Health and safety

Lindsay MacNeill

Senior Associate Lindsay joined BTO’s thriving Health and Safety, Regulatory and Criminal practice as a newly qualified solicitor in 2012 to specialise in defending regulatory prosecutions under the direction of Partner Vikki Watt. Following a period of time with an international firm, she returned to the team as an Associate. Prior to joining BTO, Lindsay trained as a solicitor with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and worked on a number of high profile cases within the Proceeds of Crime Unit. Following her time in Crown Office, Lindsay worked in a busy Procurator Fiscals’ office and has prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases from statutory breaches to common law charges in Court, from early procedural hearings through to trial. Chambers and Partners UK 2014 commented on Lindsay’s appointment to the BTO team, noting that her recruitment from the Crown “has strengthened the firm's insight into prosecuting bodies”. Now a dedicated criminal and regulatory defence solicitor, Lindsay has represented clients in a wide range of criminal proceedings. She has also appeared with clients, including medical professionals and companies, in Fatal Accident Inquiries involving both Health and Safety and medical treatment issues. Having gained experience of appearing as both prosecution and defence in Court, Lindsay is able to consider cases from each perspective and offer sound advice on the prospects of criminal matters at an early stage. Lindsay is also a Notary Public.

Vikki Watt

Partner and Solicitor-Advocate Vikki heads BTO’s top tier Health & Safety, Regulatory and Criminal defence practice. She is a Solicitor Advocate specialising in the defence of health and safety, environmental and white collar criminal prosecutions. With two decades at the top of her field, she is recognized for her accomplished advocacy skills by both clients and professional colleagues alike and combines a sharp analytical mind and empathetic approach. She acts for a number of high-profile Insurers, as well as individuals, SMEs and multinational companies. Instructed regularly at the outset when a major incident or fatality occurs, Vikki has a wealth of experience in advising clients at all stages, ranging from strategic advice in the immediate aftermath of a serious incident to representation at interviews under caution and the conduct of Tribunals, Trials, Fatal Accident and Public Inquiries. This includes providing crisis management and reputational advice at all stages. Vikki is the ‘go to’ Panel solicitor for a number of insurers, LAs, charities and construction companies in health and safety matters and regularly receives referral work from market leaders both north and south of the border. Vikki's non-contentious work also sees her heavily involved in training for other lawyers and clients. She is a regular  presenter on all aspects of health and safety law to bodies such as the MGAA, the Solicitors’ Group, Lloyds of London and provides bespoke training to her private clients.