Hempsons bolsters life sciences, healthcare advisory practices
Health and social care firm Hempsons has hired a life sciences partner for its London office and an experienced healthcare advisory solicitor for its Harrogate arm.
James Lawford Davies, who has joined the London office, specialises in IVF, embryo research, and tissue and cell based therapies. His key clients include hospitals, clinics, universities and research centres licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
His experience includes acting in many cases on behalf of the ARGC, a world-leading IVF clinic, since 2002. Other cases include the successful application of Elizabeth Warren to be able to use her late husband’s sperm after his death, for which Lawford Davieshas been shortlisted for a Law Society Award for Excellence in Pro Bono, and the case of Natallie Evans, regarding the use of stored embryos following the withdrawal of her former partner’s consent.
Lawford Davies has also advised in relation to novel research techniques, acting for King’s College London and Newcastle University in relation to the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos (and a subsequent judicial review of the decision to grant them a licence).
He said: “I am very pleased to be joining Hempsons, which provides the perfect combination of expertise in healthcare, commercialisation, and regulation to allow a specialist life sciences practice to flourish.”
Fiona Easton-Lawrence, who has jointed the Harrogate office, advises on mental health law, coronial law, consent and confidentiality issues, complaints, commissioning including continuing healthcare, policy queries and information governance.
She said: “Hempsons has an excellent reputation in this field and its specialisms in health and social care make it an ideal partner for organisations within those industries.”
Hempsons partner Adam Hartrick adds: “We are delighted to welcome Fiona to the team; her experience further strengthens Hempsons’ ability to maintain its market leading position in the field of health and social care law, ensuring the team can continue to deliver a prompt and proactive service to clients at all times.”