Mishcon de Reya has today announced it is further strengthening the firm’s White Collar Crime and Investigations offering with the hire of Health and Safety (H&S) specialist Kizzy Augustin, who will join as a Partner in its London office.
A solicitor advocate with Higher Rights of Audience, Kizzy has significant experience defending companies, senior directors and employees in corporate manslaughter, fire safety, environmental and health and safety investigations and prosecutions.
She appears regularly as an advocate in court proceedings, employment tribunals and Coroners' inquests, representing those alleged to have breached health and safety legislation in interviews under caution and in court. She provides preventative consultancy advice to high-profile corporate and commercial clients concerning corporate policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with H&S legislation, as well as contentious, strategic advice in response to an actual incident. Kizzy also has significant experience in representing interested persons and core participants in inquests and public Inquiries.
Kizzy joins from Russell-Cooke, where she had been a Partner since 2018. Prior to this, Kizzy worked at Pinsent Masons, where she led its health and safety team in London. A member of the Health and Safety Lawyers Association and an Executive Committee trustee of the London Health and Safety Group, she was described as a “Leading Individual” in the Legal 500 2021-22 and is highly ranked in Chambers & Partners 2021-22.
In addition to her core practice focus, Kizzy is a staunch campaigner for equity and diversity in the legal sector, acting as a professional mentor for young Black and other ethnic minority students interested in the legal profession.
Kizzy is the second Partner appointed by the White Collar Crime and Investigations Group in recent months, with Alison Geary joining Mishcon de Reya next week.
Johanna Walsh, Head of the White Collar Crime and Investigations Group, commented: “Kizzy’s experience brings a new dimension to our existing defence practice, and meets increasing client demand for H&S advisory and investigations expertise. Kizzy is an impressive practitioner who is highly regarded in the market and we are delighted that she is joining our team as we continue to expand.”
Kizzy added: "I am very pleased to join Mishcon de Reya during what is an exciting time for both the wider firm and this growing team. There are significant developments in the world of Health and Safety compliance and investigations, and I am certain that Mishcon de Reya will provide a solid platform from which I can build this area of practice.”