Health and safety

Birketts LLP

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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘We have a long standing association with Birketts LLP across all its corporate practice groups. The Birketts team operates to the highest professional and ethical standards. Birketts provide expert technical advice in a very practical and personal way - built upon a foundation of excellent understanding of our issues and unrivalled client care. ’
‘We engaged with Mr Matthew Gowen ( Barrister) and Ms Julie Gowland (Partner) in a very complex and difficult health and safety case. Matthew and Julie provided the highest calibre advice, and were meticulous in their detail. Both were always approachable at any time, and so hardworking and committed to us a client. Matthew and Julie were immediately intuitive to the case, and their understanding of our position was second to none. With this unique relationship and understanding Julie and Matthew adeptly guided us through the investigation, inquest and court case, and secured a full acquittal. I wholeheartedly endorse Matthew and Julie's expertise, understanding and client care to anyone seeking assistance in regulatory and corporate defence matters.’
‘The team are on hand what seems like 24/7; never does a response go longer than a few hours. I have open lines of communication via email and mobile numbers which helps with swift resolution of issues. The whole team are approachable and helpful.’
‘Matthew Gowen goes out of his way to know you, your company and how we work. He has the ability to give clear guidance which is respected by our board. Always on hand and goes above and beyond to ensure our requests are answered.’
‘Daniel Irving - Legal Director - Birketts. I've worked with Dan since November 2019 with matters relating to the Grenfell Inquiry. Led by Matthew Gowen, Dan and his team have been faultless in all aspects, guiding me through the key stages of participating in a public inquiry. Dan's exceptional knowledge of the Inquiry process combined with his reassuring, calm and conscientious manner has been invaluable. His approach and communication is 'best in class', regularly updating and contextualising all matters in a timely fashion. I'm sincerely thankful to the whole team at Birkett's for their professionalism and hard work over the last five years. Their diligent approach at every salient juncture is exceptional and truly unique.’