The health and safety offering at Hill Dickinson LLP is led by Liverpool’s Stephen Barnfield and Aoife Ryan, who splits her time between the firm's Liverpool and Manchester offices. Barnfield is ‘highly recommended’ by clients and has a particular specialism in regulatory defence matters pertaining to the marine sector, while Ryan is well-regarded for her capabilities representing defendants in cases ranging from food and hygiene safety breaches, to serious and fatal workplace incidents. Joanna Trewin in Manchester has a notable healthcare specialism and advises on related investigations and inquiries. Former team lead Philip Moy retired in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A diverse team with an excellent range of skills.'
- 'Work covers health and safety, food safety, regulatory enforcement and shipping. The team works efficiently as a unit. It is a very client-friendly team.'
- 'Aoife Ryan has a wealth of experience in litigation. Another who applies a calm and common sense approach to problems. Efficient and hardworking. An eye for detail.'
- 'Stephen Barnfield has an eye for detail and is a good lawyer. He has the ability to spot issues that are hidden away in a case and that may sometimes not appear obvious.'
- 'Stephen Barnfield has made us feel protected and supported in a new and uncertain time for us as a family business. I would highly recommend his services to any business going through a HSE investigation.'
- 'Stephen Barnfield is exceptionally bright and has the capacity to think outside the box. His client care skills are second-to-none.'
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stephen Barnfield; Aoife Ryan
Other key lawyers
Emma Stockwell; Joanna Trewin