Katie Clarke
CMSCMS‘ 'highly responsive and cohesive' professional discipline and regulatory practice has a strong reputation for prosecuting individuals on behalf of regulators, such as the GOC and GPhC. The team also routinely acts for individual registrants before the GMC. In recent work, the practice acted for the GPHC in investigations into complaints made against several Registrants for sexual misconduct, inappropriate prescribing of controlled drugs, theft, dishonesty, and mismanagement of medication (among others) The group is co-led by Manchester-based Rachel Cooper, who leads the firm's GOC and GPhC prosecution work, and is 'the standout driving force behind this team'; and Yvonne Screene, who defends MDU members in high-profile cases. Also in Manchester, of counsel Katie Clarke and senior associate Natasha Ricioppo both prosecute cases for the GPhC, in addition to defending MDU members in disciplinary cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is highly responsive and cohesive, full of bright young individuals who work well together.'
- 'It takes an innovative approach to joint ventures, working seamlessly with Counsels' chambers to provide a one-stop service to clients.'
- 'What makes the practice unique is its leader Rachel Cooper. A dynamic tour de force lawyer. Leading a team by example whilst providing excellent support and encouragement.'
- 'Rachel Cooper is the standout driving force behind this team. Ceaseless drive, combined with compassion and good judgment.'
- 'Rachel Cooper is unparalleled in her ability to pitch for new contracts - in total command of her brief and able to deal with any questions flawlessly.'
- 'Rachel Cooper gets the very best out of her team, combining inspiration with support - an inimitable personal style.'
- 'Katie Clarke and Natasha Ricioppo are able, experienced lawyers, who are always readily responsive with sound and valuable judgment.'
- 'Nicole Ellerby is a young associate with a bright future.'
Key clients
- General Optical Council
- Medical Defence Union
- Atos
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Medical Protection Society
Work highlights
- Acting for the Medical Defence Union in proceedings brought by the General Medical against two senior doctors, arising from their role in the management of Ian Paterson (now-disgraced breast surgeon currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for intentionally harming patients).
- Acting for a physiotherapist in Health and Care Professions Council proceedings, in relation to multiple alleged incidents of dishonesty during a telephone assessment.
- Acting on behalf of the General Pharmaceutical Council, investigating complaints made against numerous Registrants.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Natasha Ricioppo
CMSLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Rachel Cooper
CMSNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Yvonne Screene
CMSPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rachel Cooper, Yvonne Screene