Laura Hannah

Biography

Laura is a Partner in the regulatory department specialising in professional discipline, health and social care regulation and regulatory defence.

Laura joined Stephensons in August 2010 following the completion of her LLB Law degree at the University of Liverpool and subsequently qualified as a solicitor in March 2015. Laura was thereafter promoted to Partner in May 2020. Laura currently manages the CQC & Inquests work, alongside her varied practise in other areas of regulatory defence.

CQC & Ofsted regulation

Laura represents health and social care, childcare and education providers and managers in relation to proceedings before the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted), providing advice on compliance, registration, enforcement action and appeals to the first-tier tribunal (Care Standards Chamber).

In particular, Laura assists individuals and businesses with the following:

• Advising on the scope of registration
• Challenging inspection reports and ratings
• Drafting representations in response to warning notices and notices of proposal to refuse; cancel or impose/vary conditions of registration
• Appeals to the first-tier tribunal (Care Standards Chamber)
• Representation and advice in relation to criminal investigations and prosecutions

Laura has been an active member of the Care Standards Tribunal's user group since 2015.

Professional discipline

Laura represents and advises professionals before their professional regulators in fitness to practise and registration proceedings and appeals, including the General Medical Council (GMC); Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); General Dental Council (GDC); and the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). Laura advises professionals at all stages of proceedings including initial referral and investigation, interim order tribunal hearings, sanction reviews, fitness to practise panel hearings and appeals.

Laura has also represented professionals and businesses before other trade associations and regulators, including the Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapists (ADMP); the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA); and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Inquests

Laura provides advice and representation to families, professionals and businesses in the Coroners Courts nationwide, both as witnesses and interested parties. Laura has experience of representing interested parties at pre-inquest review hearings and final inquest hearings, including Article 2 inquests.

Regulatory defence

Laura advises individuals and businesses in relation to following areas of regulation:

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigations and prosecutions
• Food safety and hygiene investigations and enforcement action
• Licencing, including licensing committee determinations, reviews and appeals related to premises; alcohol and entertainment; betting and gaming; and firearms licences
• Investigations by the Forestry Commission and other regulatory bodies

What others say

Legal 500

Laura was recognised as a next generation lawyer in the 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of the Legal 500.

"Laura Hannah is noted for her work in the healthcare sector, with a particular emphasis on defending care providers facing regulatory action brought by the Care Quality Commission." - Legal 500, 2026

"Laura Hannah‘s ‘attention to detail is exceptional'" - Legal 500, 2023

‘The professional discipline team at Stephensons excels in being able to gain the trust of clients quickly and decide on the right strategy for the particular case.‘

‘Stephensons takes time to ensure that clients attend hearings with a clear understanding of the process and the possible outcomes; and the attention to detail and level of preparation for hearings shown by Stephensons is some of the best I have seen. This undoubtedly makes a huge contribution to the successful outcomes achieved for clients.‘

‘An extremely hardworking group of people who respond very quickly to client emergencies, and who have an in depth knowledge of both the professional regulators and the tribunals who police the professionals.‘

Laura was recognised as ‘an experienced senior associate’ in the Legal 500, 2019

"Laura Hannah, who was made associate is 'an excellent lawyer with strong knowledge and client care skills'." - Legal 500, 2018

Clients

"An exceptional service from start to finish. Laura Hanna supported me through a legal challenge with the CQC with utmost attention, quick replies, clear guidance and reassurance of making things right. Laura was with me during all these very anxious moments. In the very first call, Laura discovered that her services are covered by my insurer, which I was not aware of. Laura took time to read through all my notes and reflected perfectly on the essence of the case. She was diligent and very quick with her submission to the CQC, all of which made me feel less anxious and properly represented legally. Because of Laura’s knowledge of the law, not only have I no further warnings from the CQC, but my company’s case was completely closed with no further enquiries. In case I need any legal work, I would ask Laura to represent my interests." - View from a satisfied client

"I was unsure about how to address an allegation from the CQC so sought help from Laura at Stephensons. She organised a conference with a Barrister and herself and quickly drafted a response. The resulting letter was far more than I could have ever drafted myself and clarified the issues to the CQC enabling them to discharge the issues with no further action. I would recommend using Stephensons absolutely! Why try and draft a response yourself when there are people like Laura and Barrister Laura who do this all the time and will do it properly? Thank you so much" - View from a satisfied client

"I really feel that having your help made us feel more in control of the situation and so supported. You have both been so calm and realistic and navigated us through a situation that was beginning to be overwhelming before we had your assistance. I have learnt so much from you both and appreciate how skilful you both are. I would recommend any one in the same situation to contact you with the confidence that you would be supportive, helpful and provide realist advice and information." - View from a satisfied client

"We contacted Stephenson Solicitors when our company received NOP and NOD from the CQC. The team handled our case in a professional and efficient way. Not only was the NOD reversed but our rating was improved." - View from a satisfied client

"Excellent service from Laura and the team reached the outcome we were after through their advice and expertise." - View from a satisfied client

"Laura Hannah provided an excellent, timely and professional service and as a result Notice of Proposal was withdrawn after a CQC Inspection." - View from a satisfied client

"Excellent team of professionals always very happy to explain things over if I needed to ask questions, this was my first time ever to be involved in an inquest, Laura Hannah was brilliant she always put my mind to rest when I spoke to her about being nervous…" - View from a satisfied client

"Last year our Care Home was placed in 'Special Measures' following a CQC Inspection that found 'Inadequacy' in several areas - as a result of careless Manager. The Manager was dismissed and a new Manager was appointed promptly. On our most recent CQC Inspection we were rated SAFE in all areas. Since being placed in 'Special Measures', Laura Hannah of Stephensons was appointed to litigate and negotiate on our behalf. We can only highly recommend Laura, who did a fantastic job, whilst being very supportive and the final outcome was a tremendous success. Thanks Laura!" - View from a satisfied client

In the media

5 Minutes with… Laura Hannah - Care Briefing

Challenging CQC inspection reports – is it worth it? Care Talk

The increasing use of the CQC’s criminal prosecution powers - Care Talk

Successfully completing the CQC registration process - NRC

How and when to register a regulated activity with the CQC - NRC

Oral health in care homes: the challenges - NRC

CQC takes tougher line on manager registrations - Care Home Management

Case studies

Richmond v NMC - a landmark victory for fairness in Interim Orders - Read more

Landmark legal ruling changes the way professional bodies deal with their members - Read more

Webinars

Successfully obtaining registration with the CQC

An overview of the CQC's emergency support framework