Walker Morris LLP is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious health and safety matters. The team is particularly active in the construction, retail and food sectors, with a growing number of mandates from housebuilding and infrastructure clients. The group have capabilities in handling cross-jurisdictional mandates and expertise in more specialist areas of health and safety, particularly in crisis management and incident response work. Stuart Ponting spearheads the team, and often supports on major transactional work where there are significant regulatory concerns; a significant part of his practice involves advising US law firms on UK operations. Rachel Turnbull is experienced in representing clients at the coroner’s court, conducting investigations and advising on corporate transactions often involving complex health and safety matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stuart Ponting is good, very pragmatic and always considering wider strategy. Works constructively with other parties while protecting the interests of his client.’

  • ‘Walker Morris is extremely proactive in providing sound legal advice, which is also commercial. They understand your requirements and provide necessary guidance and support.’

  • ‘Stuart Ponting is extremely approachable, very thorough and provides advice in an accessible way. He listens to what you are trying to achieve and is always able to give clear advice which considers the strength of your argument and your likelihood of success.'

  • 'Very pleasant experience dealing with both partners and individuals.'

  • 'Extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Excellent judgement which proved to be correct with an ultimately successful outcome.'

Key clients

  • Evri
  • Galliford Try plc
  • Grace and Tailor
  • Hovis Limited
  • KONE plc
  • Leeson Polyurethanes Limited
  • Sterling GP
  • Stonebridge Homes
  • Starbucks Limited
  • Unite plc

Work highlights

  • Securing the withdrawal, pre-trial, of a complex health and safety prosecution concerning work at height issues brought by HSE against Hovis Ltd.
  • Advising a PLC retailer following a fatal electrocution at one of its stores.
  • Representing Leeson Polyurethanes in an ongoing multi-agency investigation following a fatal fire at its premises in Warwickshire.

Lawyers

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.

Stuart Ponting

Other key lawyers

Rachel Turnbull