Blackfords LLP has notable health and social care sector experience. It also represents serving police and MoD police personnel in misconduct proceedings; acts for solicitors in SRA investigations; and advises football professionals facing sexual abuse allegations of a historic nature. Gary Rubin is ‘one of the leading lights among professional discipline lawyers’; Trevor Francis regularly assists with professional disciplinary hearings; and Gary Bloxsome and Jo Kaucher ’provide excellent service to police officers facing regulatory proceedings’. The department further comprises social care expert Philip Williams, while Jennifer Richardson‘s recent caseload includes acting for medical professionals in relation to misconduct allegations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very strong regulatory team that provides clear, effective advice at all stages of proceedings.’

  • ‘Blackfords offers a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in relation to professional discipline.’

  • ‘The Blackfords professional discipline team is impressive. They work collaboratively with each other, with clients, and with the barristers they instruct - this makes them easy to work with.’

  • ‘This is a strong practice that is immensely client focused and results driven.’

  • ‘Gary Rubin is one of the leading lights among professional discipline lawyers. Jo Kaucher goes every mile for her clients.’

  • ‘Gary Rubin is an absolutely outstanding communicator with clients.’

  • ‘Gary Bloxsome and Jo Kaucher provide excellent service to police officers facing regulatory proceedings. Practical, effective and wise.’

  • ‘Trevor Francis is an excellent team leader.’

Work highlights

  • Acted on behalf of a nurse where concerns had been raised regarding her fitness to practise, further to allegations of physically and verbally abusing a patient.|
  • Acted for various clients serving in the Ministry of Defence Police, in relation to allegations of gross misconduct.
  • Acted for a social worker who had allegations levelled against her by Social Work England, as to her level of knowledge, skill and judgement in her role and maintenance of records.

Lawyers

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

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gary Rubin

Other key lawyers

Trevor Francis, Gary Bloxsome, Jo Kaucher, Philip Williams, Jennifer Richardson