Browne Jacobson appoints new partner

Browne Jacobson has appointed Dale Collins as a partner in its Exeter regulatory practice.

Previously a senior associate with Bond Dickinson in Bristol, Dale is a solicitor-advocate specialising in all aspects of contentious regulatory work including pollution offences, food safety and health and safety offences and appeals. His clients include both multi-national businesses and SMEs in relation to regulatory investigations and prosecutions; he also acts as an advocate in health and safety prosecutions on behalf of the HSE.

With 25 years’ experience as a criminal advocate Dale is also recognised as a leader in the health and safety field by Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession.

Browne Jacobson’s 10-strong regulatory team undertakes both prosecution and defence work for public and private sector organisations across a range of sectors, with particular experience in healthcare, construction, logistics and haulage, food manufacturing, local authorities and retail. With clients including international public limited companies, national blue chip and public sector organisations, local authorities, insurers, surveyors, accountants, small and medium sized enterprises the team’s caseload ranges from minor injury road traffic accidents to representing South Yorkshire Fire Service at the Hillsborough Inquests.

The appointment brings the number of partners at the firm’s Exeter office to seven with overall headcount totaling 32, a 23% increase since the firm opened its offices back in August 2012.

Andrew Hopkin, Head of the firm’s Regulatory team, said: “Dale’s appointment is a reflection of our strong commitment to growing our presence in the South West as well as enhancing our regulatory credentials. His arrival will add real strength in depth, both on a national platform through his work for the HSE and for our public and private sector clients across the South West.”

Dale Collins, added: “I am excited to be joining Browne Jacobson in Exeter. The firm’s excellent reputation in this field presents a great opportunity to develop my specialist expertise and contribute to the firm's long term strategy for growth.”