Case Work
We acted for a care home in an inquest examining concerns about a resident’s death, with particular focus on a fall in the weeks beforehand. Our work included a detailed review of care records, fall prevention and broader risk management processes, as well as supporting staff witnesses in providing their evidence. We managed regulatory and reputational concerns and demonstrated steps taken at the time and through subsequent learning, with the inquest concluding without any criticism of our client.
We represented a client facing a malicious safeguarding allegation that carried serious risks to their career and reputation. We provided strategic guidance throughout the investigation, gathered evidence to challenge the claims and engaged with the police and the professional body. The investigations were resolved without further action against the client.
An early years’ setting sought our support after receiving a draft Ofsted report which if published, threatened its continued operation. Working closely with the management team, we reviewed the report’s findings, prepared factual accuracy submissions and ensured the client’s position was clearly represented. Ofsted agreed to withhold publication of the report which was ultimately amended resulting in an improved outcome for the client.
A construction company was charged with breaches of health and safety law for failing to comply with CDM responsibilities on a project. Working closely with the client team, we provided representation throughout the proceedings and secured the best possible outcome for the client.
A property owner undertaking refurbishment works faced an investigation brought by the HSE after a partial building collapse raised concerns in relation to CDM compliance. With the potential for prosecution and significant reputational impact, we advised and coordinated evidence to address all identified issues. Through the approach adopted, the client successfully avoided prosecution.
We represented a client being investigated following concerns about improper procurement processes within a high-value contract. We worked closely with the client’s senior team to manage the investigation, review internal procedures, and demonstrate the organisation’s compliance efforts. Through this approach, we secured the best possible outcome for the client.
We supported a client throughout their involvement in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, guiding them through a complex and highly sensitive process, navigating the formal procedural rules governing the conduct of statutory public inquiries and ensuring their position was clearly and responsibly presented.
Public Inquiry -
Grenfell Tower
The firm was retained to represent the interests of a building company, in its role as principal contractor, following a fatal workplace fall from height accident that resulted in a police investigation and parallel engagement with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our team was instructed within hours of the investigation and acted as primary liaison with the police and HSE.
Our involvement was vital to enable the client to engage constructively and transparently with the authorities while safeguarding its legal position and supporting senior leadership through a period of intense scrutiny and uncertainty.
The firm’s swift mobilisation and structured legal strategy minimised business disruption, limited media attention and avoided enforcement action.
Construction
Fatal Workplace Incident
The firm was retained in connection with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and continues to be involved in relation to related parallel investigations. The instructions concern representation in the context of one of the most significant and high profile public inquiries in recent UK history. The team’s experience in serious and sensitive investigations has been critical throughout. Given the national significance of the Grenfell Tower Fire, the matter continues to attract extensive coverage across national and international media, including mainstream broadcast and print publications.
Fire Safety
Grenfell Related Investigations
The firm was retained in relation to a serious workplace incident in which a subcontractor fell from height onto a live railway line and sustained traumatic bilateral lower limb amputation. The incident triggered a multi-agency investigation involving the police, the HSE and the rail authority. Our team was retained to provide the company with advice on case strategy alongside operational issues and ongoing worker welfare more generally.
Property
Multi-agency Workplace Investigation
Harold & McCormack Law was retained to represent a farming contractor in connection with an investigation led by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), involving alleged financial irregularity with the requirements of its Woodland Grants Scheme. The matter presented potential regulatory sanctions, financial penalties and criminal prosecution as well as implications for ongoing contractual relationships, insurance cover and the future viability of the farm. The outcome so far as our client concluded without any further action or criticism.
Agriculture
DEFRA Investigation
The firm represented a teaching assistant in relation to safeguarding concerns that led to a disciplinary investigation arising within a special educational needs setting. The matter involved allegations concerning professional conduct and compliance with the health, safety and safeguarding frameworks, with potential consequences in relation to continued employment, referral to external regulatory and barring bodies and long term career impact. The matter was successfully resolved with the client exonerated from the allegations that had been raised.
Education
Safeguarding / Teaching Assistant
The firm was retained in relation to workplace harassment allegations and associated concerns regarding psychological safety within a multi-site operational environment. The matter involved employment, regulatory and organisational health and safety considerations, with potential implications for professional standing, internal governance and organisational culture.
Professional
Our team is retained by several organisations on a consultancy basis to provide specialist regulatory representation and advisory services to their client base. The appointment reflects the need for dedicated regulatory expertise capable of supporting both contentious and non-contentious matters across a range of sectors, encompassing all aspects of compliance advice, incident response, representation in investigations, enforcement and prosecution.
In-House Consultancy