Regulatory and criminal defence solicitors

Regulatory and criminal defence solicitors

Our national team of over 20 regulatory and criminal defence lawyers represent professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, police officers, and other individuals facing legal proceedings.

Our team’s exceptional reputation as leaders in professional discipline is consistently acknowledged by Chambers UK and Legal 500. Over the years, we have been involved in some of the most significant and high profile regulatory and crime cases. Noteworthy examples include cases related to the MMR vaccination, the major case stemming from paediatric cardiac surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary, and another concerning breast screening in Devon. Additionally, we have successfully handled numerous appeals and challenges of regulatory decisions that reached the High Court.

Contact us

If you are a professional dealing with a criminal or regulatory law issue and need strategic and practical legal advice and support, contact our team today.

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    Our services

    Criminal defence

    Our criminal defence lawyers provide expert advice through every step of the criminal law process. Our expertise lies in the defence of healthcare professionals, and we have years of experience in managing cases related to sexual assault, gross negligence manslaughter, NHS counter-fraud, and similar areas. Whether you require assistance from the initial police station interview or representation in crown or magistrates’ court, our team is ready to provide support.

    Gross negligence manslaughter investigations

    Hempsons is renowned for its expertise in advising and defending individuals charged with gross negligence manslaughter. We have a successful track record representing doctors facing medical manslaughter charges, as well as assisting individuals charged with gross negligence manslaughter in other situations, including those under investigation by the Health & Safety Executive.

    Regulatory defence

    Our experienced regulatory defence solicitors advise healthcare practitioners and other professionals facing investigations from regulatory bodies. We have built a strong reputation in the field by acting on behalf of healthcare professionals before the MPTS/GMC and GDC. We can advise and assist you at all stages of a regulatory investigation.

    GMC investigations

    In the UK, all doctors are required to register with the General Medical Council (GMC). Facing a GMC investigation can be intimidating, but our dedicated team of specialist GMC defence lawyers is here to support you. We offer expert legal advice and assistance throughout various aspects, including fitness to practise investigations, preparing written responses to complaints, representing you in medical tribunals, and more. You can rely on our expertise to navigate the GMC process with confidence.

    GDC investigations

    If you’re a dentist facing a complaint or a hearing before the General Dental Council (GDC), our team is here to help. Our experienced GDC defence solicitors have a track record of successfully representing dentists, often leading to cases being resolved without a formal hearing. You can trust our expertise and support to guide you through the GDC process, ensuring effective navigation and pursuing the best possible outcome.

    HCPC investigations

    If you are a healthcare professional facing a complaint or investigation by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), it is crucial to seek legal advice early. Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in HCPC investigations and can provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the process.

    IFoA investigations

    If you have received a complaint from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and require assistance with the investigation process, our team is here to help. Our experienced solicitors understand the unique challenges that arise in such investigations and can provide expert advice and support at every step.

    GOsC investigations

    If you are an osteopath facing an investigation by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), our team is here to assist you. We offer comprehensive support throughout every stage of the investigation process, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Additionally, if required, we can represent you at Professional Conduct Committee or Health Committee hearings.

    Business and individual fraud investigations

    Hempsons’ criminal defence solicitors have years of experience in assisting clients facing allegations of fraud and can help with a wide range of investigations. Whether you have been accused of business crime or fraud on an individual basis, we can provide expert advice and guidance.

    Judicial reviews

    We are regularly engaged in applications for injunctions, judicial review, and appeals against decisions of regulatory bodies. Time is of the essence when facing these issues, so involving our experienced criminal defence lawyers early on is your best chance of success. Our team provides timely and effective assistance, leveraging our expertise to navigate these complex legal processes.

    Police officer representation

    We’re on the Police Federation’s panel of legal services providers. We offer representation to individual police officers facing misconduct investigations, criminal law proceedings, inquest representation, and employment issues. Our team is committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of police officers, providing expert legal support throughout the entire process.

    Sport

    Our experienced sports defence lawyers are well-equipped to advise clients in both amateur and professional sport settings. We help with representation before governing bodies, disciplinary panels, selection and funding committees, sports-related arbitration, and personal injury litigation. Whether you are an institution, or an individual involved in sports, our team is here to provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your needs.

    Our resources

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    Resources

    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Adam Smith possesses a wealth of expertise in defending clients facing GDC, GMC and HCPC investigations into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, dishonesty and sexual assault. He is also noted for his representation of police officers facing claims of misconduct.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Anne Ball's great - she's extremely experienced and knowledgeable.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Katherine Sheldrick has noteworthy experience of advising doctors and dentists in criminal investigations and fitness-to-practise hearings. She frequently defends individuals facing an array of allegations, ranging from driving offences and dishonesty to assault and attempted murder. ”
    • Legal 500 2022
      “The tireless and very clever Katherine Sheldrick is highly recommended for any person facing professional discipline proceedings, and has been a first choice for many for several years.”
    • Legal 500 2022
      “‘Hempsons’ team is committed to its clients, hardworking, knowledgeable, and empathetic to clients’ needs.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Paul Parsons is known for his longstanding relationship with the Police Federation of England and Wales. He is well regarded for his expertise in advising officers through both disciplinary and criminal allegations.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Hempsons is known for its comprehensive services offered to members of the Police Federation.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “It is a manifestly experienced team that excels in both criminal and police misconduct processes.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Hempsons has an acclaimed practice with specialist experience in the health and social care sectors. The firm is well known for its criminal expertise, which supports its strength in the disciplinary field.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Robert Newbould regularly advises police officers facing criminal, regulatory and disciplinary allegations. He is well regarded for his advisory work on behalf of the Police Federation of England and Wales.”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Surjit Dubb is a skilled professional discipline expert who is called upon by a range of medical professionals for his abilities in disciplinary and regulatory issues. He offers experience in proceedings before the MPTS, GDC and a variety of wider governing bodies. ”
    • Chambers UK 2023
      “Tania Francis is held in high regard for her defence of medical practitioners in GMC and GDC investigations. She is also adept at assisting with criminal proceedings and regulatory inquiries. ”
    • Legal 500 2022
      “Tania Francis is a qualified doctor and brings an invaluable perspective to any defence team.”