International law firm DAC Beachcroft has bolstered its health, care and public law offering to clients with the appointment of Charlotte Harpin and Matthew Alderton as partners.
Charlotte and Matthew – who arrive from Browne Jacobson – will be based at DACB’s global headquarters in London.
Charlotte is a leading adviser on complex health sector governance and public law issues, with expertise spanning NHS governance, health information law, medicines and medical device regulation, and public inquiries.
Recognised nationally for her work on NHS commissioning governance, mergers, constitutional matters and major system developments, she is also known for her deep experience in relation to public inquiries and legal and regulatory challenges in the health sector.
Matthew is a dual-qualified (UK and Australia) litigator specialising in public and regulatory law. He advises clients across the health, life sciences, government and education sectors on judicial review, statutory appeals, medicines and medical device regulation and procurement litigation.
He has acted in a number of high-profile and complex matters, including during his time at the Government Legal Department, where he worked on cases spanning constitutional law, health and social care, and information law.
Joining Charlotte and Matthew at DACB from Browne Jacobson are legal director Steve Atkinson and senior associate Kate Blacklidge.
Steve brings experience in public law and governance, advising on complex decision-making, statutory interpretation, and policy development. He regularly supports health and care clients on judicial reviews, investigations, public inquiries and information law matters.
Kate specialises in advising NHS Trusts and private healthcare organisations, representing NHS Trusts and private healthcare organisations in complex inquiry and inquest-related matters.
Hamza Drabu, Head of Health at DACB, said, "We are delighted to welcome Charlotte, Matthew, Steve and Kate to the firm. All four lawyers have a strong track record of advising health and social care commissioners and providers on complex legal issues. Most importantly, they share a commitment to collaboration, which is central to the success of our multi-disciplinary health team and a defining part of our culture at DACB.
"These appointments further strengthen our ability to support clients with some of the most significant challenges facing the health and social care sector, reflecting DACB’s ambition to provide clients with access to the very best legal expertise."
