RPC‘s Bristol offering stands out for its ’unrivalled strength in depth’, with an expanding team of specialists working across sub-groups dedicated to various professional sectors, including solicitors, accountants, tech and construction professionals. Rhian Howell spearheads the Bristol practice, while the ‘go-to’ Will Sefton specialises in defending solicitors and directors, as head of the firm’s lawyers liability and regulatory group. Rachael Healey handles claims against financial professionals; Daniel Guilfoyle is the head of cyber and tech; Ben Goodier leads the construction sub-group, acting in multi-party and high value claims against construction professions and brokers; and Scott Ashby is a key contact for claims against legal professionals. In January 2025, Catrin Davies joined the firm, formerly a partner at DAC Beachcroft LLP. Davies brings extensive expertise acting for leading law firms in civil and regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Will Sefton is at the top of his game. He is the go-to partner for complex, challenging cases.’
‘Ben Goodier is an excellent choice for matters which call for a clear head and a commercial approach. His calm and approachable manner mean clients feel at their ease when discussing tricky or sensitive issues and his advice is always pragmatic. He is surrounded by a very capable team of partners and associates.’
‘A strong presence in construction-related professional indemnity claims. One of the leading practices for the cladding disputes that are currently dominating the market.’
‘RPC has depth of expertise and experience at all levels. Whether I am consulting with a senior partner or an associate, I routinely receive detailed and commercially appropriate advice.’
‘RPC offer a really strong professional indemnity offering across all the professions, they are able to deal with claims effectively and efficiently considering the commerciality and realities of litigation to identify strategy. ’
'In my opinion, in terms of solicitors' negligence defence work, RPC's Bristol team is not just the best in the South West but the best in the entire country. Overall, what makes them stand out is unrivalled strength in depth, with excellent lawyers throughout their team from partner level through to the most junior associates.'
‘The team is well-established and has an in-depth knowledge of their field combined with a sensible commercial understanding of the environment in which they operate.’
‘RPC are our go-to firm for solicitors' negligence cases and we would highly recommend them for their first class service. They are extremely well versed in the law, with a number of specialists led by Will Sefton. They are a very well-organised team, very pleasant to deal with and very responsive to our needs.’
'The environment seems to be very supportive at all levels (from juniors up to partners) and the client experience is always very good - we know what to expect and we aren't disappointed.'
'Will Sefton is a first class lawyer who has a great ability to get to the heart of a problem and who then provides clear advice on strategies for resolution. Nothing is too much trouble for him, and his good humour never fails him!'
Key clients
- Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP
- AXA XL Insurance Company Limited
- Forsters LLP
- Peter Lyn & Partners
Work highlights
Acting in the defence of a litigated claim against two individuals pursued in their capacity as former administrators of the claimant companies in a c. £30m claim.
Acted for Peter Lynn & Partners in Oxford Property Investments Limited (1) & Sapphire Developments Limited v Peter Lyn & Partners in a claim brought for £19m.
Acted for Thomas Snell Passmore LLP in a claim against it for negligence, corruption, fraud, material non-disclosure and perjury relating to extremely acrimonious and long-running divorce 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.
Practice head
Rhian Howell; Will Sefton; Ben Goodier; Dan Guilfoyle
Other key lawyers
Rachel Healey; Scott Ashby; Catrin Davies