Browne Jacobson has announced Manchester-based health and public law partner Gerard Hanratty as the new head of its health sector.
Gerard is recognised by independent legal directories, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as one of the leading experts on public law issues, especially relating to governance, service reconfiguration, information and digital technology law, devolution and ICS development, for health organisations in the country.
He specialises in advising organisations in the health sector on their public law obligations and issues. His work covers interpreting statute, supporting system re-organisations, advising on governance, supporting our health regulatory clients work, providing advice on information and digital technology law matters and, when necessary, defending challenges to decisions made.
Gerard Hanratty said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to build on the strong reputation that we already have in the market as leading health lawyers and will work hard to ensure that the sector continues to grow locally and nationally and that our service offering and client base continues to diversify.”
Gerard takes over from partner Simon Tait who has held the position since 2006. Simon will concentrate on his role as the head of the firm’s health and advisory litigation department and member of the firm’s Executive Board.
Simon Tait added:
“It has been a privilege to head up and contribute towards the development of the firm’s health sector over the last 13 years and work on some very successful projects during that time.
“Gerard is an excellent lawyer who has already in a short space of time played a key role in driving the sector forward. His broad and considerable expertise, the strong relations he has built with our client base and the insight he has of the challenges that face the current health and public sector landscape mean he is the perfect choice to take over this role.”
Gerard’s promotion follows a record year for the Manchester health team, after delivering 600 per cent growth in fee income since its launch in 2013. The specialist team advises and provides training for clients on a broad range of clinical negligence, regulatory, criminal and inquest matters as well as mental capacity and mental health in, both the private and public sectors.
The team’s strong reputation for advising health and social care providers, commissioners and regulators has contributed to its significant growth. The team now acts for NHS England, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust; Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust; The Christie Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; The Priory and Care UK, amongst others.
