About Richard:
Richard is a partner at Weightmans and is the national head of our health sector practice. He has been an NHS Resolution Nominated Partner for nearly 20 years and is a trusted advisor to a number of healthcare organisations.Get expert support from one of the country's leading teams of healthcare solicitors
Our expert team of health and social care solicitors combines legal and medical expertise, with doctors and nurses, and other health professionals, contributing specialist knowledge.
As part of a national legal firm with over 150 specialist health and social care lawyers, many of whom are recognised for their expertise in the key legal directories, we cover all areas of health and related law and practice.
Accolades
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Weightmans stands out as a winner because it combines exceptional client service — demonstrated by a 95% satisfaction rating far above industry benchmarks — with unmatched sector breadth, deep healthcare expertise, and a proven track record in delivering complex, high‑stakes legal work. Its forward-thinking innovation, industry‑leading people culture, and meaningful contributions to the wider health and care community firmly position the firm as a transformative leader in the legal sector.
LaingBuisson Awards 2025 — winner feedback -
What stands out most is their deep understanding of the complexities we face in healthcare. They don’t just provide legal representation; they genuinely understand the pressures, sensitivities, and reputational risks. Their commitment to working collaboratively with us—not just as legal representatives but as trusted partners—sets them apart.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The team demonstrates a thorough grasp of NHS structures and clinical governance. They anticipate potential issues and provide pragmatic solutions, ensuring we are always well-prepared. While the entire team is impressive, certain individuals have made a particularly lasting impact: Dewi Ap-Thomas, Nichola Halpin and Jessica Swift for their meticulous preparation and attention to detail. They are a strong advocate with an innate ability to manage sensitive situations.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The Team at Weightmans have been very supportive in inquests and healthcare related matters. They are prompt to respond and able to assist even at short notice.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The Team at Weightmans have been very supportive in inquests and healthcare related matters. They are prompt to respond and able to assist even at short notice.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The team is extremely knowledgeable. All of the team are responsive and committed to meeting their clients' needs.
Legal 500, 2026 -
This particular team is comprised of sensible and personable individuals who are pleasant to deal with, pragmatic, sensible and commercially focused. They support the counsel they instruct (unlike a number of other large competitors) and do really well in building relationships with other parties or interested persons to secure the best outcomes for their clients.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Very impressive in terms of depth and legal expertise - something you'd expect of a national firm like Weightmans.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Excellent knowledge, along with clear advice and support.
Legal 500, 2026 -
I find that Weightmans are highly professional and knowledgeable as well as being very good at making accurate assessments and providing solid advice. The team has excellent knowledge of the complex and nuanced legal frameworks we work within. Weightmans always responds with specific advice in a timely manner, no matter the complexity of the matter at hand. The firm has excellent knowledge, great communication skills and gives clear, concise and logical advice. It is always practical in how it handles very complex legal matters.
Chambers and Partners, 2026 -
Reliable and knowledgeable team.
Legal 500 2025 -
Exceptional knowledge of the healthcare sector. The acquisition of RLB and recent team additions make Weightmans a powerful resource.
Legal 500 2025 -
Advice is clear, relevant and helpful. It also always comes with the opportunity to discuss further or ask any clarification questions from the individuals which is reassuring. The individuals are also friendly and approachable, which makes a huge difference.
Legal 500 2025 -
Excellent team, extremely knowledgeable and responsive. Always feel fully supported and informed.
Legal 500 2025 -
Very knowledgeable in healthcare.
Legal 500 2025 -
I have worked with Weightmans LLP for a number of years and the team are fantastic at what they do. They are passionate about their area of law, personable but professional, and have great skill at every level. The team make our staff feel at ease and supported when involved in a legal process. They are always on hand to proactively assist with any legal matters. The service provided by the team has been exceptional.
Legal 500 2025 -
Wonderfully thoughtful team with broad experience and personal approach. Kind, responsive and always on hand to advise and sometimes simply to offer reassurance through, what for me, was a daunting and complex set of issues and context.
Legal 500 2025 -
Always have people with the necessary knowledge and expertise on hand to advise. Work to identify practical solutions to difficult legal issues. Go the extra mile for their clients.
Legal 500 2025 -
Good quality work and some stand out lawyers.
Legal 500 2025 -
Their knowledge and practical approach to commercial work is excellent. The relationships they build are strong ones and allow for a very flexible way of working on matters.
Legal 500 2025 -
The Leeds team has great experience in the public and private sector and strength in depth. Whatever the question, a focused, informed and practical analysis and range of options will be provided in a timely way. In the NHS employment-industrial relations area they have significant experience and expertise.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans's public inquiry and inquest team are excellent to work with. Always on the ball, approachable, responsive and always right on the law.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans always provide an excellent and efficient service - they are keen to assist and have taken on many last-minute instructions, which has been of great support to us and our clients.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team are very knowledgeable and their advice is always concise and well explained.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans provide excellent response times and a depth of knowledge, coupled with commerciality. They're consistently excellent.
Chambers and partners 2025 -
The team are experienced, intellectually rigorous and down to earth. They are timely in all aspects.
Chambers and Partners 2025
Why choose our health and social care lawyers?
Our expert team combines legal and medical expertise, with doctors, nurses and other health professionals contributing specialist knowledge.
From commercial dispute resolution, healthcare regulation, to employment advice and risk management, we seek to offer the best guidance and practical advice to health-related matters. Some of the key areas we cover include:
- Medical, surgical and dental malpractice/clinical negligence
- Services for NHS commissioners and providers
- Services for GPs, dentists, pharmacists and other primary care professionals
- Services for healthcare providers and professionals seeking legal support in dealings with their regulatory body
- Services for private health providers, including specialist hospitals, residential settings and community-based providers
We are appointed to the main national NHS frameworks including NHS Resolution, NHS Shared Business Services (SBS), Health Trust Europe and NHS Commercial Solutions.
We are top ranked in the legal directories, with many of our lawyers ranked as Leading Partners.
Specialists in healthcare law, top ranked in legal directories, provide practical, commercial advice, a full-service offering.
Our Health and Care focus areas
Introducing Remedy — our healthcare complaints handling solution.
We have launched ‘Remedy,’ a market-leading bespoke healthcare complaints handling solution to help the NHS deal with complaints efficiently and effectively, irrespective of the complexity.
Learn more about Remedy
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