Renowned for its market-leading rail sector practice, Burges Salmon LLP leverages an ‘excellent depth of expertise’ to advise clients on health and safety issues across a diverse range of sectors. The cross-departmental team is well-equipped to represent companies in criminal and civil matters arising from serious incidents, including criminal litigation, regulatory enforcements and inquests. The team is co-led by Guy Bastable, a specialist in high-profile health and safety criminal and regulatory investigations, and the ’exceptional’ Charlotte Whitaker, who handles multi-fatality incidents and sensitive inquests. Sam Aldous specialises in corporate crime and regulatory investigations, director Ben Davies has extensive experience in criminal litigation, and Marisa Hornabrook advises clients on crisis management and incident response work. Marie-Elizabeth Bailey also comes recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has excellent depth of expertise in the field of health and safety. They have been able to advise and offer insight into the likely outcomes of both local government and inquisitorial proceedings. They are responsive and can accommodate tight regulatory deadlines. They work collaboratively and proactively.'
- 'Charlotte Whitaker has a wealth of experience dealing with health and safety matters. She offers realistic yet pragmatic advice with an eye on risk mitigation. She can offer real insight based on her significant experience.'
- 'Marie-Elizabeth Bailey is an up and coming associate. She is extremely responsive and has an excellent eye for detail.'
- 'Burges Salmon stands out as an excellent, market-leading law firm with a strong commercial focus. A team of highly skilled professionals, the firm consistently delivers top-tier legal services across a diverse range of practice areas.'
- 'I have had the pleasure of working with Guy Bastable, I can confidently say that his performance is nothing short of excellent. Guy consistently demonstrates a high level of responsiveness, tasks are addressed promptly and efficiently. Guy's attention to detail is remarkable and his dedication instills confidence in those who rely on his expertise.'
- 'Practical advice, delivered in a pragmatic way.'
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- FirstGroup PLC
- Grand Pier Limited
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, including advising on the Improvement Notice, response to the interview under caution and approach to inquest proceedings.
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
Ben Davies
Practice head
Guy Bastable; Charlotte Whitaker
Other key lawyers
Sam Aldous; Ben Davies; Marie-Elizabeth Bailey; Marisa Hornabrook; Olivia Pointon