Birketts LLP 'operates to the highest professional and ethical standards' and clients remark that the regulatory and corporate defence team 'provides expert technical advice in a very practical and personal way'. Matthew Gowen leads the practice from Ipswich, where legal director Daniel Irving is a key member of the team. Up-and-coming partner Julie Gowland in Norwich is a key adviser on HSE investigations, inquests, and prosecutions following serious and fatal accidents. All three are qualified barristers. Gowen and Gowland, who frequently handle disputes in the leisure and tourism, retail, aviation and construction industries, recently defended AFE Group in an HSE prosecution following a fatal accident at a private hospital.

HCR Hewitsons joins the rankings this year having significantly boosted its practice in recent years with key hires. The insurance risk and regulatory practice is led from London by Heath Thomas but Cambridge-based Kathryn Gilbertson, who joined the firm in 2022, is the region’s standout partner. She is ‘very committed to client service and is extremely knowledgeable regarding the law in the health and safety and fire safety sectors‘. Her work in criminal courts and tribunals throughout the UK spans more than three decades, and she is highly regarded for her work in the hospitality and retail sectors, as well as her advice to property developers, construction businesses, and facilities management companies.

Howes Percival LLP climbs the ranking this year having grown the team and won a number of new clients. The vastly experienced former practice head Alan Millband has stepped back to the role of consultant; Robert Starr, who works from both the Cambridge and Northampton offices, now leads on health and safety matters. He brings to bear extensive experience in fatal accident cases in the rail, food, retail and care sectors together with colleagues who are regulatory experts.

Mills & Reeve LLP joins the ranking this year due to its strong capability in regulatory matters in the health and care sectors. Lead partners Duncan Astill and Amanda Narkiewicz, both based in Cambridge, frequently handle proceedings in the First Tier Tribunal, police investigations into workplace fatalities, enforcement actions by the Health and Safety Executive, and inquests. Their regulatory expertise also covers Environment Agency investigations and prosecutions, and Care Quality Commission matters.