England - South West • Employment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP‘s ’excellent reputation‘ in the health and safety sphere stems from a sizeable and highly regarded team with ’strength across the board from partner to trainee level‘. The firm is particularly well known for its work in the rail sector; the arrival of senior associate Ben Davies from the Office of Rail and Road in May 2022 further highlighted the group’s commitment in this field. Ann Metherall heads up the practice, as well as overseeing the firm’s disputes offering. Charlotte Whitaker, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, has particular expertise in handling multi-fatality incidents, another area of expertise for the department. Senior associate Sam Aldous ’embeds himself in every case he does‘.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hugely efficient and experienced team, with strength across the board from partner to trainee level. A go-to firm.’
‘Ann Metherall - brilliant brain, great judgment, complete commitment. Charlotte Whitaker - excellent, superb at managing a case and identifying key strengths and weaknesses.'
‘Charlotte Whitaker always has both a great rapport with her client and an eagle eye for the detail. Guy Bastable is the original health and safety lawyer, never misses a trick and knows the law inside out.’
‘I have worked with Ben Davies - his relaxed manner belies a sharp intellect and comprehensive understanding of this area of law. I would recommend him highly.’
‘They have have an excellent reputation in providing robust legal support. Their tailored approach is impressive, which, combined with a strong industry knowledge and understanding of client needs, always makes them stand out from others.’
‘In particular I would mention Charlotte Whitaker and Ann Metherall, both of whom I have engaged with extensively with over the years. Both individuals exude a high degree of knowledge and solutions offered are always well researched, considered, and articulated in a clear, concise and confident manner. You always feel assured that Ann and Charlotte have the clients' interests at the heart of everything they do.’
‘Guy Bastable is formidable. He represents large corporate clients and is always realistic in his advice and representation. He is commercially astute and tactically savvy but always realistic. He is able to explore creative options during the investigatory stage to best position the case for his clients.'
'Sam Aldous embeds himself in every case he does. He is bright and knows his cases well, but provides realistic and grounded advice.’
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- FirstGroup PLC
- John Lewis Partnership plc
Work highlights
- Acting for a transport operator, following a multi-fatality accident, during investigations by the police, safety regulator and coroner.
- Representing a recycling operator during an HSE investigation following a fatal accident at its site.
- Acting for an energy company in relation to a multi-fatality incident during investigations by the police, safety regulator and coroner.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Head of the firm's Dispute Resolution unit. Specialises in strategic health and safety and risk management, liability claims and commercial disputes. At the heart of Ann’s work is support to clients in infrastructure businesses; in particular the transport, construction, energy and industrial sectors.
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ann Metherall