Senior promotion for Harrison Drury’s regulatory specialist

Harrison Drury has promoted senior associate David Edwards to the role of director.

David, who joined the firm in 2012, is an experienced solicitor in regulatory law and also heads up the firm’s healthcare sector team.

He specialises in defending businesses, organisations and individuals in investigations and prosecutions brought by a wide range of regulatory bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and local authorities.

John Chesworth, chairman of Harrison Drury, said: “David has done an outstanding job in developing our regulatory service from what was almost a standing start when he joined the firm seven years ago.

“His deep experience and knowledge have got us to a point where we’re now instructed by major businesses, business owners and high-profile individuals to advise on protecting their interests, which includes advising on GDPR and overall data protection compliance.

“His work assisting medical professionals in professional disciplinary matters has been another big growth area for us over the last few years. David’s a valued member of the team who has been instrumental in our success and his promotion is well-deserved.”

David added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed shaping our regulatory and compliance service. It’s an area of law that affects all businesses and one where being proactive to put the right systems and procedures in place can help businesses and their owners avoid costly investigations and prosecutions.

“It’s also vital they get the right advice as early as possible and that’s where my specialism lies. It’s a privilege to be promoted to director at Harrison Drury.”

David worked as a criminal lawyer, both defending and prosecuting, before moving on to specialise in regulatory law. He is a member of the Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL).

He has represented doctors, nurses, dentists and other healthcare professionals in disciplinary proceedings brought by the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Dental Council (GDC) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). He has also represented clients in Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal Service (MPTS) fitness-to-practice hearings.

He has conducted advocacy in cases before The Manchester Employment Tribunal for both individuals and businesses. David has also represented his peers in investigations brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

He also has expertise in licensing law where he has advised businesses on the hosting of large-scale national outdoor events and music festivals, such as the Lytham Festival, Tatton Park, Cartmel Racecourse and the Greenwich Music Time festival.