Melinka is a litigation specialist with expertise in the fields of private prosecutions, professional discipline and Health and Safety. Melinka heads up the team responsible for private prosecutions. She helps individuals, corporates and charities bring criminal prosecutions, especially when the State fails to act. Melinka has over twelve years’ experience of investigating and presenting high-profile fitness to practise cases. She also advises regulatory clients on the suitability of their enforcement regimes. Melinka acts for directors and senior officers accused of committing health and safety offences. She also advises them on what constitutes effective governance over health and safety within their organisations. Prior to joining Kingsley Napley, Melinka was the Head of Licensing for JD Wetherspoon plc. She continues to help operators in the leisure sector to comply with their regulatory responsibilities or respond to enforcement action.
Kingsley Napley LLP
The Kingsley Napley LLP's practice is noted for its ‘excellent crossover of skills in health and safety and criminal investigations’, handling an array of matters, including corporate manslaughter claims. Noted for his ’excellent judgement’, criminal litigation expert Jonathan Grimes, and regulatory specialist and ‘leader in the field’ Melinka Berridge, co-head the team. Hannah Eales brings expertise in fire safety and regulatory work to the offering. Legal counsel Craig Baylis departed to Keystone Law in October 2022.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kinglsey Napley are excellent at representing individuals charged with health and safety offences.’
‘Jonathan Grimes is an excellent tactician.’
‘Melinka Berridge is a hard working, client-focused lawyer, collegiate and strategic in her approach. Hannah Eales has great attention-to-detail. Jonathan Grimes has excellent judgement on sensitive health and safety cases with a criminal angle.’
‘Hannah Eales is bright, diligent and a great team player, responsive to clients needs; Jonathan Grimes thinks outside of the box and is an excellent strategist; Alfie Cranmer is up and coming in the area; and Melinka Berridge is an excellent lawyer.’
‘The team at Kingsley Napley continues to expand its profile in this field with a growing expertise in construction and fire safety.’
‘Melinka Berridge is the driving force behind the firm's increasing presence in this field. She is a shrewd tactician with impeccable judgment and a deep understanding of health and safety legislation with a specialism in fire safety issues. She is calm, assured and approachable with a growing reputation as a leader in the field.'
'Hannah Eales is recognized as a specialist in fire safety. She is a bright, hardworking and persuasive advocate with a down-to-earth approach which clients appreciate.’
‘Melinka Berridge is utterly exceptional, she is at the very top of her subject areas and absolutely comfortable with every aspect and level. Hannah Eales is careful, clever and calm - a fabulous presence in a team.’
Key clients
- London Fire Brigade
- London Fire Commissioner
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Next Generation Partners
Hannah is a partner in the Regulatory team. She is head of the Regulatory team of advocates. She specialises in professional discipline, regulatory, criminal and fire safety law. In the area of professional discipline Hannah has acted for some of the leading regulatory bodies in high profile and complex cases. These regulators include the Health and Care Professions Council, the Teaching Regulation Agency, the Education and Workforce Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Architects Registration Board, CILEx Regulation and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Having acted for both the prosecution and defence throughout her career, Hannah fully understands the effect that proceedings may have on the individual or prosecuting body. She is known for being a thoughtful and fair advocate, whilst always seeking the best outcome for the client.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Grimes, Melinka Berridge