Shoosmiths LLP‘s business crime and compliance team remains a reliable firm for corporates and senior leaders involved in serious cases involving fatalities, manslaughter, and major accidents; the group is also well-regarded for its crisis management expertise and understanding of adverse press and reputational risk. The team continues to provide specialist advice throughout a variety of sectors, including the healthcare, manufacturing, and food spaces. Hayley Saunders leads the national team out of the Birmingham office, with both contentious and non-contentious offerings. Kirsty Hughes advises companies on a wide range of health and safety matters, handling both internal and external investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Shoosmiths have got superb strength and depth across their health and safety offering.'

  • 'They are particularly adept at working collaboratively with Counsel to achieve the best outcome for their clients.’

  • ‘The team is incredibly knowledgeable within the sector and has strength in depth at every level.’

  • ‘Each member of the team is highly knowledgeable and can genuinely state that they are experts in the field. Hayley Saunders leads the team effortlessly and has arguably the best client care skills I have ever seen. Kirsty Hughes and Stephen Johnson offer superb support and are stars in their own right.’

  • ‘The team can cover both proactive best practice advice as well as reactive critical incident response.’

  • ‘Hayley Saunders is the standout partner who leads the Health and Safety practice nationally. Hayley's breadth of experience and intellect, coupled with her empathetic and down-to-earth character, make her a go-to leader in the field for both businesses and individuals alike.’

Work highlights

Advised a large retailer in relation to managing the health and safety risks arising from RAAC across its vast real estate portfolio.
Advised a manufacturer of lifting equipment following a fall from height.
Advised an individual in relation to gross negligence manslaughter arising from a workplace fatality.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Hayley Saunders

Other key lawyers

Kirsty Hughes; Stephen Johnson