Weightmans LLP‘s healthcare team advises a mix of clients including NHS providers and commissioners, and emergency services; the firm was appointed as NHS Resolution panel firm in February 2023. The Liverpool-based team is jointly led by Richard Jolly, who is the key adviser for NHS trusts; Dewi Ap-Thomas, who advises on investigations, inquests and regulatory issues, and Emlyn Williams, who has vast experience in healthcare employment matters. Saira Ali is a specialist NHS employment lawyer, Martin English is a specialist in healthcare investigatory, regulatory and criminal advocacy, and Morris Hill leads the social care team. Jessica Swift acts in complex inquests for NHS trusts, and Ian Pace supports clients in a range of employment issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I have worked with Weightmans LLP for a number of years and the team are fantastic at what they do. They are passionate about their area of law, personable but professional, and have great skill at every level. The team make our staff feel at ease and supported when involved in a legal process. They are always on hand to proactively assist with any legal matters. The service provided by the team has been exceptional.’
  • ‘A wonderfully thoughtful team with broad experience and personal approach. Kind, responsive and always on hand to advise and sometimes simply to offer reassurance through, what for me, was a daunting and complex set of issues and context.’

  • ‘Always have people with the necessary knowledge and expertise on hand to advise. Work to identify practical solutions to difficult legal issues. Go the extra mile for their clients.'

Key clients

  • NHS Resolution
  • Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • St Helens & Knowsley NHS FT
  • Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
  • Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
  • NHS Blood & Transplant
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
  • Stockport NHS FT
  • Liverpool University NHS FT
  • Alder Hey Children’s NHS FT
  • Countess of Chester NHS FT
  • The Christie NHS FT
  • NHS England
  • Wirral Community Health and Care NHS FT
  • Mersey Care NHS FT
  • Partnership Caring Ltd
  • Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS FT
  • Wirral University Hospitals NHS FT
  • Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FT

Work highlights

  • Advising the former Executive Officers of Countess of Chester Hospital in the Thirlwall Inquiry relating to the murders committed by Lucy Letby while she was a nurse at the Countess of Chester.
  • Acted for Well pharmacy on a number of acquisitions in 2023.
  • Advising the Microbiology Society on the complex issue of the merits and prospects of Core Participant status for each of the open and future modules of the Covid-19 Public Inquiry.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Richard Jolly, Dewi Ap-Thomas, Emlyn Williams

Other key lawyers

Saira Ali, Martin English, Jessica Swift, Ian Pace, Nichola Halpin, Morris Hill