"Very strong professional negligence and professional discipline practice, with a particular experience of accountants' negligence and audit matters."
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We advise accountants, auditors, actuaries, tax advisers, insolvency practitioners, and their insurers on liability claims, regulatory investigations, and disciplinary matters. Our experienced team delivers sensitive, pragmatic, and strategic advice to manage risk, contain exposure and safeguard reputation.
We specialise in defending professionals in liability claims, regulatory investigations, and disciplinary proceedings, including those brought by the Financial Reporting Council, ICAEW, and other regulators.
We advise on a broad spectrum of claims arising from audit, tax, and corporate valuation work, as well as allegations of wrongful or fraudulent trading and fraud. We also advise on mitigation strategies and emerging risks, including financial reporting, ESG, AI, data theft, and cybercrime.
Our clients range from the Big Four to mid-market and smaller firms. With a comprehensive network of offices across the UK, we tailor teams geographically to deliver commercially focused solutions. Our international reach and reputation means we are regularly instructed on high-value, complex claims in offshore jurisdictions including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, BVI, and Caymans.
Acting for firms facing audit negligence claims (values have exceeded £500m), often with international dimensions
Representing firms and audit partners in a number of FRC and ICAEW investigations
Defending multiple multi‑million‑pound negligence claims involving tax avoidance schemes, including high‑profile film partnerships and property‑based structures
Defending a c.£40m claim relating to alleged negligent audit and VAT advice, involving complex HMRC‑related issues
Successfully defending a Big Four firm in an insolvency related action leading to exoneration following a High Court trial

Professional Liability
Our leading professional liability team maintains an unparalleled reputation for protecting the interests of professional services firms.
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Financial Advisers' Liability
We combine extensive knowledge of the financial advice sector with our commercial and strategic approach to deal with claims in a way that is tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a complaint to the FOS, litigation or an FCA intervention - we have the expertise and resources to deliver results swiftly and effectively.
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Directors and Officers
Our global D&O team has an established reputation advising insurers and reinsurers worldwide on all aspects of claims and issues affecting commercial entities and their directors and officers.
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Financial Institutions
Our global team has an established reputation advising insurers and reinsurers on all aspects of claims and issues affecting financial institutions.
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Offshore
Our experienced team of offshore experts provide commercially focused advice to insurer clients concerning the most complex claims in the offshore market.
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"Very strong professional negligence and professional discipline practice, with a particular experience of accountants' negligence and audit matters."
"One of the top professional negligence firms, particularly strong in audit negligence cases."
"Richard Highley has all of the wisdom, maturity, experience and judgment to lead the defence of complex professional negligence matters. Julian Bubb-Humfryes is all over the detail."
"Extensive knowledge of statutory regulators and their procedures, combined with a pragmatic and empathetic approach, makes DAC Beachcroft a natural choice"
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Richard Highley
Partner
London
Rebecca Smith
Partner
Bristol
Suzanne Wharton
Partner
Leeds
Simon Konsta
Partner
London
Dan Preddy
Partner
Bristol
Julian Bubb Humfryes
Partner
London
Who we are
We’re a broad-based commercial firm serving a wide range of sectors with a strong heritage in insurance,
health and real estate. We combine excellent legal skills and cutting-edge delivery expertise to design
solutions that fit the needs of our clients – often involving clever uses of technology.

Insurance
DAC Beachcroft is recognised as a pre-eminent advisor to the insurance market, and we place a strong emphasis on the long-term relationships we build with you so that we can really add value to your business.
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Health and Social Care
DAC Beachcroft is regarded as market leaders in the provision of corporate, commercial and regulatory legal advice to healthcare providers.
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Real Estate
Our real estate lawyers support you through the full real estate development cycle, from acquisition to disposal. Working with clients in the private and public sectors, we deliver clear, practical advice that aligns with your commercial priorities and long‑term strategy.
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Financial Services
We regularly advise product designers and manufacturers, trade bodies, and retailers, distributors and venture capitalists looking to invest in the financial services sector.
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Technology
As long-standing and trusted advisers in the technology sector, we deliver pragmatic and innovative solutions that empower you to make informed decisions about how best to maximise your success.
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Industry Specialisms
We combine our in-depth sector knowledge with astute commercial awareness and global reach.
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Services
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