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Our expertise
We are a team of more than 500 professionals, with the depth of experience which makes us genuine experts in our fields. Together, gunnercooke’s people have strength across just about every corporate discipline and sector. We provide legal, commercial and strategic advice that delivers real value to the clients we work with, which span from multinational enterprises through to unicorns and non-for-profit organisations. Our breadth of expertise covers some of the most interesting and important emerging disciplines, from ESG and charity law, to blockchain and competition.
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International Offices
The gunnercooke group has 15 main global offices across England, Scotland, the US, Germany and Austria, with further plans for growth in the coming years. These offices enhance the existing in-house capability of our dedicated international teams and dual-qualified experts that cover Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, China, India, Poland and Hungary. Our team have clients across 123 jurisdictions, speak 46 languages and are dual-qualified in 21 jurisdictions. Our expertise means we can offer large teams to carry out complex cross-border matters for major international clients.
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Our story
gunnercooke is the fastest growing corporate law firm in the UK, now making its mark globally. We comprise a rapidly growing number of experts spanning legal and other disciplines. Clients benefit from flexible options on fees to suit their needs, access to a wider network of senior experts throughout the relationship, and legal advice which is complemented by an understanding of the commercial aspects of running a business.
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Dr Anna Willetts
Expertise
Anna is dual-qualified, having completed a PhD in geochemistry and working as an environmental consultant for 5 years, before qualifying as a lawyer. Anna is an environmental criminal defence lawyer, representing waste and recycling businesses and directors. She advises and defends companies who are prosecuted by the regulators (Environment Agency and local authorities) for environmental offences. She is co-authoring a book with a barrister and technical specialist on the practical application of waste management law.
Anna Advises
- Waste management, skip hire and haulage companies
- Aggregates recycling companies and construction businesses
- AD plant operators
- Company Directors and Managers
Experience Highlights
- Successful in the Court of Appeal in a landmark case appealing a ruling on the dual regulation of an aggregates recycling facility.
- Recent successful appeal to PINS against an Environment Agency-led variation of client’s environmental permit
- Successful argument in High Court regarding powers of the regulator under s 108 of the Environment Act 1995.
Career History
Previous Law Firms
- Clyde & Co (2017–20)
- Slater and Gordon (2016–17)
- Dentons UKMEA (2012–16)
- Greenwoods (2009–12)
- Bevan Brittan, Trainee (2007–09)
Memberships
- Fellow and President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
- UK Environmental Law Society
Education
- De Montfort University 2005–07, Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC
- University of Manchester 1994–97, BSc Hons Geology
- University of Manchester 1997–2000 PhD, Geochemistry and Clay Mineralogy
Expertise
Back to top
Anna is dual-qualified, having completed a PhD in geochemistry and working as an environmental consultant for 5 years, before qualifying as a lawyer. Anna is an environmental criminal defence lawyer, representing waste and recycling businesses and directors. She advises and defends companies who are prosecuted by the regulators (Environment Agency and local authorities) for environmental offences. She is co-authoring a book with a barrister and technical specialist on the practical application of waste management law.
Anna Advises
Back to top
- Waste management, skip hire and haulage companies
- Aggregates recycling companies and construction businesses
- AD plant operators
- Company Directors and Managers
Experience Highlights
Back to top
- Successful in the Court of Appeal in a landmark case appealing a ruling on the dual regulation of an aggregates recycling facility.
- Recent successful appeal to PINS against an Environment Agency-led variation of client’s environmental permit
- Successful argument in High Court regarding powers of the regulator under s 108 of the Environment Act 1995.
Career History
Back to top
Previous Law Firms
- Clyde & Co (2017–20)
- Slater and Gordon (2016–17)
- Dentons UKMEA (2012–16)
- Greenwoods (2009–12)
- Bevan Brittan, Trainee (2007–09)
Memberships
- Fellow and President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
- UK Environmental Law Society
Education
- De Montfort University 2005–07, Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC
- University of Manchester 1994–97, BSc Hons Geology
- University of Manchester 1997–2000 PhD, Geochemistry and Clay Mineralogy
Testimonials
Anna Willetts is able to combine her technical knowledge with legal advice; she is personal with clients and ensures they receive good client care; and clients flock to her because her reputation is highly regarded in the market place; a no nonsense lawyer who gets the job done.
Legal 500