Well-regarded among professional regulators across the healthcare, social care, legal services, and education sectors, Capsticks LLP expertly handles the full spectrum of regulatory practice, from initial investigations through to appellate litigation. James Penry-Davey advises statutory regulators on complex and high-profile cases, including judicial reviews and High Court appeals, and he co-heads the practice alongside Mark Whiting, who brings experience across fitness to practice, judicial reviews, and regulatory policy. Nicole Curtis focuses on healthcare and veterinary matters, advising on rules, guidance, and Privy Council appeals, and Anna Holdsworth handles clinical, behavioural, and misconduct cases, including High Court appeals. Other key members of the department include Keziah Pearson, who delivers fitness for practice investigations and advises on complex regulatory matters, and Louisa Atkin, who prosecutes serious and complex cases involving vulnerable witnesses. Kate Steele also continues to be a significant member of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is all experienced and knowledgeable in an array of different areas and gives you confidence that they will manage work to a high standard. In particular, Keziah Pearson and Avnish Ghoorbin are always highly responsive and approachable.
- James Penry-Davey is the quiet colossus of the regulatory sphere. His sector knowledge is unrivaled and he is truly a great person to work with. You will always get common sense, reality, and great service from James.
- Nicole Curtis - Hugely experienced partner. She is a barrister by training and undertakes much of her own advocacy to a very high standard. She has an excellent understanding of her clients' needs. Ros Foster - Excellent solicitor who will always go the extra mile for her clients. She has a great depth of experience across a range of sectors and has very good judgment.
- Excellent team with great strength in depth across a range of sectors.
- Anna Holdsworth is wise, extremely experienced, and is a leader in the regulatory field. She heads up an impressive team who always go above and beyond for their clients - she is second to none in her expertise, and there is no one who cares more about achieving the best results for their clients.
- Capsticks' regulatory team is without parallel. They are experienced, pragmatic, and always go the extra mile for their clients.
Key clients
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Farriers Registration Council
- Teaching Regulation Agency
- Health and Care Professions Council
- General Chiropractic Council
- General Osteopathic Council
- Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
- Social Work England
- General Dental Council
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Work highlights
Acted for the Bar Standards Board in an investigation into a barrister following three separate complaints from young women of sexual misconduct by a senior member of the Bar.
Represented the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in proceedings leading to veterinary surgeon Dr K being struck off for matters including the mutilation of a Labrador.
Acted for Social Work England in relation to a Social Worker who engaged in an improper personal and sexual relationship with a vulnerable Service User over the course of ten months and dishonestly covered this up to his employer, including in a report they wrote for a Family Court hearing and during the Council’s investigation into his conduct.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Anna Holdsworth
Keziah Pearson
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Louisa Atkin
Practice head
James Penry-Davey; Mark Whiting
Other key lawyers
Nicole Curtis; Anna Holdsworth; Keziah Pearson; Louisa Atkin; Kate Steele