Burges Salmon LLP’s health and safety team is noted in particular for its activity in the rail sector, where the firm is regularly called on to assist with major accident matters. The range of sector expertise within the firm remains broad, and covers industries such as food, agriculture, construction, and retail. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Ann Metherall heads the team and also leads the firm’s dispute resolution group as well as its major incidents response team; she is frequently sought-out by rail sector clients. Multi-fatality incidents are an area of expertise for Charlotte Whitaker. Sam Aldous is also a name to note in the team. Sian Edmunds left the firm for an in-house position in January 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are extremely professional and are very efficient and effective in the legal service they provide. They go the extra mile and make sure you understand all the advice and implications of any decision making and impacts therein. They make it easy to understand and have a great track-record in giving the correct advice and support whenever needed.'
‘Ann Metherall is extremely knowledgeable about health and safety and the rail industry. She adds great value and is a great sounding board during difficult times.'
'Charlotte Whitaker is always available to explain everything that I need to know in a way that is not legalistic and understandable. She is diligent and supportive.’
‘A superb team. Always 100% committed and able to deal swiftly and authoritatively with the most difficult cases.’
‘Ann Metherall is a star of immense experience and peerless judgment. Charlotte Whitaker is a superb lawyer, providing a first-class service in the most complex and sensitive cases.'
‘Burges Salmon have an extremely capable and highly experienced team dealing with incident and crisis management in the health and safety field.'
'They have a tremendous track-record in transport disaster, as well as in advising and defending corporate bodies in police and HSE investigations.'
'Any organisation requiring the services of this team will be appreciative of the skillset within it. There are not many firms around that can rival the H&S work undertaken by Burges Salmon as there is a nice mix and interaction with its corporate criminal defence team. It is no surprise that they attract the large corporations in the transport and industrial fields.’
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- FirstGroup PLC
- John Lewis Partnership plc
Work highlights
- Advised a client in the transport sector on a multi-fatality incident including advising on the criminal investigations, inquests and prosecution.
- Advised an energy sector client on a fatality including the interview under caution and inquest proceedings.
- Advised a client on a corporate manslaughter investigation into a multi-fatality incident.
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.
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
Ann Metherall
Other key lawyers
Chris Jackson; Guy Bastable; Charlotte Whitaker; Sam Aldous