Jessica Etherington

Associate

+44 (0)20 3535 1687 jeetherington@kingsleynapley.co.uk

Our People

Jessica Etherington is an Associate in the Regulatory team at Kingsley Napley. She advises regulators, public bodies, organisations and individuals on investigations, enforcement action, compliance and wider regulatory matters.

She works on complex and sensitive matters where legal, reputational and safeguarding issues intersect.

Jessica advises across the healthcare, education, safeguarding and built environment sectors, including on matters involving the Care Quality Commission.

She is regularly instructed on serious and complex cases involving allegations of misconduct, dishonesty, safeguarding failures, professional boundary issues and criminal conduct.

+44 (0)20 3535 1687 Connect on LinkedIn jeetherington@kingsleynapley.co.uk Download vCard

Investigations and enforcement

Jessica supports clients at every stage of the regulatory process. She provides clear, strategic advice on investigation planning, risk and evidence, disclosure, interim orders and case preparation through to final hearing.

She is known for her pragmatic and solutions‑focused approach, helping clients navigate difficult issues and make confident, well‑informed decisions.

Jessica has particular experience advising organisations in response to regulatory investigations, including leading on responses to Care Quality Commission investigations and matters where enforcement action is contemplated.

Regulatory advice and compliance

Jessica advises organisations on their regulatory obligations and on managing risk in highly regulated environments.

She has experience supporting organisations, particularly in the healthcare and social care sectors, on responding to concerns at an early stage and is developing further experience advising on compliance frameworks and regulatory risk more broadly.

She works closely with colleagues across the firm to provide joined‑up advice where regulatory, commercial and operational issues overlap.

Vulnerable witnesses and sensitive matters

Jessica has particular expertise in cases involving vulnerable witnesses, including children, survivors of abuse and individuals with neurodivergent conditions.

She combines technical rigour with sensitivity, ensuring investigations are robust, fair and proportionate while maintaining a clear focus on public protection.

Clients

Jessica acts for a wide range of clients, including regulators, public bodies and organisations, as well as regulated professionals.

Her experience gives her valuable insight into how cases are defended and challenged, enabling her to anticipate risks and strengthen her clients’ positions from the outset.

Pro Bono

Jessica is committed to pro bono work and improving access to justice. She provides advice and support through organisations such as the anti-poverty charity, Z2K, representing individuals within Tribunals facing social welfare challenges.

Background

Jessica joined Kingsley Napley in 2021, having trained and qualified within a Regulatory team of another national law firm. During her training, she undertook multiple secondments to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, including within its High-Profile Team, where she worked on some of its most serious and complex cases.

She also has a background in High Court civil litigation, gained at a Tier 1-ranked boutique public interest firm specialising in civil liberties and human rights. She qualified as a solicitor in 2020.