Disciplinary and Regulatory Law

OVERVIEW

As the number of regulatory bodies in the UK continues to rise, there is a growing need to ensure they act lawfully and proportionately – and that individuals or organisations, in their turn, receive sound and expert legal advice.

At 9BR Chambers, we act for bodies, individuals or organisations in areas such as health and social care, sport, firearms and licensing - aiming to provide clear and practical advice, reflecting an often complex web of rules and legislation.

We understand that individuals who are the subject of an investigation by a professional body or regulator can face many different outcomes and sanctions.

We also appear in high-profile inquests and public inquiries.

We aim to give the best possible advice and representation to clients, from early stages through to conclusion, in an effort to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Firearms and other licensing

Licensing – mainly liquor and entertainment – has always been a practice area at 9BR Chambers, because of the overlapping expertise gained from criminal and regulatory law.

But we have also developed our specialist expertise in firearms and firearms legislation – mainly through our barrister Peter Glenser KC.

We can advise and represent individuals and organisations on all aspects of firearms licensing, throughout England and Wales.

Our barristers are also regularly involved in criminal cases involving the use of firearms.

Health and Social Care

Our barristers have a wealth of experience dealing with health and social care regulatory bodies – whether acting for individuals, for organisations, or for the bodies themselves.

These regulatory bodies may include:

  • General Chiropractic Council
  • General Dental Council
  • General Medical Council
  • General Optical Council
  • General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Health and Care Professions Council
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Social Work England

In the health and social care sector, we understand the reputational risks faced by both professionals and regulators, and provide expert advice and support in often sensitive and challenging circumstances.

Through our advocacy skills and criminal expertise, we aim to offer an exceptional service, particularly in cases involving vulnerable witnesses and sexual allegations.

We are aware of the complexity of issues which may underpin health and social care proceedings, and understand the importance of balancing the interests of registrants, service users, complainants, witnesses, and the public.

Owing to demands on the health and social care sector, we also recognise the need for proceedings to be both proportionate and cost-efficient. So we focus on providing a robust, compassionate and meticulous service, aiming to secure the best possible outcomes.

Police

9BR Chambers has a proven record in disciplinary work involving the police. Members appear both for claimants and for the Police Federation and related bodies. Central to these cases is knowledge of the process of criminal investigations and proceedings and the resulting documents, as well as the formal rules which govern police officers’ actions.

9BR Chambers’s barristers have specialist knowledge in the full range of civil litigation involving the police, including misconduct in public office, assault, malicious prosecution, negligence and wrongful imprisonment.

Public Inquiries

9BR Chambers advise on and act as Counsel for clients in high-profile public law matters. Our members are also instructed as Counsel for major public inquiries – currently, several of our members are, or have recently been, instructed by various Core Participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Sport

At 9BR Chambers, our barristers have substantial experience acting in disciplinary matters in sport, whether for governing bodies, individuals or teams ­­– in sports such as football, rugby, cricket, boxing, cycling, horse racing, polo and athletics.

Our experience covers the full range of disciplinary and regulatory matters, including anti-corruption, safeguarding and anti-doping.

We understand the reputational risks faced by both athletes and governing bodies in sport – so we aim to provide pragmatic advice and achieve proportionate and fair outcomes for clients.

We also advise on rules and regulations across a wide range of matters – and help to draft safeguarding and disciplinary policies and procedures.  Our barristers also hold positions within sports governing bodies, and sit on various disciplinary panels.

Due to our extensive criminal expertise, we also assist athletes and members charged with criminal offences.

Disciplinary and regulatory profile

Specialisms

Inquests / public inquiries

Licensing

Regulatory / Disciplinary

Contact

020 7489 2727

“exceptional array of talent, from the pupils right through to the silks.”

Chambers UK, 2020