Healthcare Lawyers

A partner with the skills to face the unexpected.

The health sector is going through seismic change which is transforming how primary care is being delivered.

As NHS funding cuts continue to impact on primary care and patient waiting times, traditional healthcare providers and new market entrants have spotted an opportunity to offer privatised services to frustrated and disenchanted patients. Increasing numbers are turning to the private sector for timely access to healthcare services such as online consultations and prescriptions, orthodontics and travel vaccinations.

Many of these privatised services make use of digital technologies. The NHS is also looking to these new ways of working to help it deliver more for less. However, as is the case with privatised services, effective regulation of digitally or remotely delivered healthcare services still has some way to go.

Healthcare providers need legal advisers who understand these issues. A partner with the skills to face both the expected and unexpected.

Meet the team

Our expertise

Praised for its ‘genuinely client-focused approach’, our team is led by experienced Partner Richard Hough, a commercial and healthcare regulatory lawyer recognised by The Legal 500. Richard gained extensive experience as a pharmacist before entering the legal profession and advises clients across the pharmacy market on acquisitions, disposals, contracts and much more.

As a team, our advice comprises healthcare-specific regulatory, fitness to practise, corporate transactional, professional conduct, professional negligence, litigation, employment, immigration and property. We have particular expertise in managing large numbers of pharmacy and dental practice sales and acquisitions. We have a particularly strong client base of pharmacy and dental clients, ranging from standalone sites to groups with up to 750 locations, as well as early adopters of online healthcare solutions, GP practices and veterinary product manufacturers and suppliers. We also work with many practising healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, dentists, doctors and paramedics.

We're proud members of the Independent Pharmacies Association and Pharmacy Law and Ethics Association (PLEA).

“Richard Hough stands out for his expertise in healthcare and complex contractual work, assisting clients with terms of business, outsourcing, distribution, agency, franchising and joint venture agreements.”

The Legal 500 2026

Recognised by

Proud members of

“Brabners LLP’s Health practice stands out because of its deep understanding of the healthcare sector and its genuinely client-focused approach. The team doesn’t just offer legal advice—they take the time to understand each client’s specific challenges and provide practical, commercially sound solutions.”

Client feedback, The Legal 500

“Brabners is our first port of call regarding all legal matters. The health team offers an outstanding and extremely responsive service. Its excellent understanding of the sector has enabled the growth and development of our businesses.”

The Maassarani Group

“Richard Hough and the team at Brabners... are one of the leading firms in the country for pharmacy and healthcare expertise and advice. Straight talking, professional and hard working.”

Innox Trading Limited

“The Brabners team has been a fantastic partner in the medical sector. Its deep industry knowledge, practical advice and commercial approach make a real difference, whether navigating transactions or tackling legal challenges. They’re responsive, proactive and genuinely invested in helping clients succeed.”

Managing Director, Christie & Co

“As a rapidly growing and unique Natural Pharmacy with an online prescription service, Thorrun and Brabners provided invaluable advice and guidance for our pharmacy team, enabling them to make changes to our digital processes and communications. What impressed me most, were the rapid checks and follow up on the changes we made to ensure they were in line with the guidance. It’s been a very positive and refreshing experience, thank you.”

CEO and Founder of The Naked Pharmacy

“Richard Hough, Phil Weldon and Thorrun Govind provided invaluable assistance dealing with an urgent but complex case that required firm but diplomatic handling, dealing with governmental bodies, to achieve a satisfactory outcome. As a measure of success, we were happy to avoid resorting to litigation, by virtue of their researching and presenting tactically astute and legally robust arguments which proved to be persuasive. They provided welcome reassurance at a worrying time, and we have no hesitation in recommending Brabners.”

Director of a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company