Acting for insurer and insured clients, Markel Law LLP‘s Manchester-based crime and regulatory team handles the full spectrum of criminal and regulatory work, including professional discipline claims, entity regulation issues, health and safety work, inquests and public inquiries. The team is led by the experienced Deborah Nicholson in Manchester and is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious regulatory and criminal work, often working for healthcare sector clients. Other key members of the team are Lauren Wilson, who excels in health and social care regulation matters, and Francesca Snape.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has real strength in depth, with expertise across several areas of law that enables them to offer well-rounded and commercial advice to clients. The team is a real player in the insurance market and the individuals there will be big names in years to come.’
  • ‘The team is well led by Debbie Nicholson. Lauren Wilson is a rising star, bright, quick and great with clients. Francesca Snape is excellent, with a real care for clients.’

  • 'Deborah Nicholson leads an impressive team with Lauren Wilson and Francesca Snape. The team works tirelessly for their clients. They have a very human, friendly approach whilst maintaining the utmost professionalism.’
  • ‘Francesca Snape always puts the client first, she has impeccable judgement and is tremendously knowledgeable, she is a pleasure to work with.'

  • 'Lauren Wilson is extremely impressive, she is remarkably measured and is always very cool and calm in her approach to each case. Lauren is one to watch, she is a Partner in the making!’
  • ‘The General Crime and Fraud team draw upon a wide set of colleagues to add breadth to their knowledge and service.’

  • ‘They are a well run, well resourced group of professionals.’

Key clients

  • Towergate
  • Federation of Small Businesses
  • Markel UK
  • Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
  • Jelf
  • Blue Sky Care Limited
  • Arcare for Forte Ltd
  • Police Superintendent’s Association
  • E.Asthampton Ltd
  • Discovery Care Group

Work highlights

  • Representing a waste disposal company in relation to a prosecution undertaken by the Environment Agency for breaches of waste packaging regulations, including confiscation proceedings.
  • Acting for the directors of RWH & Sons Limited in relation to a HSE investigation concerning potential breaches of asbestos regulations as part of a multi-million-pound re-development of one of the UK’s leading dairy drinks businesses.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Deborah Nicholson

Other key lawyers

Lauren Wilson, Francesca Snape