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Portrait ofLukas Rootman

Lukas Rootman

Partner

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
1-3 Charter Square
Sheffield
S1 4HS
United Kingdom
Languages English, Afrikaans

Lukas Rootman is a Partner in our Environment and Health & Safety team with particular expertise in regulatory matters covering incidents and advisory work. He has extensive advocacy experience and has represented a variety of clients in relation to regulatory matters.

Lukas regularly assists clients from the start of an incident, advising on internal investigations; engagement with the Police, regulators and coroners; representation during PACE interviews; advising on appeals against enforcement notices; inquests; and representation during prosecutions. 

Lukas is well regarded by the legal directories, which recognises that: "He's very experienced and is really respected in the market." "He has an in-depth knowledge of environmental issues and very good judgement."  They also comment "He always gives the clients 100%." "He is incredibly hard-working and committed to his clients. He is tough and not afraid to tackle the most unattractive of cases." "He's very determined and has a very strong practice.".

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"Lukas Rootman is an amazing lawyer who listens to his clients and is also very experienced in his field. You can rely on him for solid, decisive and pragmatic advice."

Chambers, 2024

"He is down to earth, talks straight and he is pragmatic. Lukas is results-oriented."

Chambers, 2024

"Lukas drives a hard bargain and will always be looking for best value for his clients."

Chambers, 2024

"He is a very able lawyer who is astute and appreciates what clients expect. Lukas never forgets which side he's on and this manner commands trust. He is also very able and a hard-working lawyer."

Chambers, 2024

"I was very pleased with Lukas's sharp intellect, knowledge of the issues and ability to develop a strong strategic vision and tactics for our matter."

Chambers, 2024

"Lukas is a true domain expert, a clear communicator and a great person to work with. We felt very comfortable knowing he was representing us."

Chambers, 2024

"He is very commercial and pragmatic, and provides sound and clear advice."

Chambers, 2023

"Lukas has a very in-depth knowledge and, with his background in litigious matters, can bring that experience to bear in providing commercial yet compliant advice."

Chambers, 2023

"Lukas Rootman, Partner, stands out for his exceptional commitment and incredible work ethic."

Legal 500, 2023

"Lukas Rootman never fails to give practical, real world advice. He understands the wants and needs of clients and helps them alleviate the internal pressures they face with a sensible common-sense approach to law."

Legal 500, 2023

"He is very passionate about what he does, responds incredibly quickly and his client service is very good."

Legal 500, 2020

Is recommended for his 'punchy, timely, real world and on point advice'. He provides an 'outstanding service' which 'inspires confidence in times of internal pressure and stress', and has experience handling complex, high-value and multi-jurisdictional matters.

Legal 500, 2018

"He performs very well in court and is an excellent advocate."

Chambers 2018

"He puts you at ease in really horrendous situations."

Chambers 2018

Relevant experience

  • A company in relation to an Environment Agency prosecution relating to allegations that waste paper destined for export, should have been described as household waste due to the level of contamination.
  • A manufacturer in respect of a prosecution brought by a water company in respect of breaches of its effluent discharge consent.
  • A manufacturer in respect of water pollution incident.
  • A company in respect of alleged breaches of its environmental permit.
  • A client on Environment Agency investigation into the breach of an environmental permit relating to surface water discharge activities.
  • A client on HSE investigation following the electrocution of a worker undertaking electrical maintenance work.
  • A chemical company on HSE prosecution for breaching COMAH regulations. 
  • Defending a company in respect of machinery safety breaches after a worker lost fingers, which were caught in an unguarded machine.
  • Defending a company in respect of a fatal accident involving a refuse collection vehicle. 
  • Defending a company following fall from height of a contractor doing window cleaning. 
  • A construction company following life changing injuries to a site worker who was struck by a piece of cladding that was blown off the building.  
  • A contractor in respect of issues relating to the stability of a building following the service of a prohibition notice by the HSE.
  • A company in respect of a fire safety prosecution following a fire at a block of flats that lead to fatal injuries to a resident.
  • A client in respect of fire safety issues arising from construction methods and the use of cladding on a building.
  • Companies in respect of appeals against enforcement notices served in respect of noise, fire safety and health and safety breaches. 
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Memberships & Roles

  • Lukas is a member of the Environmental Services Association (ESA).
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Education

  • 1999 – B. Proc., University of Johannesburg Johannesburg.
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Feed

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