Weightmans strengthens police team with partner hire

National law firm Weightmans has bolstered its police team with the hire of Orla Scanlan, previously head of the national police team and the Misfeasance Practice Group lead at BLM (now Clyde & Co), as a partner.

Scanlan represents police forces and their insurers across the UK. She joins Weightmans London office but will work across the UK.

She is joined by solicitor Nicola Howlett, who has also moved from Clyde & Co and is an expert in defending civil actions against police forces, Weightmans said.

The firm said: “Orla is a nationally recognised specialist lawyer in this sector with over 25 years’ experience and an in-depth knowledge of the requirements, pressures and concerns surrounding police forces and their insurers and is known to many forces nationally for her work in complex and sensitive cases, including some involving terrorism and other issues of national security.”

Scanlan said: “I am thrilled to be joining Weightmans – the firm boasts a first-class police team that recognises the challenges and pressures that forces face and works closely with them on innovative and cost-effective solutions. I look forward to working with the team and assisting my colleagues in expanding our already extensive police practice.”

Martin Forshaw, Partner at Weightmans, said: “Orla is an extremely talented lawyer, a go-to practitioner in complex, high value claims, many with national media interest. She has a breadth of experience in advising police forces and is a valuable addition to our team.”