Andrew Sheppard

Andrew specialises in technical liability and quantum work involving claims against public sector bodies, educational establishments and employers.

He has over 20 years’ experience advising clients across a range of sectors including claims against local authorities and social services departments, employers and private sector organisations, schools, Higher Educational Establishments and Universities. His key clients include a wide number of local authorities, Universities, and major insurers.

Andrew’s practice covers claims involving discrimination and Equality Act claims, Human Rights Act (HRA) claims, recent and historic abuse claims, failure to educate claims, stress at work claims, and bullying and harassment claims.

Relevant experience includes advising:

• A London local authority on a stress at work claim brought by an employee of a school. As well as preparing evidence and advising the client on the relevant legal issues, Andrew carefully liaised with and supported professional witnesses against whom serious allegations of misconduct had been made, providing reassurance as to the legal process and their position generally. The case was successfully defended at trial.
• A social housing provider facing a HRA claim from the family of a resident who was murdered by a fellow resident. The matter had national publicity and the matter required sensitive handling given the potential reputational issues, combined with the need to appropriately interact with staff involved at the time who remained employed by the association. Through careful deployment of the legal arguments in the association’s favour, Andrew was able to bring the matter to an amicable and favourable negotiated conclusion.
• A major University in a claim for discrimination resulting from the exclusion of a student following the failure of end of year exams. Andrew advised on the discrimination aspect, and the extent and limits of competency standards, and following new medical evidence on disability was able to liaise with the University’s academic appeal’s board regarding review of course progression.

Andrew is recognised by the Legal 500 as a key practitioner in DAC Beachcroft’s London office for abuse work.