Capsticks LLP
Capsticks LLP specialises in representing public services providers, including police forces and NHS Trusts, as well as private healthcare companies. Practice head Victoria Watson has a niche for employment litigation involving doctors and other clinicians, with a high level of experience representing clients before tribunals and the High Court. Senior executives specialist Martin Hamilton and Andrew Rowland, who heads the healthcare division of the firm, are also central to the team, as is the highly recommended Paul McFarlane. Particular standout work of the firm includes advising the NHS nationally on widespread industrial action within the health service in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is knowledgeable and very personable.’
‘Paul McFarlane is a go-to representative for NHS employers and others in the public sector.’
‘Industry leader in healthcare issues, particularly medical HR, inquest and public law. Super responsive and has some real star performers. Excellent strategic and tactical advice.’
‘Andrew Rowland is my overall go-to guy. Assured, calm and a superb tactician with a great way with clients. Alessandra Gettins is superb and astute on all matters employment.’
‘Responsive approach and the continuity. Also very helpful to have the individual employer knowledge applied to a national position, particularly regarding industrial action.’
‘I recommend them for the strength of the relationships and the trust and understanding developed over a number of years.’
‘The team ensures they are all sighted on the issues affecting us.’
‘They are approachable and understand the level of risk we are prepared to consider.’
Key clients
- NHS Employers
- NHS England
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
- East London NHS Foundation Trust
- Kings College NHS Foundation Trust
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Work highlights
- Advised NHS nationally, through both NHS Employers and NHS England, in relation to the unprecedented national industrial action taking place in the NHS during winter 2022/2023 as unions challenged the pay award which the Government announced for those staff engaged on national terms and conditions, including nurses and doctors.
- Advised NHS England on the planned implementation of recommendations made by Tom Kark KC following his review of the Fit and Proper Persons Test (which applies to all Directors in the NHS) under the Kark Review.
- Supported NHS England and NHS NEL Commissioning Support Unit on the transfer of c1000 NHS Business Services Authority staff from NHS NEL Commissioning Support Unit to a variety of newly created Integrated Care Boards, NHS England and also an NHS Trust.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Victoria Watson