Corporate entities in the healthcare, social care, and education sectors regularly seek out the expertise of CMS for support on professional disciplinary matters and criminal investigations arising from regulatory compliance failures, including actions by the CQC, Ofsted, and police. Co-head Rachel Cooper represents both regulators and individuals in healthcare disciplinary proceedings, and co-head Yvonne Screene is a go-to adviser for medical regulators, with experience before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, General Dental Council, Court of Protection, and Public Inquiries. Katie Clarke defends members in complex GMC proceedings, inquests, and criminal matters, and Jennie Dawson represents corporate providers in proceedings brought by health, social care, and education regulators.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The firm offers an outstanding quality of service and boasts real strength of depth in its team. It has very high standards and very deep experience in the sector.
- The CMS team is really top-notch for medical professionals in disciplinary proceedings. Their national team means they have a wide understanding of the variety of medical sectors and working environments. Their strength lies in their people, who have a real depth of knowledge on tribunals and inquests.
- The CMS professional discipline team has the huge advantage of having among its members a number of solicitors who have acted both for regulators and defense organizations. All of the solicitors in the team are extremely hardworking and focused on achieving the best results for their clients - no stone is left unturned.
- They have led the way in tendering for legal services to regulators by offering end-to-end specialist advice and advocacy. They achieved this by entering into joint contracts with barristers' chambers, thereby providing the most appropriate expertise at each stage. This was an innovative and original approach, which has proved highly effective.
- Rachel Cooper is a superb team leader. She leads by example, securing loyalty with her charm and affability to get the best out of her staff. She is unrivaled in pitching for tenders - in absolute command of her brief and able to answer any query with impressive aplomb. Katie Clarke has total command of every detail of her cases. Her combination of exceptional efficiency and ready accessibility makes her an ideal adviser.
- Their expertise and consistent performance at a high level is commendable. A standout partner is Katie Clarke.
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.
Advising the General Pharmaceutical Council on 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.
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; Jennie Dawson