Andrea is a noted expert in professional discipline and healthcare regulatory law.
The main focus of her work is defending professionals at fitness to practise proceedings before their regulatory bodies, where her experience includes successfully defending doctors before the General Medical Council, dentists before the General Dental Council, paramedics and other allied health professionals before the Health & Care Professions Council, pharmacists before the General Pharmaceutical Council, teachers before the Teaching Regulation Agency, veterinary surgeons before the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and architects before the Architects Registration Board.
Andrea has also represented many student professionals in university fitness to practise investigations and qualified professionals in local-level processes including MHPS (Maintaining High Professional Standards in the Modern NHS) and ICB/performers list proceedings.
In terms of her healthcare regulatory work, Andrea represents healthcare professionals and providers who work in both the NHS and private sectors in connection with a wide range of non-disciplinary matters including Inquests, Public Inquiries, Care Quality Commission registration and enforcement action, patient complaints and claims, NHS England market entry processes, CESR applications and appeals, MHRA compliance and investigations, ARCP appeals, Judicial Review proceedings and LADO and Disclosure and Barring Service referrals. Her LADO, safeguarding and DBS expertise has also led to instructions from both schools and universities.
Andrea’s experience includes over 20 years acting for clients including medical and dental defence organisations, insurers, the NHS Litigation Authority (now NHS Resolution), the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain and many individual professionals. She also spent three years as in-house legal adviser to the General Medical Council itself, giving her a unique insight into the workings and priorities of regulatory bodies.
Andrea is qualified to practise in both the jurisdictions of England & Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
In addition to her legal practice, Andrea teaches as a Visiting Lecturer on the MSc in Prehospital Medicine at Queen Mary University of London.
Recognition
“Andrea James is undeniably the name within healthcare and professional regulation within England. Her practice is well known nationally and beyond, and ensures that healthcare professionals even beyond immediate clients highly value her insight and guidance within the wider context, and this is extremely well received by all.”
“Andrea James is beyond good – she is by far the most outstanding healthcare professional discipline lawyer out there at the moment. Her work ethic is incredible and she goes way more than the extra mile for her clients. She is a force of nature”
“Andrea James is an absolute stand-out for her unwavering commitment to clients”
“I have worked with Andrea James for over 10 years. Her compassion for her clients really makes her stand out”
“Andrea James is very experienced and takes no nonsense from anyone that potentially prejudices her clients or their interests.”
“Andrea James is an expert in both professional discipline and healthcare regulatory law.”
“Andrea James knows more case law than any solicitor I’ve ever worked with in the field of professional discipline. She works tirelessly for every client and never leaves a point unchallenged.”
“Andrea is just a force of nature! She is an incredible advocate, fearless but compassionate. She provides a deeply personal service to our members, making them feel valued and engaged.”
“Andrea is an expert in Pharmacy law and regulation - she provides advice in a very straightforward way and resolves our issues quickly.”
Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers 2024
