CMS, which houses ‘one of the best professional discipline teams in the marketplace’, routinely defends medical practitioners in disciplinary proceedings, on behalf of the MDU and MPS. The 21-strong professional discipline and regulatory team also assists the GPhC and GOC with preparing professional disciplinary cases for hearing. The group further acts for a range of corporate entities from the healthcare, social care and education sectors in professional disciplinary matters. The practice is co-led by ’true team player’ Rachel Cooper, who is a specialist in professional discipline and regulatory advisory work in the healthcare, social care and education sectors; and the ‘extremely diligent’ Yvonne Screene, an expert in medical advisory work and defending medical and dental claims. The next line of experienced practitioners includes Katie Clarke, who prosecutes cases for the GOC and GPhC, alongside defending MDU members in disciplinary cases; Nyree Bichard, who acts for the MDU in high-profile matters; and Jennie Dawson, who prosecutes cases for the GOC and GPhC, and defends HCPC registrants and MDU members in disciplinary cases. Natasha Ricioppo left the firm in September 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the best professional discipline teams in the marketplace.’
‘All members of the team have extensive knowledge and experience in this practice area.’
‘They are well resourced and work extremely hard at delivering the best results for their clients.’
- ‘A very professional and impressive firm. In respect of the London office, Yvonne Screene is extremely attentive to clients and of great help at hearings.’
‘Yvonne Screene is extremely diligent and clearly cares enormously for her clients.’
‘Katie Clarke and Rachel Cooper are standout practitioners.’
‘Katie Clarke’s calm, focused and resolute approach to a case can be described as nothing less than exceptional.’
‘Rachel Cooper is a joy to work with - she is a true team player.’
Key clients
- General Optical Council
- Medical Defence Union
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Medical Protection Society
- Siemens Healthcare
Work highlights
- Acting for the Medical Defence Union in proceedings brought by the GMC against two senior doctors, arising from the management of Ian Paterson (now disgraced breast surgeon, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for wounding patients with intent).
- Acting for the Medical Defence Union in relation to 29 doctors, who were identified as Core Participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry.
- Acting for the General Pharmaceutical Council in its investigations into complaints made against numerous Registrants, including concerns about sexual misconduct, inappropriate prescribing of controlled drugs, and exporting drugs without appropriate authorisations (among others).
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.
Practice head
Rachel Cooper; Yvonne Screene
Other key lawyers
Katie Clarke; Nyree Bichard; Jennie Dawson