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Areas of Law

Regulatory law

When your business is under scrutiny, expert legal guidance is essential. Our regulatory law specialists act fast to protect your position and help safeguard your reputation.

Intelligent regulatory law defence

A single misstep in regulatory compliance can lead to investigation or even prosecution. Whether you’re facing an inquiry from the Health & Safety Executive, Environmental Agency, or a professional regulator, we’re here to respond quickly, and defend strategically.

We assist businesses and professionals with:

  • Health and Safety investigations
  • Trading standards or environmental breaches
  • Professional misconduct proceedings
  • Regulatory enforcement and improvement notices
  • Police station representation and post-incident response
Trust in Harewood Law

At Harewood Law, we bring over 40 years of experience defending clients in high-stakes regulatory matters. Our team includes leading solicitors, specialist barristers, forensic accountants, and digital experts, each selected based on the unique needs of your case.

Cases we cover

Whether you’re facing a workplace incident, fatality, or an allegation of corporate manslaughter, early intervention is critical. We attend sites promptly, guide you through the investigation process, and advise on how to protect your legal position and minimise reputational risk.

Environmental breaches can result in severe financial penalties. We represent clients accused of waste disposal violations, pollution, or non-compliance with permits. We also advise on proactive environmental governance and help you respond effectively to enforcement or prohibition notices.

If you’re a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional facing a GMC fitness to practise investigation, the consequences can be career defining. We offer strategic advice from the outset, ensuring you’re supported at every stage, from initial referral through to panel hearings. Our aim is to protect your professional standing and future.

We act for solicitors and legal professionals under investigation by the SRA. We provide measured legal advice and prepare strong written responses to help avoid escalation. We work to preserve your reputation and regulatory status with minimal disruption.

Our lawyers advise elite athletes, coaches, and agents involved in investigations by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). We handle allegations of banned substances, procedural breaches, or misconduct with discretion, fair process, comprehensive case preparation, and strong representation at hearings.

We support police officers under investigation for professional conduct issues. From initial disclosure through to pre hearings and formal misconduct panels, we manage the process with sensitivity and skill. Our solicitors understand the internal pressures and reputational implications involved and we work to protect both your role and your record.

What is the process for appealing a regulatory decision?

We provide immediate legal support on site following serious regulatory breaches or workplace incidents. Harewood Law adheres to a high calibre of service, guiding you through every step. This involves:

  1. Reviewing the original decision and identifying grounds for appeal
  2. Preparing detailed written representations or grounds of appeal
  3. Submitting your appeal to the relevant tribunal or regulatory body
  4. Attending a hearing, where we will represent your interests
  5. If necessary, escalating the case to a higher court or professional appeal panel

Regulatory appeals: Commonly asked questions

Regulatory investigations take place when there’s been an allegation of a breach of the regulations or a failure to meet the required legal standards.

If an allegation is made against you, your regulatory body will usually contact you by letter or telephone. At this point you should seek legal advice.

Regulators will conduct interviews under caution to gather evidence against the individual or business in question.

If you’ve been called for interview, we strongly recommend instructing our specialist regulatory solicitors. We’ll give you the clear, practical legal advice you need to help you plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared to answer any questions.

We regularly advise clients in appeals involving:

  • The Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
  • The Environment Agency
  • The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
  • The General Medical Council (GMC)
  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Ofsted
  • Local authority licensing bodies
  • Trading Standards and Environmental Health

Yes. Most regulatory appeals must be submitted within a strict timeframe, often 14 to 28 days from the date of the decision. It’s essential to act quickly. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to challenge the decision, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Yes. Appealing a regulatory decision is complex, and every detail matters. Instructing experienced regulatory appeal solicitors significantly increases your chances of success. We understand how regulators operate and can navigate appeal hearings and tribunals with precision.

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We are trusted by professionals, directors, entrepreneurs and public figures across the UK.

Looking for help with a legal issue?

If you’re facing a regulatory investigation, contact Harewood Law and our experienced specialists will be in touch swiftly to discuss your case.