CMS‘ professional discipline and regulatory team regularly acts on behalf of regulatory bodies, preparing disciplinary cases for hearing, as well as defending medical practitioners in disciplinary proceedings, inquests, and police investigations on behalf of the Medical Defence Union. The group has a growing practice advising corporate clients in specialist education, children’s homes, and young adult care homes. The team benefits from the joint leadership of Rachel Cooper, who brings a wealth of experience acting for both regulators and individuals in the healthcare sector, and Yvonne Screene, who regularly acts for the Medical Defence Union, as well as representing doctors in judicial reviews and at appeals. Key support in this area is provided by Katie Clarke, who handles complex disciplinary cases and criminal proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Rachel Cooper heads a great team. CMS has wide-ranging experience in the sector, both prosecuting and defending. They are robust in giving advice, whilst maintaining an appropriate level of empathy.’
‘Rachel Cooper is a great leader. Her knowledge of the professional discipline sector is second to none. She is brilliantly assisted by Katie Clarke. She is also extremely industrious and prepared to work all hours to make sure a case is in the best shape it can be.’
‘The team led by partner Rachel Cooper is phenomenal. Their in-depth knowledge and long-standing experience in this area of practice make all the difference to every client they represent, and it would be very difficult to find a more hardworking team.’
‘Rachel Cooper is outstanding, whilst Katie Clarke is one of the most impressive practitioners at her level in this practice area.’
‘Attention to detail. A stand-out partner is Yvonne Screen.’
‘Rachel Cooper is the partner leading the team. She is entrepreneurial and always looking for a new niche. She will turn her hand to anything a client needs. Her background in business makes her particularly attractive to corporations.’
Key clients
- General Optical Council
- Medical Defence Union
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Medical Protection Society
- Outcomes First Group
Work highlights
Instructed by the MDU to represent four MDU members in relation to HM Coroner's investigation into Ian Paterson.
Acted on behalf of the General Pharmaceutical Council investigating complaints made against numerous Registrants, including concerns relating to sexual misconduct, inappropriate prescribing of controlled drugs, exporting drugs without appropriate authorisations, theft, dishonesty, mismanagement of medication, criminal convictions, and workplace bullying.
Acted for a clinician called before the Thirwall Inquiry, concerning the Chester Hospital baby deaths, on instructions from the MDU.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Katie Clarke
Practice head
Rachel Cooper; Yvonne Screene
Other key lawyers
Katie Clarke