Murtada is an integral part of the Thompsons Solicitors' Newcastle team. Following a rigorous two-year training period at Thompsons, Murtada qualified as a solicitor in January 2023. He possesses particular expertise in the field of professional regulation and disciplinary work.

In his role, Murtada provides valuable representation to professionals from various sectors, such as health and education. He stands up for the rights of physiotherapists, nurses, midwives, paramedics, teachers, pharmacists, and social workers when facing severe misconduct allegations before their regulatory bodies. 

These allegations often range from fraud and sexual misconduct to issues tied to lack of competence, adverse health conditions, and even dishonesty.

Murtada has showcased his skillset in professional regulatory cases before numerous councils and agencies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council, Social Work England, Teaching Regulation Agency, and General Pharmaceutical Council. His expertise also extends to handling appeals to regulatory decisions by the Professional Standards Authority.

Moreover, Murtada offers representation to professionals who face barring by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and are at risk of being added to the Adults/Children’s Barred lists. He has successfully made representations to prevent clients from being placed on these lists and has experience in appealing against DBS decisions to the Upper Tribunal.

Throughout regulatory proceedings, Murtada is dedicated to representing clients at all stages. His role involves meticulously analysing evidence, gathering precise instructions, advising clients on the merits of their cases, preparing submissions and responses to regulators, and preparing cases for both interim and final hearings.

Acknowledging the intrusive and stressful nature of regulatory and DBS proceedings, Murtada approaches cases with empathy and understanding. A strong sense of justice drives him, and he finds satisfaction in supporting trade union members and those most in need.

Murtada has a passionate commitment to providing vigorous defence and sound guidance to professionals facing regulatory proceedings. His understanding of the intricacies of regulatory bodies and their proceedings is demonstrated in his successful outcomes.

Beyond his professional commitments, Murtada is an ardent globetrotter and an unwavering supporter of Newcastle United.

 

Murtada’s case experience

  • Represented a teacher who faced serious allegations of sexual offences. The teacher was under an Interim Prohibition Order (IPO) by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), which barred them from their professional duties during the ongoing investigation. By scrutinising the evidence meticulously, Murtada made compelling representations against the order, arguing the evidence was insufficient to support the allegations. As a result, the TRA discontinued the proceedings, concluding that the teacher had no case to answer and revoking the IPO.
  • Successfully defended a podiatrist accused of a severe criminal offence before the Health and Care Professions Council. The podiatrist was under scrutiny for potential impairment of their fitness to practise due to conviction and allegations of dishonesty. The tribunal, swayed by Murtada's persuasive arguments, found the dishonesty allegation unproven and ruled that the Podiatrist's fitness to practice was not impaired. Consequently, no sanction was imposed, ensuring the Podiatrist could continue working in their field.
  • Represented a nurse facing allegations of incompetence and deficient professional performance, Murtada was there to help. He promptly prepared and submitted a response to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), showing that the nurse had addressed and rectified the concerns raised. The NMC subsequently found no case to answer, clearing the nurse of the allegations.
  • Defended a physiotherapist accused of discriminating against a service user during an assessment. Murtada submitted an early response to the Health and Care Professions Council, emphasising the lack of evidence to substantiate the concerns. The council agreed with his stance, concluding there was no case to answer.