Professional Discipline

Stephen Brassington is an outstanding advocate with a varied practice, focusing particularly on the defence of medical professionals. He has experience appearing in disciplinary proceedings brought by the GMC and GDC, as well as at inquests. He also represents the Football Association and the General Optical Council in prosecutions.

"He is an utter marvel when cross-examining experts. Forensic, meticulous in his preparation, measured in his questions but brutal in his effect. He makes the near impossible seem utterly effortless."

"The king of professional discipline, he is amazing in every aspect of his work."

"Stephen is a man of detail, quick on his feet and superb in the courtroom. I couldn't recommend him highly enough."

Andrew Colman is recognised for his adept defence of doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals in major fitness-to-practise cases. His varied practice regularly sees him prosecuting on behalf of the Teaching Regulation Agency. He is also experienced at representing practitioners in inquests, and is adept at handling judicial review proceedings and statutory appeals.

"Eminently sensible, Andrew is a great advocate. He is caring and compassionate with clients who are facing difficult challenges."

"Andrew is highly intelligent and is a great choice for more complex matters."

"Andrew has a fantastic gift when it comes to his swift recollection of information that is contained within voluminous evidence."

"His intricate knowledge of Professional Discipline is second to none, with an obvious passion for his work."

Christopher Geering has a strong reputation in the professional disciplinary sphere. He focuses on the medical profession, and tends to represent registrants in disciplinary proceedings of the GMC, the GDC and other regulators. He has additionally presented a number of cases on behalf of RICS.

"Chris impresses with his grasp of case law, his cross-examination and his submissions."

"Chris is an excellent advocate with a calm and reassuring presentation style. He is clearly very bright and very personable."

"Christopher is fastidious in his attention to detail. His advocacy skills are top-drawer."

Marios Lambis KC possesses particular expertise in the field of healthcare regulation. He is a popular choice for the defence of medical practitioners, regularly appearing in GMC fitness-to-practise hearings as well as associated criminal cases. He is skilled at defending allegations of dishonesty and clinical incompetence.

"His advocacy keeps people engaged; you see the lightbulb on the panel when they hear the points he is making."

"Marios delivers a masterclass in his advocacy. He is also a very charming opponent but doesn't give an inch. For his client he's very tenacious."

"Marios excels at dealing with tactically difficult matters and very persuasive when addressing fitness-to-practise panels. He provides the perfect balance of realistic yet compassionate advice."

Sarah Przybylska acts for an extensive range of healthcare and veterinary professionals before regulators such as the GMC, GDC and RCVS. She is noted for her appellate work and is also regularly called upon to coordinate complex investigations on behalf of regulators.

"She is an excellent advocate and puts things across very sensitively."

"She is sensible, robust with difficult clients and presents cases very well."

Tom Day is an approachable barrister with experience in a wide variety of professional discipline cases, especially in the healthcare sector. He regularly defends practitioners before the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and also prosecutes on behalf of the Football Association, GDC and General Optical Council.

"I would use Tom in every case, but alas it seems the rest of the profession wants to do the same."

"Tom's manner and tone put Tribunals at ease and they immediately warm to him. He produces outstanding outcomes, even in the most challenging of cases."

"Tom is exceptional. He has an ability to remain utterly calm under pressure and is extremely knowledgeable and approachable."

Christopher Coltart KC has built a busy practice in professional misconduct matters generally involving high-ranking in-house accountants or financial officers. He predominantly represents defendant professionals.

"A deep thinker and practical advocate, Chris is capable of achieving the most unlikely of outcomes for clients in a spot. Perfect for the client with a difficult case to present."

"Chris is a details man, giving you the confidence that he'll be well prepared."

"He is extremely bright and knowledgeable on accounting regulations and has a strong grasp on accounting principles, knowing not only the law but the profession."

Christopher Gillespie acts for medical practitioners in regulatory proceedings, with experience in the workings of the GDC and GMC. He also acts in prosecutions for other regulators, including the GOC and the General Osteopathic Council.

"Chris is reassuring and has a sensible and pragmatic approach. He is very empathetic with clients, persuasive and detailed in his advocacy."

Vivienne Tanchel is a highly versatile barrister who acts for both registrants and regulators covering a broad spectrum of professions, focusing on medicine but also taking in accountancy and other areas. She has experience in highly consequential proceedings, in particular those relating to sexual misconduct.

"Vivienne deals with the most complex cases and delivers fantastic results."

"Vivienne perfectly blends a sympathetic ear with robust and fierce advocacy. She knows when to concede, but I would commend anyone who could beat her on her best points."

"Vivienne is an incredibly diligent and extremely bright barrister. She is determined and not afraid to put up a fight for clients to get the best outcome for them."

Ben Rich defends and prosecutes before a range of regulatory bodies including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, GMC, General Optical Council and Association of Certified Chartered Accountants. He is recognised for his deft handling of cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct and dishonesty. In addition to acting in disciplinary proceedings, he handles criminal cases and judicial reviews.

"Ben is excellent with clients, meticulous with the papers and, overall, a safe pair of hands."

"Ben wastes no time in seeing the bigger picture, cutting through the noise. He is a pleasure to work with and sympathetic with clients."

"He is fantastic with clients and delivers great work while being an excellent mentor to juniors."

Scott Ivill regularly defends professionals in the healthcare sector before the GMC and other regulators. He has also presented cases on behalf of regulators such as the General Osteopathic Council.

"Scott is an excellent advocate and extremely personable."

"Scott is meticulous in his preparation, and he has a calming manner with clients and a persuasive style of advocacy that is highly effective with fitness-to-practise panels."

Gavin Irwin is a talented barrister who is sought out to represent healthcare professionals before the GMC, GDC and other regulatory bodies.

"Gavin is very detailed and forensic. He has a calm, assured manner with clients which is both empathetic and reassuring."

"Gavin is a delight to work with and produces outstanding results. He is meticulous in his preparation and makes hearings look easy. His style puts clients at ease."

"Gavin is an organised advocate who is able to clearly explain strategy to his clients, giving them the confidence that they are in safe hands."

Laura Stephenson is regularly instructed to defend healthcare professionals before regulatory bodies. She has considerable experience defending doctors before the GMC.

"Laura gets to the crux of a matter. She is robust, able to absorb issues quickly and charming with members."

"A dream to work with, talented and very hard-working."

Lewis MacDonald is a well-regarded junior barrister who specialises in disciplinary cases in the legal and accountancy fields, in which he represents senior partners and other prominent individuals.

"Lewis is approachable and experienced well beyond his years of call. He provides sensible and clear advice."