Clarke Willmott LLP advises on all stages of the criminal process, providing support for individuals, businesses, and local government bodies. While the practice is particularly prominent in the agriculture sector, the team's experience also extends to housing standards issues, health and safety work, and traffic and motoring mandates, in addition to environment and pollution, animal welfare, and general crime matters. Based in the Bristol and Taunton offices, senior associate Bridget Sanger leads the team and has a broad focus on criminal litigation and regulatory matters, especially in the agriculture and care home sectors. Sam Harkness is regularly approached for his civil litigation and agricultural property disputes experience, together with his expertise in rural crime issues, road traffic cases, and local authority prosecutions.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent multi-disciplinary team offering a full range of services.’
‘Sam Harkness is an obvious choice for all Hunting Act cases. He knows the field intimately, he has jumped the biggest fences in the worst of conditions, and he shows consistent bravery and nous.’
‘Clarke Willmott truly care about their clients. They manage all aspects of the case closely and effectively, ensuring that clients understand and are understood. They are proactive in protecting their clients' interests.’
‘Sam Harkness and Bridget Sanger both work tirelessly in their pursuit of clients' interests.’
‘Proactive and diligent. Flexible and practical approach. Realistic advice. Excellent preparation.’
‘Bridget Sanger: She provides sound advice and keeps a cool head to navigate tricky problems. A wise and reassuring presence. Sam Harkness: He is a star in the making. He is a tenacious and creative practitioner who has a strong grasp of regulatory law.’
‘The team at Clarke Willmott LLP are experts in the field. Bridget Sanger leads the team. Having previously worked with her, I know that her attention to detail is superb. This extends to her written work, and also legal research. Ensuring she gives the best possible advice; no stone goes unturned! Bridget gives excellent client care; her approach with clients is fantastic, always being able to build a rapport with clients from different backgrounds.’
- 'Sam Harkness is very responsive and always tenacious.’
Key clients
- Somerset Council
Work highlights
- Assisting Somerset Council on a range of criminal prosecutions, principally in its role in enforcing housing standards for private tenants.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bridget Sanger