientious and thorough. Cassius Box is also well known to me, a likeable and extremely sensible litigator.’
‘I have been particularly impressed by Helen Thackwray who handles complex cases involving international elements with commendable efficiency.’
‘In my view, Capsticks are the best defendant clinical negligence firm in the country and the pre-eminent NHSR panel firm. The senior partners and legal directors have unrivalled experience dealing with the biggest and most complex cases and the team of associates appears to have been carefully selected such that they work together seamlessly.’
‘Cassius Box has unsurpassed experience and judgment in this area of law. Gerard Aston is a fast-rising, calm and efficient lawyer who supervises his team exceptionally well. Peter Marquand has unrivalled knowledge and experience of the field and an exceptional eye for talent in the sector.’
‘Cassius Box is very experienced, pragmatic, sensible and clever.’
‘Charlotte Millar handles the most complex cases with rigour and charm.’
‘The team is at the forefront of clinical negligence work. It has the expertise to deal with the most complex claims.’
Key clients
NHS Resolution
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
BRIT Insurance
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
MDDUS
Newline Group
Axis Capital
Beazley Group
Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Assisting NHS Resolution from inception with its flagship Early Notification Scheme to rapidly investigate and, if appropriate, provide interim financial support for children who have suffered avoidable and often devastating birth injuries.
- Representing Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the Covid-19 inquest into the death of Mary Agyapong, a pregnant member of its nursing staff.
- Representing a number of trusts in connection with a suite of claims based on Covid-19 issues regarding the appropriate standard of care in the exceptional circumstances created by the pandemic.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 1
Capsticks LLP offers the full spectrum of housing advice to its large client base, with specialisms including management, regeneration and redevelopment, and portfolio management. Michael Owen heads the Housing Management team, while Spencer Vella Sultana leads on Housing & Regeneration. Owen now acts solely for registered providers and local authorities, and provides advice on issues extending to antisocial behaviour policy. Sultana, meanwhile, is adept at advising on major development projects from inception through to completion. Legal directors Katrina Day and Mike Regan are recommended for their work in procurement and commercial portfolio management, respectively, while associate Sarah Christy is a key contact on matters relating to antisocial behaviour. Suzanne Smith has broad experience, and was promoted to partner in 2021.Practice head(s):
Michael Owen; Spencer Vella Sultana
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great diversity and breadth of knowledge across many solicitors and paralegals – you never worry if your instructing officer is unavailable because someone will be able to pick up and the case and help.’
‘We have worked with Capsticks for many years now and find that theres nothing that is too much trouble, from general advice through to full instruction on a case. We are a busy RP and need reliable and efficient advice with our cases – I can confirm that we certainly have that.’
‘Capsticks has the flexibility to shape its service to ensure it is providing what the client needs,without incurring unnecessary costs. In addition to frugality, they are second to none, in excellence at the point of service delivery. Each and every team member I have spoken to, has been friendly, approachable and very knowledgable, keeping me updated on the cases and providing advice and assistance when needed.’
‘I work mainly with Mike Owen. I can’t speak highly enough of him and his approach. He is professional yet approachable and is always open to provide advice and a steer when we are struggling for how to deal with a particular problem.’
‘An exceptional team with our project lead Katrina Day – outstanding and a pleasure to work with. Kat has excellent commercial knowledge, superb attention to detail and a strong problem solving approach.’
‘Michael Owen is always accessible and responsive and knowledgeable. He is always someone who gives plain, clear advice, giving the legal position but always getting the landlord position and giving common sense, practical options.’
‘Katrina Day will also provide any advice in a very clear, transparent way setting out the key issues, any risks and her recommendations. Katrina is quick to offer help with drafting of any legal letters or amendments to contracts etc. and has always been honest, open and clear with her advice as well as being friendly, helpful and polite. She is a real pleasure to work with and a real asset to Capsticks.’
Key clients
Livewest
Riverside
Sovereign
Southern
Raven Housing Trust
PA Housing
Aster Group
Two Rivers
Moat Homes
Platform Housing
Work highlights
- Represented Riverside on a leading housing fraud case, obtaining the second largest ever Unlawful Profit Order in the country (£145,111.89), together with substantial costs.
- Represented Aster to obtain an out of hours emergency injunction in the High Court with a Power of Arrest, to remove an occupier from premises which had become structurally unsafe following a car collision.
- Acted for Tonic Housing in relation to the acquisition of 19 units at Bankhouse in London from another Registered Provider. This scheme is unique as it has been delivered as the Country’s first LGBTQ+ shared ownership scheme.
Public sector > Health Tier 1
Bolstered by the firm’s large national presence, Capsticks LLP has expertise all across the Healthcare sector. This includes public health law, Children’s Act issues, judicial reviews and consent to treatment cases. The firm is also known for providing employment and real estate law advice to clients in health and social care. Tracey Lucas specialises in medical treatment decisions, judicial reviews and information law with a particular interest in the complex care of adults and children. Henry Matveieff specialises in healthcare property matters for both public and private sector clients.Practice head(s):
Andrew Rowland; Tracey Lucas
Other key lawyers:
Henry Matveieff; Chloe Edwards; Charlotte Rathbone; Raj Basi; Raj Chahl; Fiona Brownsword
Testimonials
‘Huge amount of knowledge and experience. Very committed to health care sector.’
‘They have carved a very specialist understanding of how health sector clients work and routinely deal with high value, sensitive and complex litigation in this field.’
‘Not only does Capsticks have a deep insight into decision making within such NHS Trusts, but it has substantial knowledge of procurement law.’
‘They are responsive, we always feel that they care deeply about doing a good job for us and our business, and they have a wealth of experience across our sector which we draw on.’
‘Our confidence in Tracey Lucas is what makes Capsticks really stand out for us. Her wealth of experience with BCH and now BWC is really valuable to us. From our execs to our front line staff .. we all have immense confidence in her to fairly and robustly advise us.’
‘Dylan Young is a stand out performer. He has a natural litigation sense and is able to provide clients with quick and insightful advice.’
Key clients
Derby and Derbyshire CCG
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Midland Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG
Worcestershire Hospitals NHS Trust
Milton Keynes University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
GenesisCare
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS England
Oxford Health
Gloucester Health and Care NHS Trust
Kettering General Hospital
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Foundation Trust
Leicester Partnership NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of a specialist Midland Mental Health Trust in judicial review proceedings in relation to a patient needing mental health care where the national crisis in mental health beds meant there was no appropriate local provision.
- Advising NHS England on the parameters for spending monies allocated as part of the Estates and Transformation Fund, the biggest public sector investment in GP premises for the past 20 years, and in particular, the provisions of financial grants to GPs to improve their surgery premises and develop new surgery premises.
- Representing Birmingham Community Healthcare in a race and disability discrimination claim where the disability relied upon was Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS). Successfully argued that she was not disabled by reason of EMS at the relevant time of the claim, therefore, the disability discrimination claim was struck out.
Public sector > Health Tier 1
Capsticks LLP impresses with ‘unsurpassed breadth of experience and knowledge‘ in the healthcare sector. The team is regularly sought after by NHS organisations, private healthcare providers and GP practices, and is well-positioned to advise on employment, commercial, corporate and real estate work; it also covers clinical advisory and negligence cases. Group head Rachael Heenan is a specialist in employment and governance matters, and Lisa Geary assists clients with commercial leases, land sales, acquisitions and developments. Regulatory expert Adam Hartrick is also noted. Emily Senior and Emma Brecknock left for DAC Beachcroft LLP and Hill Dickinson LLP respectively in late 2021.Practice head(s):
Rachael Heenan
Other key lawyers:
Ian Cooper; Lisa Geary; Adam Hartrick
Testimonials
‘Supportive team knowledgeable in their field and offer a range of solutions for the organisation. Work collaboratively and ensure the Trust is kept updated of ongoing developments.’
‘Capsticks have been very supportive and highly professional. We use them for our inquest and advisory work and really value our closing working relationship with them. We found their fees to be highly competitive yet their advice to be hugely comprehensive, reliable and timely.’
‘The team across the various specialisms are well joined up in terms of handling a large case that covers various different areas.’
‘Rachael Heenan is exceptional as a partner- very contactable at all times if needed and has a great handle on the detail. She has excellent strategic skills in determining how to approach a case and then tactical ability to see it through. She is warm friendly and approachable and speaks in easy terms that make sense to a non lawyer.’
‘Capsticks are a dynamic, flexible firm that are responsive to client needs. Their breadth of experience and knowledge is in my opinion unsurpassed elsewhere.’
‘Lisa Geary has real commercial awareness of the matters that are important to clients in the primary care sector.’
‘Adam Hartrick is highly valued by the Trust. He provides excellent advice and is hugely supportive of our staff. Adam provides timely advice even when the advice is required urgently out of hours. Adam’s advice is always in context to our Trust and always helps to find the best solutions even in difficult circumstances.’
‘Friendly and supportive. Provides advice in a way that is not all legal jargon and makes sense to Trust employees. Works in partnership with the Trust.’
Key clients
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
NHS Resolution
Affinity Trust
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Advising the Trusts that make up the South Yorkshire Pathology ICS on its procurement process for a pan pathology managed service contract across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.
- Acted for NHS Resolution (on behalf of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust) in a fundamental dishonesty case with significant media interest.
- Provided advice and support to Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and the GP Confederation in developing an agreement that would enable the portability of staff across the Leeds Health and Care System and its partner organisations.
Public sector > Healthcare Tier 2
Capsticks LLP provides advice to a wide range of health-related clients, including the NHS, private healthcare companies, GPs, care homes charities and government bodies. The team advises on a number of major infrastructure projects across the country and is highly experienced in advising on the termination of NHS PFI contracts. Its healthcare litigation team also advises on criminal proceedings and contract procurement disputes. Andrew Rowland is the head of the NHS healthcare team, spending a large amount of the last year advising NHS bodies and trusts on Covid-related issues. Peter EdwardsPractice head(s):
Andrew Rowland
Other key lawyers:
Francis Lyons; Stephen Tainsh; Sunita Raja, Peter Edwards
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of Healthcare – providesclear advice.’
‘Real and detailed understanding of all aspects of the workforce agenda for employers in the NHS – medical and non-medical. They look at practical and sustainable solutions and also support activity around national issues as well as local / regional challenges.’
‘Francis Lyons – excellent lawyer. Very helpful and approachable. Knowledgeable about his field and very good at thinking through issues from a legal as well as practical aspect to ensure advice is useable and applicable operationally. Would not hesitate to work with him or recommend him and request him every time I need legal advice.’
‘Capsticks have an enviable reputation in the healthcare market. The team enjoys an unparalleled strength in depth within the field, offering true expertise to NHS Trusts and other NHS organisations across a broad range of fee earners. They are particularly good at matching the appropriate level of resourcing to individual cases, providing clients with the right service for them in each case.’
‘Andrew Rowland – There is nothing that Andrew does not know in his practice area. Clients are visibly reassured by his hands on and engaging style and his encyclopaedic knowledge ensures that things do not go wrong on his watch.
‘It has been a pleasure and a benefit to build working relationships with Capsticks legal representatives over a number of cases. I have been impressed with their understanding of the working practices of the NHS in general. They have always been helpful, efficient, understanding and professional.’
Key clients
NHS Resolution
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
NHS England and NHS Improvement
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
North Middlesex University Hospital
Kettering General Hospital
University College London Hospitals NHS FT
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Advising NHS Trust on a fundamental dishonesty case with significant media interest. The claimant received an immediate custodial sentence of 29 weeks after seeking to defraud the NHS of c. £2 million by exaggerating impact of a delay in treating his cauda equina syndrome for which the Trust had accepted responsibility.
- Supported all legal aspects of the £70 million Pears Maudley Centre project, from funding and contractual arrangements to the construction of this world class building. The new facility will include inpatient, outpatient and crisis mental health care facilities for children and young people, as well as world leading clinical research facilities.
- Acting for the North Middlesex NHS Trust on a major site-wide reconfiguration at the North Middlesex hospital site (worth £100 million) to develop new housing and invest the proceeds into the development of new clinical and office space.
Real estate > Social housing: local authorities and registered providers Tier 2
The ‘great‘ social housing team at Capsticks LLP acts for registered providers on a variety of matters, including bespoke private development, land-led development and joint ventures as well as mergers and acquisitions. ‘Exceptional leader‘ Chimi Shakohoxha specialises in property development and regeneration as well as mixed use developments. Michael Owen and Katrina Robinson lead on housing management matters, including serious anti-social behaviour and succession matters as well as policy reviews for landlords and leasehold litigation. ‘Stand out impressive‘ James Howard is the unit's practitioner for development acquisitions, site assembly and stock rationalisation, and new arrival Sarah Waite acts predominantly on development transactions for registered providers.Practice head(s):
Chimi Shakohoxha; Michael Owen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great team, very positive and result focused. Led by people who want to find solutions to issues and who are transparent and this emanates through the rest of the team. Whenever we have an issue, the Capsticks team always try and find a speedy answer and one that involves consultation with us and open discussion about the issue at hand.’
‘Straightforward communication, open to time delay improvements, James Howard and Chimi Shakohoxha are exceptional leaders who make our life easier every day.’
‘The team are exceptionally responsive and commercially aware. The litigation team are also strong and the support on a recent contentious matter was invaluable. Billing is dealt with in a very mature way.’
‘Chimi Shakohoxha and James Howard are stand-out impressive given their responsiveness, advice and commercially aware drafting’
‘This team’s strength is the quality of its people. The service is first-rate. Everyone in the team is knowledgeable, helpful, proactive and client-focused. Our cases are dealt with efficiently and the team take absolute pride and delight in keeping our costs to a minimum! We have 100% confidence in the Capsticks team and they are a joy to work with.’
‘Katrina Robinson – for her unflinching professionalism and sharp insight. We really value her, and the work she has done for us is nothing short of outstanding. I’ve never known disrepair cases to be dispatched with such ruthless efficiency. Her advice is clear, pragmatic, concise, and always super-helpful. She’s a force of nature!’
Key clients
London & Quadrant
Southern
Notting Hill
Shepherds Bush
Guinness
Riverside
Gateway
Paragon
Town & Country
Sovereign
Work highlights
- Advised Tonic Housing on the acquisition of shared ownership apartments at London’s Bankhouse from One Housing Group (OHG). The properties are to be developed into the first LGBT+ affirmative affordable residential community in the UK that is aimed at retired people.
- Acted on a claim for possession for client Riverside resulting in the second largest ever Unlawful Profit Order (‘UPO’) in the country (worth £145,000).
- Successfully acted for a London based housing provider in the Court of Appeal. The case set an important legal precedent for service of Notices to Quit following the death of the tenant.
Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant Tier 2
In Leeds, Capsticks LLP is a key advisor to NHS Trusts across the north of England, sitting on the NHS Resolutions Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts panel since 1995. Counterfraud and fundamental dishonesty claims are key areas of strength for the team, with associate Ruth Day taking a lead on these cases. The group has also seen continued growth in its inquest work, regularly handling sensitive and high-profile matters. Key partners include group litigation specialist Philip HatherallPractice head(s):
Philip Hatherall; Dominic Ip; Keith Blundred; Ian Cooper; Adam Hartrick
Other key lawyers:
Ruth Day; Lucy Harding
Testimonials
‘One of the strongest defendant clinical negligence teams outside of London. The Leeds office has gone from strength to strength, attracting real talent.’
‘Dominic Ip is very experienced, has real expertise and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘In my view, Capsticks are the pre-eminent clinical negligence defendant litigation firm. Continuity between the Leeds and London practice is in my experience seamless.’
‘Unparalleled knowledge of this sector and this work.’
‘All work hard and are committed to their cases. Ruth Day is outstandinglu good at seeing a case through to the finish.’
‘An excellent team of lawyers punching about their weigh in the clinical negligence market.’
‘Very strong team, and skilled at particularly complex or high value clinical negligence cases.’
Key clients
NHS Resolution
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospitals NHS Trust
MDDUS
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Represented NHS Resolution and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust in the fundamental dishonesty case of Darren Dommett, who sought to defraud the NHS of approximately £2m.
- Representing NHS Resolution, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in historic physical and sexual abuse claims from more than 80 patients at Hill End Hospital, St Albans.
- Succesfully defended NHS Resolution and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust against an alleged misdiagnosis of prostate cancer.
Private client > Court of protection Tier 3
Capsticks LLP fields a team of ‘friendly, approachable individuals with a sound knowledge of this field and a professional attitude’. It specialises in advising NHS providers and commissioners, public, private and charitable sector clients on all issues involving incapacitated and vulnerable persons. Another core area of expertise is its knowledge of the interaction between the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards. The ‘exceptionally responsive’ Francis Lyons heads the department.Practice head(s):
Francis Lyons
Other key lawyers:
Adam Hartrick; Serena Patel; Tracey Lucas; Nadine Mansell; Amy Holden
Testimonials
‘Great all-around COP team for healthcare bodies. There are great people at all levels throughout the organisation to handle a wide variety of cases’.
‘Francis Lyons: A real star. Has an exceptional understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act, and is able to run some really complex, tricky and high-profile cases for health bodies extremely well. Adam Hartrick: Well-deserving of his national reputation in the field‘.
‘Very strong team, great depth of knowledge across all levels of seniority’.
‘Francis Lyons – pleasure to work with, always on top of his cases, supportive of colleagues. Serena Patel – calm and competent’.
‘Capsticks has an excellent Court of Protection team with particular expertise in medical treatment cases. They are one of the leading solicitors in the healthcare sector and have a clear understanding of their clients’ needs. Francis Lyons knows the healthcare sector backwards. Serena Patel is an excellent solicitor’.
‘Francis Lyons is always a pleasure to work with. He invariably gives wise counsel and advice.’
‘Francis Lyons- very knowledgeable in legal matters. Very committed to cases that are referred to him. whilst ensuring we acted within the law. The team is incredibly dedicated to its work and clients. Possibly more than any other practice they make you feel that you are their number one concern’.
‘Tracey Lucas is exceptional. She always appears to have time to manage cases without fuss, despite (I know) how much she is in demand. Tracey’s team – Amy Holden, Nadine Mansell and others – are excellent associates. They are always available and manage our cases professionally and firmly’.
Key clients
NHS Kent & Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, (formerly NHS South Kent CCG)
NHS South West London Clinical Commissioning Group
NHS South East London CCG
North Middlesex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG
NHS North West London CCG
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3
Specialising in the healthcare sector, Capsticks LLP works closely with NHS Trusts, GPs and independent providers across the north of England. It regularly acts in high profile employment tribunals as well as handling cross-jurisdictional cases with significant reputational risk. The group continues to grow, with a number of notable new hires, including Kirsty MacDonald from Law By Design in January 2022. Other areas of growth include its emergency services offering, assisting clients in the police and ambulance sectors. Alistair Kernohan jointly leads the group with Rachael Heenan, who clients consider the ‘go-to expert for NHS employment issues’.Practice head(s):
Rachael Heenan; Alistair Kernohan
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Rhodes; Lee Carroll; Kirsty MacDonald
Testimonials
‘Sound advice, professional and knowledgeable.’
‘The team continue to be the number one go to employment law team for me. Their advice and guidance has been invaluable as we have addressed some long standing complex issues whilst also supporting my work to build capacity and capability in the People function. They continue to be experts in their field, responsive and caring.’
‘Rachael Heenan continues to be the ‘go to’ expert for NHS employment issues and more. She is exceptionally well networked, works with a bigger picture lens and gets to the heart of the matter so quickly.’
‘They are very joined up between different parts of their specialist areas . The legal team are very easy to talk to- speak in plain terms and are efficient and quick in the way they operate. They are pragmatic and more balanced in their assessment and strategy in handling cases.’
‘The team are exceptionally knowledgable and can respond very quickly to requests for advice. They have specialists they can call on, if the key contacts are unable to provide support and advice.’
‘Capsticks, particularly Rachel Heenan, bring a personalised and no nonsense approach.’
Key clients
The Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and the local GP Confederation in developing an agreement that would enable the portability of staff across the Leeds Health and Care System and its partner organisations to facilitate the delivery of a more integrated health and social care system.
- Advised Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on complex employment and pensions issues relating to the TUPE transfer of over 600 employees arising out of the termination of a longstanding partnership agreement with Northumberland County Council, which involved unwinding delegated Adult Social Services and other health related local authority functions.
- Advised and represented East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust in a nine day Employment Tribunal hearing, successfully defending a claim by a former paramedic who alleged automatic unfair dismissal, ordinary unfair dismissal, detriment for having made protected disclosures, failure to make reasonable adjustments and disability discrimination.
Employment > Employers Tier 5
Capsticks LLP is market renowned for providing employment services to a plethora of private and public sector employers in the health, emergency services and social care sectors. Areas of growth include mandates arising out of the pandemic, litigation involving emergency services and police misconduct cases. National head of employment Victoria Watson often represents doctors in high-profile disputes, while Martin Hamilton advises on senior executive issues and is likewise, a top litigator in High Court and tribunal cases. Head of NHS healthcare Andrew Rowland is another distinguished employment specialist.Practice head(s):
Victoria Watson
Other key lawyers:
Martin Hamilton; Andrew Roland
Testimonials
‘A very responsive and knowledgeable company – combining technical expertise with pragmatic solutions.’
‘Very well connected at national level.’
‘Total strength in depth, with excellence at all levels.’
‘Solicitors who are very knowledgeable and well prepared.’
‘Team with legal expertise across a range of areas and specialisms.’
‘Very supportive with a variety of employee relation case issues.’
‘Always accessible with well thought through advice to pragmatically deal with issues. Good expertise in dealing with issues with medical colleagues.’
‘Andrew Rowland- one of the best lawyers I have worked with. He is easy to understand and provides swift and decisive advice. he will often offer several approaches for the client to consider.’
Key clients
North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group
Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
North West London Healthcare NHS Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NHS England and Improvement
Bar Standards Board
NHS Employers
London Borough of Redbridge
London Ambulance Service
Solicitors Regulation Authority
A2 Dominion
National Audit Office
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Ramsay Healthcare UK
Action for Children
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Supported NHS England in providing guidance to all NHS organisations in England on the implementation of Regulations introducing mandatory vaccinations for healthcare.
- Represents Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust in High Court proceedings brought by a consultant seeking an injunction to prevent his exclusion from work.
- Advised North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group CCG, along with other CCG clients in relation to the development of new Integrated Care Boards under the Health and Care Bill.
Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5
Capsticks LLP is well-known for its specific focus on public law work for the NHS; this includes judicial reviews of decisions to relocate or reconfigure clinical services and decisions that affect the treatment of individual patients with complex health and care needs. Peter EdwardsPractice head(s):
Peter Edwards; Ian Cooper
Other key lawyers:
Georgia Ford; Serena Patel
Testimonials
‘Good experience in the context of regulatory law/public law crossover.’
‘Serena Patel is a fantastic up and coming associate with a good eye for detail, hard working, responsive and popular with regulatory clients.’
‘Exceptional knowledge, experience, judgment and wisdom.’
‘Peter Edwards – outstanding. Highly effective negotiator and litigator.’
Key clients
NHS Kent and Medway CCG
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
NHS Lincolnshire CCG
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
NHS Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
NHS Oxfordshire CCG
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
NHS South West London CCG
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
NHS South East London CCG
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Bar Standards Board
General Chiropractic Council
General Pharmaceutical Council
Work highlights
- Acted for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in successfully defending a judicial review claim arising from the client’s response to a registrant’s complaints.
- Advised Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital on statutory, constitutional and governance issues in respect of the establishment of a hospital group model.
- Representing NHS Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group in a judicial review claim brought by two social media influencers in respect of access to IVF treatment.
Real estate > Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 5
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 5
Based in Leeds, Capsticks LLP stands out for its expertise in the health, social care and housing sectors, and counts hospital developments, portfolio management, acquisitions and landlord and tenant matters in its workload. Practice leader Lisa Geary is noted for her experience in primary care matters, such as advising on sale and leasebacks, leases, as well as the property aspects of GP practice mergers.Practice head(s):
Lisa Geary
Other key lawyers:
Tracey Blundell; Deema Sodha
Testimonials
‘We have been the clients of Capsticks for many years and would not hesitate to recommend this practice to other surgeries and clients. Capsticks cover the whole range of services needed for an NHS organisation and they are very professional and respond in a timely manner to all our queries.’
‘Tracey Blundell is a standout lawyer. Calm, capable and understanding of the commercial needs of the client, as well as being an outstanding commercial property lawyer. She cuts through the jargon and provides advice in an easy to digest manner.’
‘The team at Capsticks apply an understanding of the client’s underlying business needs in all negotiations and drafting, enabling them to effectively operate as an in-house team.’
‘Lisa Geary is very professional, efficient and proactive in her work with us. The response times are always quick and the quality of the work is highly commendable.’
‘Capsticks have provided an excellent service, they really understand our sector, respond quickly with clear, practical advice, explaining complex arrangements so that they really feel like a partner in our project team.’
‘Individuals are accessible and responsive to deadlines. Deema Sodha is our main contact and provides a professional service whilst meeting key deadlines.’
‘Capsticks provide a well rounded team with a range of experience which can then be tailored to each instruction. Client management is very good with regular updates on instructions’
‘Subject knowledge of the team is very good. Dedicated team members.’
Key clients
NHS England
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS FT
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Humber Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Yorkshire Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
MHA
Greenwich Leisure Limited
Methodist Council of Great Britain
Humberside Local Medical Committee
Dulverton Medical Partnership Limited
Salford Primary Care Together CIC
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching NHS FT
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS FT
Affinity Trust
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS FT
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Northumberland CCG
North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS FT
Oswald Medical Centre Limited
Middlewood Partnership
Granta Medical Partnership
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS FT
Genesis Cancer Care UK Limited
Varian Medical Systems UK Limited
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
James Paget University Hospitals NHS FT
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS FT
Montgomery House Surgery and Alchester Medical Group
Work highlights
- Advised NHS England on grant funding to various GP practices.
- Advised Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust on development agreements to enable £17m refurbishment works at hospital sites.
- Advised Montgomery House Surgery and Alchester Medical Group on development agreements for lease in respect of a £15m health and wellbeing hub.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 4
Capsticks LLP acts for a substantial client roster of registered providers and is particularly active in housing, leasehold and asset management work, developments, corporate issues and construction mandates. Paul Lloyd leads the Chorley-based practice and counts local and national housing associations on his client list, while legal director Jennifer Hankinson focuses on developments and property transactions; Hankinson joined the team from Forbes Solicitors in mid-2021.Practice head(s):
Paul Lloyd
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Capsticks are incredibly responsive and customer focused.’
‘Jen Hankinson is an exceptional solicitor whom I have used for many years. She puts the customers first and instils this in her colleagues. Her knowledge of Property law, and in particular Housing is superb.’
‘Great team, always available when needed and get back to us really quickly with really helpful honest advice.’
‘I have been impressed by how they have responded to our requests and I have always been signposted to someone quickly that has been able to deal with what has been asked of them.’
‘They are approachable and explain things clearly, not just to me as a fellow lawyer but to client departments which is extremely valued. They have been able to pick their way through the problems and get to the nub of the issue and quickly offer sensible solutions. I really enjoy working with them.’
‘Capsticks have a large, well resourced team with a wide variety of clients across the housing sector. They have strong advocacy skills.’
Key clients
Bolton at Home
South Lakes Housing
Laurus Homes
Jigsaw Homes
One Vision Housing
Riverside
ForHousing
Regenda
Onward Homes
One Manchester
Work highlights
- Advising a social housing provider on the security charging to support its first sustainability-linked private placement to secure £145m from four funders to assist with its strategy to build 1,400 new homes over the next five years.
- Representing Jigsaw Homes in a possession claim in relation to hoarding and a tenant with severe mental health issues.
- Assisted Jigsaw Homes with an injunction application against a tenant who engaged in persistent racist abuse and criminal damage, and is known to have mental health issues.
Employment Tier 4
Capsticks LLP has an excellent reputation for its work in the health and social care sectors and frequently advises clients in the NHS, private healthcare, medical technology, emergency services and GP practice fields. It continues to act for a large number of social housing associations and is skilled at defending complicated employment tribunal cases as well as being strong on non-contentious matters under the direction of Victoria Watson .Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Lewis – is exceptionally knowledgeable, dedicated and one of the best strategic thinkers in the employment field. He navigates clients through hideously complex litigation successfully and works damn hard to ensure outcomes. His work ethic is second to none and he achieves consistently fantastic results. In addition to NHS work Jonathan has carved a specialism representing the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in litigation and I have worked with him in such cases so he can give a detailed perspective on this’.
‘John Hatton – A wonderful and charismatic lawyer who is dedicated to his clients and hardworking. John is a bubbly character who makes all in his company feel at ease. He is an expert on NHS cases‘.
‘Raj Chahal deals with the absolutely most complex cases against the NHS. She is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in cases and is very adaptive to change. Raj is the rock in the Capsticks team and is very well respected by employment lawyers nationally. Raj is particularly adept at managing high value and complex litigation. She is well respected! ‘.
‘Very detailed in their preparation of cases, meticulously prepared witness statements, and very helpful instructions to counsel. Raj Chahal and John Hatton both work exceptionally well as a team and are individually excellent lawyers‘.
‘The team is always responsive and helpful. Most of my requests are time critical and I appreciate the fact that I can always get a response. They break things down in lay mans’ terms and avoid legal jargon. They are transparent about billing and pricing’.
‘Intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the healthcare sector with transparent billing. Raj Chahal’s no nonsense, reassuring, timely approach along with her attention to detail is impressive. John Hatton is tough whilst displaying an impressive level of compassion, he quickly gets to the heart of an issue. In addition, he’s uber organised and keeps us appraised of progress which provides the necessary level of assurance when litigating a number of cases simultaneously on top of a busy day job!’.
‘Brilliant employment law knowledge coupled with an excellent understanding of the NHS makes them our top choice. Jonathan Lewis is approachable, knowledgeable and always returns my calls. His practical advice is always much appreciated‘.
‘Their ability to relate to employment law in practice and from the lens of HR is brilliant. They are open and transparent with their approach. Took and continue to take time to understand what we are trying to achieve and how they might consider their response to suit the needs of our business. Stand-out are Victoria Watson and Jonathan Lewis’.
Key clients
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Barts Health NHS Trust
Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Social Work England
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital NHS Trust
Arden and GEM CSU
University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Instructed by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in respect of a race and disability discrimination claim where the disability relied upon was Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS). The team understands that this is the first published judgment where the tribunal has considered whether EMS is a disability under the Equality Act 2010.
- Instructed by the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to advise on complex employment and pension arrangements in relation to former council staff, and in particular negotiated pensions documents in order to avoid a multi-million pound deficit being crystallised and to ensure ongoing access for 350 staff to the local government pension scheme.
- Advising the Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited in respect of a claim by a solicitor against the regulatory body that it had discriminated against him. The claim was successfully dismissed following a preliminary hearing and a costs award was made against the claimant.
Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant
South East > Real estate > Social housing
Capsticks LLP offers the full spectrum of housing advice to its large client base, with specialisms including management, regeneration and redevelopment, and portfolio management. Michael Owen heads the Housing Management team, while Spencer Vella Sultana leads on Housing & Regeneration. Owen now acts solely for registered providers and local authorities, and provides advice on issues extending to antisocial behaviour policy. Sultana, meanwhile, is adept at advising on major development projects from inception through to completion. Legal directors Katrina Day and Mike Regan are recommended for their work in procurement and commercial portfolio management, respectively, while associate Sarah Christy is a key contact on matters relating to antisocial behaviour. Suzanne Smith has broad experience, and was promoted to partner in 2021.Practice head(s):
Michael Owen; Spencer Vella Sultana
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great diversity and breadth of knowledge across many solicitors and paralegals – you never worry if your instructing officer is unavailable because someone will be able to pick up and the case and help.’
‘We have worked with Capsticks for many years now and find that theres nothing that is too much trouble, from general advice through to full instruction on a case. We are a busy RP and need reliable and efficient advice with our cases – I can confirm that we certainly have that.’
‘Capsticks has the flexibility to shape its service to ensure it is providing what the client needs,without incurring unnecessary costs. In addition to frugality, they are second to none, in excellence at the point of service delivery. Each and every team member I have spoken to, has been friendly, approachable and very knowledgable, keeping me updated on the cases and providing advice and assistance when needed.’
‘I work mainly with Mike Owen. I can’t speak highly enough of him and his approach. He is professional yet approachable and is always open to provide advice and a steer when we are struggling for how to deal with a particular problem.’
‘An exceptional team with our project lead Katrina Day – outstanding and a pleasure to work with. Kat has excellent commercial knowledge, superb attention to detail and a strong problem solving approach.’
‘Michael Owen is always accessible and responsive and knowledgeable. He is always someone who gives plain, clear advice, giving the legal position but always getting the landlord position and giving common sense, practical options.’
‘Katrina Day will also provide any advice in a very clear, transparent way setting out the key issues, any risks and her recommendations. Katrina is quick to offer help with drafting of any legal letters or amendments to contracts etc. and has always been honest, open and clear with her advice as well as being friendly, helpful and polite. She is a real pleasure to work with and a real asset to Capsticks.’
Key clients
Livewest
Riverside
Sovereign
Southern
Raven Housing Trust
PA Housing
Aster Group
Two Rivers
Moat Homes
Platform Housing
Work highlights
- Represented Riverside on a leading housing fraud case, obtaining the second largest ever Unlawful Profit Order in the country (£145,111.89), together with substantial costs.
- Represented Aster to obtain an out of hours emergency injunction in the High Court with a Power of Arrest, to remove an occupier from premises which had become structurally unsafe following a car collision.
- Acted for Tonic Housing in relation to the acquisition of 19 units at Bankhouse in London from another Registered Provider. This scheme is unique as it has been delivered as the Country’s first LGBTQ+ shared ownership scheme.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant
In Leeds, Capsticks LLP is a key advisor to NHS Trusts across the north of England, sitting on the NHS Resolutions Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts panel since 1995. Counterfraud and fundamental dishonesty claims are key areas of strength for the team, with associate Ruth Day taking a lead on these cases. The group has also seen continued growth in its inquest work, regularly handling sensitive and high-profile matters. Key partners include group litigation specialist Philip HatherallPractice head(s):
Philip Hatherall; Dominic Ip; Keith Blundred; Ian Cooper; Adam Hartrick
Other key lawyers:
Ruth Day; Lucy Harding
Testimonials
‘One of the strongest defendant clinical negligence teams outside of London. The Leeds office has gone from strength to strength, attracting real talent.’
‘Dominic Ip is very experienced, has real expertise and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘In my view, Capsticks are the pre-eminent clinical negligence defendant litigation firm. Continuity between the Leeds and London practice is in my experience seamless.’
‘Unparalleled knowledge of this sector and this work.’
‘All work hard and are committed to their cases. Ruth Day is outstandinglu good at seeing a case through to the finish.’
‘An excellent team of lawyers punching about their weigh in the clinical negligence market.’
‘Very strong team, and skilled at particularly complex or high value clinical negligence cases.’
Key clients
NHS Resolution
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospitals NHS Trust
MDDUS
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Represented NHS Resolution and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust in the fundamental dishonesty case of Darren Dommett, who sought to defraud the NHS of approximately £2m.
- Representing NHS Resolution, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in historic physical and sexual abuse claims from more than 80 patients at Hill End Hospital, St Albans.
- Succesfully defended NHS Resolution and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust against an alleged misdiagnosis of prostate cancer.
West Midlands > Employment > Employment
Capsticks LLP has an excellent reputation for its work in the health and social care sectors and frequently advises clients in the NHS, private healthcare, medical technology, emergency services and GP practice fields. It continues to act for a large number of social housing associations and is skilled at defending complicated employment tribunal cases as well as being strong on non-contentious matters under the direction of Victoria Watson .Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Lewis – is exceptionally knowledgeable, dedicated and one of the best strategic thinkers in the employment field. He navigates clients through hideously complex litigation successfully and works damn hard to ensure outcomes. His work ethic is second to none and he achieves consistently fantastic results. In addition to NHS work Jonathan has carved a specialism representing the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in litigation and I have worked with him in such cases so he can give a detailed perspective on this’.
‘John Hatton – A wonderful and charismatic lawyer who is dedicated to his clients and hardworking. John is a bubbly character who makes all in his company feel at ease. He is an expert on NHS cases‘.
‘Raj Chahal deals with the absolutely most complex cases against the NHS. She is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in cases and is very adaptive to change. Raj is the rock in the Capsticks team and is very well respected by employment lawyers nationally. Raj is particularly adept at managing high value and complex litigation. She is well respected! ‘.
‘Very detailed in their preparation of cases, meticulously prepared witness statements, and very helpful instructions to counsel. Raj Chahal and John Hatton both work exceptionally well as a team and are individually excellent lawyers‘.
‘The team is always responsive and helpful. Most of my requests are time critical and I appreciate the fact that I can always get a response. They break things down in lay mans’ terms and avoid legal jargon. They are transparent about billing and pricing’.
‘Intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the healthcare sector with transparent billing. Raj Chahal’s no nonsense, reassuring, timely approach along with her attention to detail is impressive. John Hatton is tough whilst displaying an impressive level of compassion, he quickly gets to the heart of an issue. In addition, he’s uber organised and keeps us appraised of progress which provides the necessary level of assurance when litigating a number of cases simultaneously on top of a busy day job!’.
‘Brilliant employment law knowledge coupled with an excellent understanding of the NHS makes them our top choice. Jonathan Lewis is approachable, knowledgeable and always returns my calls. His practical advice is always much appreciated‘.
‘Their ability to relate to employment law in practice and from the lens of HR is brilliant. They are open and transparent with their approach. Took and continue to take time to understand what we are trying to achieve and how they might consider their response to suit the needs of our business. Stand-out are Victoria Watson and Jonathan Lewis’.
Key clients
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Barts Health NHS Trust
Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Social Work England
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital NHS Trust
Arden and GEM CSU
University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Instructed by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in respect of a race and disability discrimination claim where the disability relied upon was Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS). The team understands that this is the first published judgment where the tribunal has considered whether EMS is a disability under the Equality Act 2010.
- Instructed by the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to advise on complex employment and pension arrangements in relation to former council staff, and in particular negotiated pensions documents in order to avoid a multi-million pound deficit being crystallised and to ensure ongoing access for 350 staff to the local government pension scheme.
- Advising the Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited in respect of a claim by a solicitor against the regulatory body that it had discriminated against him. The claim was successfully dismissed following a preliminary hearing and a costs award was made against the claimant.
West Midlands > Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant
Capsticks LLP > Firm Profile
Capsticks is one of the leading national law firms in health, housing and social care and has an unrivalled understanding of the professional regulatory and emergency services sectors. The firm provides a full-service offering for all of its clients and is well regarded for its practical, market-driven solutions.
The firm: Capsticks acts on the most high-value and politically sensitive cases in the health, social care and housing sectors. This year’s highlights include: advising Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust on its lease of Headley Court near Leatherhead so that the hospital could be used as the first Covid-19 rehabilitation facility, as well as representing London Ambulance Service NHS Trust at the inquest into the death of Kevin Clarke; a high-profile matter before the Chief Coroner of Inner London and the longest jury inquest held post-Covid.
Capsticks’ specialist housing team acts for over 200 registered providers nationwide. Recent case highlights include advising Stonewater on the acquisition of 731 tenanted homes worth £46m, providing homes for vulnerable residents supported by care packages, and assisting Aster Group with taking possession proceedings following a seizure of the largest cannabis production factory in the South West of England taking place at one of our client’s properties.
Current healthcare clients include NHS Resolution, NHS England/Improvement, NHS Employers, Barts Health NHS Trust, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley Health NHS Trust, Community Health Partnerships, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, North Lincolnshire And Goole NHS Foundation Trust, MDDUS and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. The firm also represents professional regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Social Work England, the General Dental Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Teaching Regulation Agency, as well as housing associations including L&Q, Aster, Sovereign, Orbit and Metropolitan Thames Valley. The emergency services team acts for the Metropolitan Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, among many others.
The firm’s HR advisory services (non-legal) provide an extensive range of consultancy services for all its markets. The team handles day-to-day employee relations, disciplinary issues, investigations, absence management as well as organisational change.
Types of work undertaken: The firm’s work includes clinical law, corporate and commercial, employment, housing, litigation, real estate and regulatory advice.
Clinical law: This department comprises both clinical advice and defence against clinical negligence claims, serious complaints and incidents. The clinical negligence team acts for NHS Resolution and medical malpractice insurers, which involves defending against high-value claims arising from catastrophic injuries and major inquests. The team also handle large-scale public inquiries and investigations, with a focus on protecting client reputation. Our clinical advisors deal with a large volume of patient care, Court of Protection and mental capacity matters such as consent-to-treatment cases and complex decision-making under mental health legislation. The team has a strong reputation for advising on sensitive and high-profile cases and judicial reviews of major service reconfiguration decisions.
Corporate and commercial: The division provides full legal support to the NHS and private healthcare providers, as well as housing associations and social care providers. The team is well versed in landmark transactions, M&A, joint ventures/collaboration arrangements, corporate finance, PFI and capital procurement projects.
Employment and pensions: This department is one of the largest healthcare employment teams in the country. The team has a close working partnership with NHS employers, providing NHS workforce leaders with access to expert HR, legal and business advice and defence in employment tribunals. The team also acts for housing providers, GP Federations and Emergency Service providers, offering HR support including advice relating to organisational change, employee relations and TUPE. It also provides a HR advisory and consultancy service to healthcare bodies nationally.
Housing: The practice advises housing associations and registered providers on a national, full-service scale. Its expertise includes bespoke private developments and regeneration projects, housing and leasehold management (including anti-social behaviour and disrepair disputes), as well as security charging, banking and treasury matters. The practice is well regarded by the legal directories, with all offices being ranked and the team in the South maintaining its place in the top tier for several years.
Litigation: The team specialise in the resolution of commercial and property disputes across NHS Trusts and large housing associations. Clients also include emergency services organisations, local authorities as well as healthcare regulatory bodies and a growing number of non-healthcare regulators, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Real estate: The division acts for an unrivalled number of public and private sector healthcare clients and housing providers on major property transactions, leases, asset management and estate matters. In addition to complex and innovative joint venture redevelopments, it acts on some of the largest and most politically sensitive hospital developments, NHS surplus land sales and urban regeneration schemes in the country. The firm acts for over 200 housing providers supporting complex development programmes and asset management.
Regulatory: The team conducts hundreds of professional discipline cases each year, including “fitness to practise” matters and High Court appeals. It acts for eight of the ten statutory health and social care regulators, as well as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Teaching Regulation Agency.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior partner | Rachael Heenan | rachael.heenan@capsticks.com | |
Managing Partner | Martin Hamilton | martin.hamilton@capsticks.com | |
NHS Healthcare | Andrew Rowland | andrew.rowland@capsticks.com | |
Housing and Regeneration | Chimi Shakohoxha | chimi.shakohoxha@capsticks.com | |
Housing Management | Michael Owen | michael.owen@capsticks.com | |
Private Healthcare, Clinical law | Ian Cooper | ian.cooper@capsticks.com | |
Clinical claims | Peter Marquand | peter.marquand@capsticks.com | |
Corporate and commercial | Stephen Tainsh | stephen.tainsh@capsticks.com | |
Litigation | David Firth | david.firth@capsticks.com | |
Regulatory | Mark Whiting | mark.whiting@capsticks.com | |
Employment | Victoria Watson | victoria.watson@capsticks.com | |
Primary care | Sam Hopkins | sam.hopkins@capsticks.com | |
Healthcare governance, administrative and public law | Peter Edwards | peter.edwards@capsticks.com | |
Real estate | Sam Hopkins | sam.hopkins@capsticks.com | |
Data protection and information law | Andrew Latham | andrew.latham@capsticks.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Catherine Bennett | Experience Catherine has over 12 years’ experience of handling complex, sensitive and… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Clarke | As an experienced projects and commercial partner Lee has advised on a… | View Profile |
![]() | Jamie Cuffe | Experience Jamie is a Partner in the Commercial team and advises a… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Edwards | Experience Peter has 30 years’ experience of advising healthcare and other organisations… | View Profile |
![]() | Martin Hamilton | Experience Martin is Managing Partner at Capsticks. As well as being responsible… | View Profile |
![]() | Majid Hassan | Experience Majid leads the firm’s medical malpractice insurance team with considerable experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Philip Hatherall | Experience Philip has been a Partner at Capsticks since 2002, a Nominated… | View Profile |
![]() | Sam Hopkins | Experience Sam is a Partner at Capsticks and heads the firm’s Real… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Ashley Irons | Ashley has specialised in advising hospitals (in the public and private sector)… | View Profile |
![]() | Francis Lyons | Francis is a partner in our Public Law team and he advises… | View Profile |
![]() | Dr Peter Marquand | Experience Peter has been a partner at Capsticks since 2000. He heads… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Owen | Experience Michael is head of the Housing Management Team at Capsticks. In… | View Profile |
![]() | James Penry-Davey | Experience James leads Capsticks’ regulatory team. He joined Capsticks in 2007 and… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Purcell | Experience Daniel has spent his career handling disputes and investigations for the… | View Profile |
![]() | Susie Rogers | Experience Susie is a Partner in the Housing team at Capsticks, specialising… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Rowland | Experience Andrew is Head of Capsticks’ national NHS Healthcare practice and a… | View Profile |
![]() | Chimi Shakohoxha | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Daniel Skinner | Experience Daniel is a partner in the Housing Management team. He has… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Tainsh | Partner and Head of the Medical Technology Group | View Profile |
![]() | Victoria Watson | Victoria is head of Capsticks’ national employment practice, leading a team of… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Whiting | Mark heads Capsticks professional regulatory sector team. Since qualifying in 2001, he… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 59 Number of other UK fee-earners : 276Languages
EnglishClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Don Fairley, Workforce Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
TESTIMONIAL: Capsticks have provided comprehensive, practical advice on some complex HR issues impacted by the pandemic. This has included advice on the risks associated with allowing staff to manufacture and wear their own PPE and the risks of refusing, how to ensure that management processes are progressed with a view to protected patient safety, and dealing with staff who refuse to return from home-working due to fear of virus transmission and risk factors including race and disability. They have also supported us to amend our employment contracts to better meet the needs of a more flexible workforce.
CLIENT: Anna Hills, Chief Executive
COMPANY/FIRM: James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
TESTIMONIAL: The James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been working with Capsticks for several years and really value the work they carry out in their role as our panel firm. From the start of our working relationship we have worked in partnership and I have found the team to be flexible and responsive. The teams provide prompt and proactive advice on both the legal matters and wider organisational points. The team are expert, accessible at all times and always willing to assist wherever needed. The advice given has helped support members of the Trust through a range of issues and practical recommendations. The Trust receives a first-rate service from the Capsticks and their dedication to their profession is exceptional.
CLIENT: Bridget O’Kelly
COMPANY/FIRM: Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
TESTIMONIAL: BHT has been a client of Capsticks for more than 10 years. During the past year, as well as providing us with support to our business as usual (which has included complex employee relation cases, employment tribunals, organisational change and TUPE) the team has provided advice specifically in relation to issues arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The advice has covered a wide range of issues; this includes (but is not limited to) the following areas:
- Contracts/MOUs with employers (NHS and non-NHS) providing staff
- Onboarding: NHSP rapid response contracts for new workers
- Redeployment of staff: disciplinary/regulatory issues and indemnity for clinical negligence
- Terms and conditions: annual leave, furlough and pay for staff and agency/bank workers
- Health and safety issues: risk assessments; home working; swabbing of asymptomatic colleagues, quarantine and travel issues
The Capsticks team has been extremely responsive throughout, understanding the pressures that we are under from regulators, unions and our colleagues. Their advice is well-researched and founded on years of knowledge of working in the NHS, giving me and the executive team the confidence in our decision making.
CLIENT: Chris Archer, Assistant Director of Strategic Development
COMPANY/FIRM: Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust
TESTIMONIAL: Capsticks advised the Trust on a multi-million pound deal to design, finance and build two multi-storey car parks and to find a car park operator for all of the Trust’s parking. The contractual arrangements were particularly complex and the Trust were supported principally by Lee Clarke and Henry Matveieff and their teams. Lee and Henry worked very closely with the Trust team to advise at every stage of the procurement and contractual negotiation processes. Their advice was timely, responsive and proactive, appropriate, professional and personable and allowed the Trust to secure contracts that achieved the Trust’s objectives for the project. Not only did they turn the Trust’s objectives into contracts, they introduced critical issues that the Trust team had not considered, and were able to negotiate directly on the Trust’s behalf on contractual matters. Full financial close on the deal was reached in August 2020, despite the impact of COVID-19 on working arrangements at the Trust, at Capsticks and for the other parties involved. Our experience has been such that Lee and Henry continue to be the “go-to team” that we approach for legal advice on other projects; it has been, and continues to be, a pleasure working with them.
CLIENT: Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment
COMPANY/FIRM: Metropolitan Thames Valley
TESTIMONIAL: MTVH have worked with Capsticks across a number of complex and routine legal issues.
The collaboration between teams has led to significant improvements in the delivery and management of key transactions across the business. These work streams have ranged from putting in place a comprehensive power of attorney approach across our business. Simplifying and speeding up sales transactions across multiple business streams as well as comprehensive procurement support.
The team are well resourced, knowledgeable and have an acute understanding of the need to act with speed and accuracy to support our business needs.
Diversity
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
At Capsticks, we rely on the talents of a diverse and highly skilled workforce. Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones to the way we operate daily. We know that it is the difference amongst people which adds strength to our organisation and ensures we are able to provide the best service to our clients. The firm will strive at all times to meet, as a minimum, its legislative and regulatory duties by ensuring our culture is one where inclusion and mutual respect are core principles which are celebrated by all.
In practice, this means that everyone who interacts with the firm (employees, partners, secondees, outsourced providers and agency workers, clients and third party contractors) will receive equal treatment regardless of sex (including pregnancy and maternity), gender and gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, age, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), sexual orientation, religion, belief, social background or disability (referred to below as ‘protected characteristics’).
We believe in taking a proactive approach to diversity and inclusion that makes best use of everyone’s unique talents. We achieve this through a mix of:
- A genuinely open culture
- Compulsory diversity training
- Highly robust recruitment procedures
Our commitment to diversity means going beyond compliance with anti-discrimination legislation. We monitor the diversity profile of our workforce so that we can measure progress over time. Please see our latest diversity statistics.
We welcome the gender pay gap reporting initiative as an important step in creating greater gender balance within the legal profession, and the legal sector as a whole. Read our gender and ethnicity pay gap report 2020.
In recent months we have arranged events to celebrate International Women’s Day, marked Mental Health Awareness Week with a focus on health and wellbeing, and are proud to be part of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme.
We pride ourselves in celebrating difference and promoting equality and inclusion through our EDI initiatives. Below are some examples of our recent EDI initiatives:
- In October 2019 we became corporate signatories to Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, committing to an open and honest dialogue about race and committing to achieve further diversity and equality through initiatives such as championing, sponsorship and mentoring.
- We are corporate partners of the Black Solicitors Network and hosted a table at the annual EDI awards in 2018. We celebrate Black History Month and are making plans for this October.
- We are corporate diversity champions of Stonewall and are using their extensive experience to help us further embed EDI within our culture. Stonewall recently hosted ‘lunch and learn’ awareness raising sessions in each of our offices and we hosted a float at Leeds Pride in 2019 and had a remote presence at Stonewall’s annual conference this year.
- We are corporate signatories to the Mindful Business Charter, a public commitment by law firms and their clients to create workplaces where unnecessary sources of stress are removed and where good mental health wellbeing is actively promoted. We have 15 Mental Health First Aiders who meet quarterly to promote the wellbeing agenda.
- Hosted EDI round tables open to all staff across each of our offices to invite their thoughts around our objectives and to share their ideas.
- Dispute resolution > Professional discipline
- Insurance > Clinical negligence: defendant
- Real estate > Social housing
- Public sector > Health
- Public sector > Health
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Public sector > Healthcare
- Real estate > Social housing: local authorities and registered providers
- Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant
Firm Rankings
- Private client > Court of protection
- Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Employers
- Public sector > Administrative and public law
- Real estate > Commercial property: Birmingham
- Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire