‘Standout star in the field’ and global head of EHS Paul Verrico helms the practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP from its Leeds office. Advising clients in the aftermath of complex fatal or catastrophic incidents forms a significant portion of the team’s workload, and the group frequently represents defendants at trial and in high-profile inquests. The practice's client roster is formed of well-known names, many of which Tim Hill acts for in cases where the clients’ reputation is at stake; Hill splits his time between Newcastle and London. Sarah Valentine is another practitioner to note whose specialisms include handling complex mental health-related health and safety work, while Philip Crosbie is noted for his ’outstanding commitment to clients’; both are based in Leeds. Amy Sadro left in December 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Paul Verrico is outstanding - incredibly sensible with great judgment.’

  • ‘Eversheds has been for some time a leading firm in this field. They tend to represent blue-chip companies in relation to the most serious types of incident and have a highly experienced team.’

  • ‘Tim Hill is a standout partner in this field, with enormous amounts of experience and judgment in dealing with some of the highest profile cases for the most demanding of blue-chip companies.’

  • ‘Over the last few years the team's head Paul Verrico has built this into the market-leading team, which is very strong across the board, from junior associates to senior partners.’

  • ‘Paul Verrico is fast becoming the market's leading solicitor - dedicated, professional, client-focused and majestic. Sarah Valentine is highly respected; Charlotte Wood is hardworking, determined and knowledgeable; Tim Hill is a senior and highly experienced partner specialising in H&S and regulatory work with a calm manner and style.'

  • ‘The strongest of teams with some longstanding and large commercial clients. Eversheds are becoming a major player in the safety and environmental market. A firm that is moving forward continually and reaching standards of delivery consistent with its many outstanding lawyers.’

  • ‘Paul Verrico's vision, drive and willingness to think out of the box have led to him becoming one of the standout stars in the field and a leader that takes his team forward to achieve great results for his clients. Tim Hill is an impressive, deeply experienced lawyer with excellent judgment. Sarah Valentine and Sophie Parkin are great operators also, while Philip Crosbie is diligent, hardworking and has outstanding commitment to clients.’

  • ‘Julia Thomas is great with clients; she puts them at ease and is determined to do her best. Tim Hill is calm, authoritative and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

  • McFarlane Telfer Limited
  • Shell UK Limited
  • South London Coroner
  • Cadent Gas Limited
  • Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
  • China Light and Power (CLP)
  • Thames Water Utilities Limited
  • The Bannantyne Group
  • Drax Power Limited
  • AMES
  • Griffon Group
  • Northumbrian Water Limited
  • Nestle UK Limited
  • High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
  • Hutchison Ports
  • Tarmac Trading Limited
  • American Pan UK Limited
  • Biffa Waste Services Limited
  • Northern Gas Networks Limited
  • Universities Safety and Health Association
  • Harworth Group plc
  • Parker Hannifin
  • Sembcorp

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Verrico

Other key lawyers

Charlotte Wood, Tim Hill, Julia Thomas, Sarah Valentine, Sophie Parkin, Philip Crosbie