Law firm Weightmans strengthens police team with triple hire
Law firm Weightmans has strengthened its police team with the arrival of partner Andrew Steel, associate Emelia Bezant-Gahan and solicitor Tom Lambourne.
Weightmans has been involved in some of the “most high-profile and significant cases” involving the police over the past ten years.
The experienced trio join the firm from Plexus Law, where they were part of the Public Sector team, advising on police law and local authority cases.
Plexus went into administration and was acquired last month by law firm Axiom Ince.
Mr Steel, Ms Bezant-Gahan and Mr Lambourne, all regular contributors to Police Professional on matters of police law, will be based in Weightmans’ Manchester office but will advise organisations across the UK.
Mr Steel was national head of public sector services at Plexus. Weightmans said he brings a “wide range of public sector experience and skills”, predominantly representing police forces across the country, defending civil actions made against them. He also acts for a number of large corporate clients, defending civil claims made against them across the broad spectrum of employers’ liability and public liability law.
Ms Bezant-Gahan and Mr Lambourne both worked for Plexus for almost six years, in which time they qualified as solicitors. They have significant experience in police law and act for a number of forces. They worked with Mr Steel supporting police and local authority clients.
Mr Steel, who has been ranked in esteemed legal directory Chambers and Partners for nine years and is described as “a fierce representation of hard work”, said: “I am delighted to be joining Weightmans – the team here has an outstanding reputation in the field of police and public sector law, with a laser focus on client service in what can be an incredibly complex, sensitive and contentious area.
“I can confidently speak on behalf of my team in saying we are looking forward to working with our new colleagues and growing the practice and our reputation further.”
Nathan East, head of Public Bodies and Emergency Services at Weightmans, said: “As one of the largest dedicated police legal team in the country, our lawyers have been involved in some of the most high-profile and significant cases involving the police over the last ten years.
“We work hard for our clients and are lucky to be able to call upon a wealth of great talent to support them. Andrew, Emelia and Tom are an example of this great talent – their skills and experience, combined with their commitment to seeing the possibility for their colleagues and clients aligns closely with the firm’s ethos.
“They are fantastic additions to our national team.”