Fire Safety

We advise companies and their directors and managers on all aspects of fire safety, from advising on compliance to defending them following safety inspections and audits. Our team brings experienced insight and pragmatic guidance, giving you all the expertise you need.

Key contact

Kathryn Gilbertson

I have over 30 years’ experience advising and defending businesses on regulatory compliance matters, specialising in environment, health and safety, fire safety and more. I know how regulators think and work – my previous experience as an Environmental Health Officer and being retained by some enforcement agencies to prosecute businesses for breach makes me uniquely placed to give insightful advice.

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Meet the team

Advice and guidance on fire safety regulations

We help you develop a compliance culture that prioritises prevention over cure. We provide a route map through Building Regulations Approved Document B, the Building Safety Regulator and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, offering advice on all aspects, including:

  • Fire Risk Assessment
  • Responsible and competent persons and selection criteria
  • Policies and protocols
  • Fire doors and means of escape
  • Multi-occupied tall buildings (over 11 metres) and post-Grenfell Tower compliance measures

We’re equipped to provide training to your directors on fire safety strategy and their duties. Our knowledge of the industry also means we can recommend reputable experts and heritage architects with fire safety expertise to carry out in-depth surveys and fire risk assessments.

Defending fire safety breaches

Should it be required, we can support you following a fire safety inspection or audit, whether it’s for actual breaches, alleged deficiencies in risk assessments of other documents such as company-drafted policies, or the interpretation of compliance with the law.

Our service includes attending PACE interviews, finding expert witnesses, defending you in prosecutions and appeals, and providing media management advice.

Our clients include social housing providers, property developers and construction companies, facilities management companies, landed estates and their high net worth owners, as well as hospitality and retail sector businesses. In all cases, they trust our rigorous, pragmatic and commercial approach that delivers effective outcomes.

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Services from our Insurance, Risk and Regulatory team

Recognition of our work

Investors in People

Investors in People

Legal 500 2025 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2025 – Top Tier Firm
Recommended for Quality

Recommended for Quality

Times Best Law Firm

Times Best Law Firm

Legal updates and thought leadership

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Hear what our clients say about us

Thank you for your advice, council and everything else

M Shepherd Client testimonial

As well as being incredibly professional and conscientious, Ruth was also incredibly kind and reassuring. This was a very difficult time for me, which had gone on for a long time.

Ruth reassured me with her knowledge of the law but was also a caring and empathetic person to be around. I honestly would not have got through it without her. Thank you so much Ruth.

Client An inquest and with insurance difficulties

As someone who practices at the Bar almost exclusively in the area of health and safety and regulatory law … I can say that Jonathan (Edwards) has a well-deserved reputation for being at the top of his professional tree.

He has a vast array of legal knowledge and also possesses considerable tactical and strategic acumen in relation to whether or not cases should be defended….

James Leonard, Barrister Outer Temple Chambers

I have worked with Jonathan Edwards as my ‘go-to’ legal specialist for over two decades. His strong technical skills backed up by an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the insurance market make him unique and he adds genuine value off the back of this. He has a calm and friendly nature, always taking time to understand us as a business and I am truly grateful for the invaluable support he has provided me over the years.

 

Jamie Lewis, Managing Director Jensten Group Ltd

I have instructed Jonathan over many years, because he quickly grasps and focuses on the key issues of an assignment, provides strong technical advice and delivers excellent outcomes. I know he is very well regarded in the insurance market. Just as importantly, he has a really positive manner that puts clients at their complete ease. He is someone I would thoroughly recommend.

Strong technical advice

Jonathan Edwards is a tremendous asset to have on your side. He combines a forensic eye for detail with astute tactical and practical advice derived from his many years of experience. His case analysis, judgment and ability to master complicated factual and technical details with ease mark him out as an outstanding lawyer. Jonathan is always approachable and calm in even the most highly pressurised situations and he adds real value to every case in which he is instructed.

Angus Withington QC Henderson Chambers

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