The practice at Shoosmiths LLP is co-led by Birmingham-based Roy Tozer, ‘talented lawyer’ Hayley Saunders and Sarah Bridgman. Its workload namely involves assisting regulatory bodies in complex and high-profile prosecution cases often involving fatalities and serious injuries. The team's lucrative client roster includes names such as IKEA and McDonald’s, for whom Philip Ryan is a go-to advisor. In addition to its contentious work, the team advises clients on significant business developments, which is a key focus area for ’exceptional solicitor’ Charles Arrand. Principal associate Joanne Sear is described by clients as ‘brilliant to work with’, and is developing a strong reputation for her abilities advising renowned clients following serious incidents.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Charles Arrand and Kirsty Hughes have provided comprehensive help to us in a very serious case, providing reassurance and understanding.’
‘Accessibility of partners is second-to-none. The advice they provide is first-rate and tailored to the audience.’
‘Hayley Saunders leads the team and is a talented lawyer. She works well across all aspects of the business and has taken the time to get know the business; she is calm, professional and capable. Kirsty Hughes is new to the team but has already made an impression - she is knowledgeable and able to explain difficult concepts.'
‘Shoosmiths is a down-to-earth firm. It has managed to bring together a very decent depth and breadth of talent with great client communication and an ability to speak on a commercial level. Their regional offices also gel very well together on large cases which is rare and most welcome.’
‘Roy Tozer is a true professional in this line of work with an unprecedented ability to communicate at a commercial level. Paul Eccles is excellent at client communication and managing all the necessary but largely unattractive aspects of large scale litigation.'
‘The team are extremely responsive and ensure that someone is available to provide advice and reassurance at short notice.’
‘Joanne Sear and Charles Arrand are brilliant to work with. They provide us with sound, balanced advice even if that is difficult to hear at times. I was amazed at how adroit Joanne was with a recent piece of very complex work which had a tight timescale.'
‘Charles Arrand is an exceptional solicitor whose advice and guidance has been at the highest level for many years.’

Key clients

IKEA Ltd
Calor Gas
WeWork
Hitachi Rail
Total
Poundland
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
The Middle Level Commissioners

Work highlights

Advising a contracting company involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower in relation to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the associated regulatory investigations that will continue for years.
Advising a retailer in relation to a fatal accident involving a member of the public in one of their stores.
Advising a large manufacturing company in relation to a fall from height of an employee who suffered life changing injuries.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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Hall of fameShoosmiths LLP

Partner

Rising stars

Joanne Sear

Shoosmiths LLP

Joanne is a Principal Associate (Barrister) in regulatory and criminal lawyer, with significant experience of investigations and prosecutions by various regulatory agencies including the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authorities and OFSTED. She previously worked for the Environment Agency, where she advised on enforcement and dealt with all aspects of prosecutions and civil sanctions. She has a particularly specialised knowledge of environmental law. Joanne has recent experience acting for businesses following significant pollution incidents, including assisting clients with internal investigations, and helping them to submit high-value Enforcement Undertakings (which offer an alternative to prosecution). She also advises clients on compliance with environmental regulation. Since joining Shoosmiths in 2017, Joanne has advised clients following fatal and serious accidents involving employees and customers, businesses facing nuisance complaints, retailers facing prosecution for trading standards offences, and companies who are the subject of allegations of breach of planning control. Joanne qualified as a barrister in 2005 and spent the early part of her career in independent practice. She defended and prosecuted criminal cases in the Magistrates, Crown and appeal courts. She is an accomplished advocate who understands how the criminal justice system operates. Her previous experience prosecuting for the Environment Agency and defending in criminal cases has given her a thorough understanding of regulatory enforcement in practice.

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