Hempsons lures Bevan employment ace

Healthcare specialist Hempsons has boosted its employment practice with the appointment of Bevan Brittan's head of health and public sector employment.

Jean Sapeta will spearhead growth of the employment team. Hempsons said she would focus specifically on its specialist healthcare practice, which currently provides advice to 130 NHS organisations, as well as GPs and dentists.

Hempsons managing partner Janice Barber said Sapeta's appointment was a "major coup" for the firm and comes as it rapidly expands its client base across public, private and third sectors.

Sapeta specialises in high impact executive board issues and is well regarded for her work advising senior professionals on professional conduct and competency issues relating to high-value claims. She is also known for her expertise in discrimination issues.

The firm acts for several medical regulatory bodies, including the Nursing & Midwifery Council, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.