The appointments of Paul McGough and Hewi Ma deepens team expertise to support clients in a complex and ever-changing landscape
Weightmans has expanded its healthcare practice with the appointment of two new partners across healthcare regulatory, and dentistry.
Paul McGough joins the healthcare advisory team in the firm’s Leeds office. Previously a Partner at DACB, Paul brings experience and expertise across the full spectrum of advisory work in the health sector, to include mental health and capacity law, community care, inquests, and judicial review proceedings. He is recognised as a leading lawyer in his field, acting for health providers and Integrated Care Boards. Abby Combes has also joined the team as a consultant, having previously been Head of Legal at Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, enhancing the team’s offering with her considerable in-house experience.
Alongside Paul, Hewi Ma joins as Partner in the corporate healthcare team, also in Leeds. Formerly of Brabners, Hewi has almost 20 years in the industry, with a specialism advising dentists and dental service organisations buying and selling dental practices.
Other recent recruits include Partner, Nicole Ridgwell who joined from Lester Aldridge and specialises in advising independent healthcare providers on CQC matters; Legal Director, Claire Gilbert who heads up the healthcare employment offering in London; and Legal Director, Mikaler Cutts who joins the growing Med Mal team based in Leeds.
Richard Jolly, Partner and Head of Health at Weightmans, said:
“The growth in our client base has allowed us to continue our investment in the team, attracting highly experienced practitioners, and strengthening our health and care regulatory, EPI and corporate capability. This is essential if we are to support our clients to the highest standard, particularly in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and operational landscape.
“I welcome our new appointments and look forward to working with them as we continue the momentum into 2027.”
Weightmans’ health team now comprises of over 150 specialist health and social care lawyers. The team, uniquely, includes qualified doctors, nurses and other health professionals who bring frontline medical expertise alongside legal knowledge, providing clients with genuine insight into operational pressures facing the sector.
