Burges Salmon LLP, based in Bristol, fields a team which ‘combines superb strategic and tactical sense with attention to detail and superb client care’, well regarded for its core expertise in the transport, energy and food sectors. Co-leading the department are Guy Bastable and Charlotte Whitaker. Bastable, who is particularly adept in health and safety and regulatory matters, benefits from a historic specialism in regulatory investigations and corporate crime. Whitaker handles a range of litigation in this area, and advises clients at the incident response phase of health and safety incidents. Sam Aldous has a specialism in regulatory investigations and corporate crime.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The individuals within the team instantly have the confidence of their clients. ’
‘Guy Bastable is one of the best partners I have worked with. He is instructed in the most high-profiles cases and there is an obvious reason for that.’
‘An outstanding team boasting huge experience across the whole range of criminal regulatory, inquest, and inquiry work. The team combines superb strategic and tactical sense with attention to detail and superb client care. The team has built on its unrivalled expertise in the transport sector.’
‘Charlotte Whitaker is a star – precise and balanced advice, and completely unflappable. Marie-Elizabeth Bailey deserves a special mention for her thoughtful approach to inquest work and the quality of her drafting. Ben Davies is another important addition to the team, combining knowledge and experience from his former role at an industry regulator with an affable and engaging approach.’
‘Charlotte Whitaker and her team provide a first class client service.’
‘What sets the Health and Safety team at Burgess Salmon LLP apart is its rare combination of technical excellence, sectoral breadth, and a calm, assured approach to even the most high-stakes regulatory challenges. The team is particularly adept at navigating the complex intersection of health and safety law, corporate manslaughter, and public inquiries.'
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- FirstGroup PLC
- Grand Pier Limited
- ScotRail
Work highlights
Advising Grand Pier Limited on its response to a health and safety prosecution and inquest following the death of a member of the public outside its premises.
Advising a client in the energy sector on a fatality at its operational site. This included advising on the Improvement Notice, response to the interview under caution and approach to inquest proceedings.
Advising a Core Participant in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in relation to the largest ever criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into allegations of corporate manslaughter and health and safety breaches arising out of the Grenfell Tower fire.
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.
Ann Metherall
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Charlotte Whitaker
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sam Aldous
Practice head
Guy Bastable; Charlotte Whitaker
Other key lawyers
Sam Aldous; Marie-Elizabeth Bailey; Ben Davies; Marisa Hornabrook