Birketts LLP's offering draws on the firm's considerable cross-industry experience in serious health and safety defence, with a strong focus on disasters and multiple fatalities. The practice has a broad client base that includes private companies and local authorities. The team is jointly headed by ‘second-to-none’ duo Matthew Gowen and Julie Gowland, who ’know how the regulatory and enforcement bodies work’. Daniel Irving's practice covers the full spectrum of regulatory work and inquests. Rebecca Utton often assists clients with investigations and prosecutions by the HSE, and Francesca Reason has particular knowledge of construction industry health and safety issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Birketts LLP has an outstanding health and safety team. Their specialist knowledge, expertise and advocacy of environmental and safety legislation, is similarly matched in the exceptional client care, engagement and attention to detail. This is the go to team when you need safety advice.’
‘This expert health and safety team led by Matthew Gowen and Julie Gowland are second to none. They know how the regulatory and enforcement bodies work and how to navigate the complexities of inspections, investigations and enforcement action if the situation demands it.
- 'We feel that Birketts value and invest in us, and are always on hand at any time to provide their advice and support across all aspects of workplace safety and risk management.’
‘Key strength of Birkett's is the level of communication at all levels and the way they make themselves available when needed. Some would say its their job and you pay for it, but Birkett's in particular Matthew Gowen's team go above and beyond what is expected.
- 'Their good honest, understandable way of explaining the process and what could and couldn't happen enables me to better communicate to the rest of the board of directors.’
‘All of Matthew Gowen's team has a massive personal approach to how they act around you; from little things like how they greet you, the great tone of emails etc just make you want to talk to them and trust them.'
Key clients
- South Norfolk District Council
- Rochford District Council
- AFE Group Ltd
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Julie Gowland
Practice head
Matthew Gowen; Julie Gowland
Other key lawyers
Daniel Irving; Rebecca Utton; Francesca Reason; Emily Jones