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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > London > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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  1. Personal injury: claimant
  2. Leading individuals: Hall of Fame
  3. Leading individuals
  4. Next Generation Partners
  5. Rising stars

Next Generation Partners

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Rising stars

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Anthony Gold is a go-to firm for major trauma injury cases, fielding a team that has extensive experience representing victims of accidents who have sustained serious and life-changing injuries. The practice achieves high-value settlements on behalf of claimants, and delivers high-quality work in areas such as catastrophic injuries of the brain and spinal cord injury cases, where Jenny Kennedy stands out for her handling of claims involving multiple jurisdictions. Managing partner David Marshall has expertise in complex claims involving brain damage and stress at work and child brain injury specialist Jackie Spinks is another key name. Practice head Jon Nicholson has considerable experience in limb loss cases.

Practice head(s):Jon Nicholson

Other key lawyers:David Marshall; Jenny Kennedy; Jackie Spinks; Ian Peters

Testimonials

'Anthony Gold's clinical negligence negligence team is certainly a leader in the field. It has strength in depth and attracts work of the highest quality through its excellent reputation.'

'The team has insight into the challenges facing its clients as a result of both their injuries, but also the litigation. The solutions provided address these challenges.'

'Ian Peters is a stand-out partner. His calm, measured and thorough approach sets him apart.'

Work highlights

  • Acting for a 35-year-old passenger that suffered a spinal cord injury and was rendered tetraplegic in a road traffic accident.
  • £3m recovered for a university lecturer who suffered serious injuries after a collision on her motorcycle.
  • Over £1m recovered in a contested case for a motorcyclist who suffered a severe brain injury.
  • Acting for a 27-year-old male who suffered an above-elbow amputation of his left arm as a result of the Croydon Tram Derailment in November 2016.
  • Representing a 44-year-old roofer who suffered a serious brain injury when he fell through a skylight at work.

Fieldfisher's 'bright, personable and efficient' team is acknowledged for its quick intervention in catastrophic accidents to ensure the funding of early rehabilitation for seriously injured people. Jill Greenfield heads the serious injury department, which has significant experience in road traffic and work accident cases involving neurological damage (brain and spinal injury) as well as serious orthopaedic injuries, psychiatric and fatal claims. Recent standout work includes acting on behalf of claimants in the high-profile sexual assault cases against producer Harvey Weinstein, as well as representing the families and victims of the Westminster Bridge and Finsbury Park mosque terror attacks. Paul McNeil has recovered multimillion-pound damages in several road traffic accidents. Cycling claims and rehabilitation are a niche strength for Jennifer Buchanan. Acting for clients involved in accidents abroad is a typical instruction for the practice, which is adept at handling cases with a significant international element. The firm also fields one of the 'leading industrial disease teams in London', which has 'longstanding experience' in asbestos disease litigation. Peter Williams leads on the mesothelioma claims that have been at the forefront of the developing area of law regarding immunotherapy and ongoing medical costs after settlement. Keith Barrett - described as 'a behemoth of personal injury litigation' - is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):Paul McNeil; Jill Greenfield; Peter Williams

Other key lawyers:Keith Barrett; Jennifer Buchanan; Andrew Morgan; Dushal Mehta; Shaheen Mosquera

Testimonials

'Fieldfisher has the resources to back up their worldwide reputation. Client care and pursuit of the very best results is at the heart of its team ethos.'

'Fieldfisher was head and shoulders above other firms in terms of integrity, competency and diligence in exploring every possible avenue of investigation to secure a positive outcome for claims.'

'Disarmingly low key in style, Peter Williams is a ruthless analyst of the other side's weaknesses and has very high client-care skills. He is pragmatic in negotiation and gets on well with his opponents in order to obtain quick results on favourable terms for clients. He is prepared to take on risky mesothelioma work in which liability is very hard fought.'

'Absolutely outstanding PI team for serious injury or fatal claims. Small team with a lots of partner involvement and strong support from very able associates and excellent, proactive PAs and paralegals.'

'Jill Greenfield inspires absolute confidence in her clients, meets and deals with them all personally, takes no nonsense from opponents and issues claims early or enters agreements with insurers to get vital rehabilitation early in a case.'

'Keith Barrett is a behemoth of personal injury litigation. He is extremely well regarded by his clients and opponents alike, receiving multiple weekly referrals through word of mouth/reputation. He is a unique operator, placing every one of his clients at the heart of his service and he is never afraid to run an application or trial if in the clients best interests. This often results in him working seven days a week for his clients. An exceptional litigator.'

Work highlights

  • Represented the claimant in test case Bussey v Anglia Heating Limited heard before the Court of Appeal, which concerned restrictions on the ability of claimants to make mesothelioma claims in low-level exposure asbestos cases.
  • Secured funding for a client exposed to asbestos, in the first contested case regarding payment for private immunotherapy treatment in mesothelioma claim.
  • Achieved £4.5m in compensation for a ten-year-old involved in a road traffic accident resulting in multiple fractures and serious neurological injury.
  • Representing several women in claims against the Weinstein Company UK Ltd and the Weinstein Company LLC in the US, listed as damages for personal injury.
  • Representing several victims that were catastrophically injured in Westminster Bridge and Finsbury Park mosque terrorist attacks.

Irwin Mitchell 's personal injury team is 'never afraid to push the envelope and do what is right for its clients', recognising that rehabilitation is as relevant as the preparation of litigation. It fields a team of lawyers who have vast expertise in handling accidents at work and road traffic collision cases as well as cases involving severe neurotrauma, spinal cord injuries, amputations, abuse and asbestos-related diseases. Alison Eddy, who regularly negotiates multimillion-pound settlements for children and adults suffering from catastrophic spinal and brain injuries, leads the medical negligence team, while Tracey Storey, whose expertise spans cases involving serious injury and child abuse, heads up the serious injury team. Demetrius Danas leads the international personal injury team, handling complex cross-border matters; while Ian Bailey is among the leading practitioners for asbestos law. Sarah Griggs has particular expertise in cases involving traumatic brain injury and capacity issues. Ian Christian leads the overall London personal injury department.

Practice head(s):Tracey Storey; Alison Eddy

Other key lawyers:Demetrius Danas; Richard Geraghty; Ian Bailey; Sarah Griggs; Chani Dhaliwal; Laura Middleton-Guerard

Testimonials

'Aggressive litigators prepared to take on large insurers in asbestos litigation on behalf of individuals (usually with fatal asbestos diseases). They are prepared to hold their ground under pressure and develop new points of law.'

'Ian Bailey and Jo Jefferies have been at the forefront of developing flexible solutions to obtaining compensation for life-extending immunotherapy. This has taken steady nerves, a very good grasp of the medicine underlying these new claims and the tenacity to force the insurers to provide compensation.'

'They are undoubtedly leaders in the field and provide an excellent service. From a seriously injured claimant's perspective they can have confidence that no stone will be unturned and no expense spared in investigating and preparing the claim.'

'The team really does have a huge breadth of experience and substantial resources that can be called upon to help get the case in order.'

'Tracey Storey leads the various teams and displays great tenacity as well as compassion. She is a vastly experienced lawyer who does a good deal of abuse work in addition to serious personal injury work and has considerable experience dealing with both types of cases. She can marshal expert evidence from disparate sources and is good at anticipating the twists and turns of litigation.'

'Chani Dhaliwal and Sarah Griggs run claims of the upmost severity and fight hard for their clients against increasingly aggressive defendant insurers.'

'Laura Middleton-Guerard is unafraid of getting to grips with detail in a claim just as she is unafraid of looking at the bigger picture and the commercial realities of a case. She is cautious and careful in her case preparation and assiduous in tracking down evidence in relation to lines of inquiry.'

Work highlights

  • Achieved £3.375m for a claimant who sustained a traumatic brain injury, and significant cognitive and psychiatric impairments after being hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing.
  • Settled a claim at a joint settlement meeting for £2.7m for a claimant who sustained catastrophic facial injuries and traumatic brain damage following an accident at work.
  • Reached £11m settlement for a claimant who suffered a severe brain injury, leg fractures and neuro-behavioural complications following a road traffic collision.
  • Obtained judgment for interim payments to access private treatment for a claimant suffering from mesothelioma.
  • Acted in a group action arising from the 2015 terrorist attack in Tunisia, representing the bereaved families at the inquests into the deaths of the British nationals, and subsequent civil claims.

Leigh Day is 'a leading light in the PI industry'and offers advice and legal 'guidance to claimants at every stage' of litigation. The department works across the complete range of personal injury, combining traditional high-value severe injury and disease cases with the international group claims' caseload, which brings corporations and governments to account for injury and abuse in foreign jurisdictions. Richard Meeran leads on this type of work, which frequently intersects with human rights issues and encompasses ground-breaking cases against UK-domiciled multinationals. Martyn Day is a specialist in international multi-party claims. Department head Sally Moore's expertise spans brain, spinal, amputation and fatal accident claims; she is also the main point of contact within the specialist cycling injury team. The firm also fields one of the largest asbestos and industrial disease groups, where Harminder Bains stands out for her work in precedent-setting mesothelioma cases.

Practice head(s):Sally Moore; Richard Meeran

Other key lawyers:Daniel Leader; Harminder Bains; Grant Incles

Testimonials

'The cycling team at Leigh Day is extremely well versed in cycling claims and applies this knowledge consistently well to support its clients from British Cycling.'

'They are all trained in putting the client's needs first and pride themselves on achieving positive and speedy outcomes on claims.'

'The compassion and determination of its key individuals and the depth of their specialist knowledge make it the stand-out claimant asbestos litigation firm in England.'

'This is a superlative firm responsible for some of the most groundbreaking work in the fields of personal injury, civil liberties and human rights. The team of lawyers are hugely capable, dedicated, ethical practitioners.'

'Extremely professional team that always made me feel that I was their number one client and treated me as a person not just another case, with my own interests very much at the top of their list of priorities.'

'Without Martyn Day's exceptional judgement and risk taking, some of the most important cases that have changed the face of litigation in this country over the last twenty years would never have been taken. He alone is responsible for taking claims that hold multinational corporations to account for abuses perpetrated by their subsidiaries on vulnerable and impoverished populations in the global south.'

'Sally Moore and her team came into our family in the early stages of recovery and were immediately highly professional, sensitive and most of all respectful of the complexities of trauma.'

'Harminder Bains is known throughout the industry as someone who will never be intimidated or back away from a fight.'

'Dan Easton has a phenomenal depth of knowledge and puts his client's interests above all else.'

'Grant Incles was careful to explain points of law and the process, which I wasn't familiar with. With incredible attention to detail, he was very quick to move my case forward and to secure outcomes which were always in my best interest.'

Key Clients

British Cycling Federation

British Triathlon Association

Work highlights

  • Acted for client who  was knocked off her bike by a hit-and-run driver, and as a result suffered serious brain and other orthopaedic injuries (settled for £1.15m to include damages for loss of earnings and support for life).
  • Representing 1,800 Zambian villagers, in an appeal brought by Vedanta in the English Courts, regarding a claim where the villagers allege that their water sources and farming land were contaminated by the copper mining operations of a subsidiary of KCM, causing them to fall sick and lose their crops.
  • Representing a client who sustained below the knee amputation as a result of a road traffic accident (lump sum-only damages award of around £4m).
  • Represented former Libyan dissident Mr Belhaj and his wife Ms Boudchar in their claim against the UK Security Services (MI5 and MI6), for alleged complicity in the couple’s extraordinary rendition to Gaddafi’s Libya in 2004 and their torture on the CIA rendition flight (£500,000 in damages).
  • Acting on behalf of a mesothelioma victim who was employed as a foreman at the time of diagnosis in a high-value case.

Stewarts Law LLP is 'a stand-out PI firm for catastrophic injury nationwide'. Its London practice exclusively acts for adults and children who have sustained severe life-changing injuries, most frequently resulting from amputation, spinal or brain damage. It houses a personal injury team of 'excellent lawyers' that takes on a limited number of high-value cases in order to enhance client care and its efforts to secure the highest settlements for catastrophically injured individuals. Paul Paxton, who specialises in complex brain and spinal cord injuries, heads the department, which also includes Charles Edwards who is 'a very safe pair of hands for high-value claims' arising out of road traffic accidents, accidents at work or in public places. Ben Rogers has particular expertise in spinal injuries and exoskeleton provisions.

Practice head(s):Paul Paxton

Other key lawyers:Charles Edwards; Ben Rogers; Andrew Dinsmore; Lucy Robinson; Stephanie Clarke; Nichola Fosler

Testimonials

'Stewarts is the premier firm for claimant personal injury work.  The firm only handles claims of high value and complexity and has an exceptional range of high-quality solicitors all of whom are experts in dealing with catastrophic injury claims.'

'Stewarts is always ready to help and explain the process as it develops and will use language that is understandable, avoiding the often complicated and long-winded legal jargon.'

'It is very pro-active in engaging with insurers not only on a case-by-case basis but also strategically, often working to agreed protocols to ensure swift access to justice. It also offers a very well-resourced pro bono legal service to assist the recently injured.'

'Paul Paxton leads by example as to how catastophic injury cases should be run. He is easy to reach, helpful and pragmatic.'

'Charles Edwards has an understated style but he is a determined and able lawyer. He is very sensible and easy to deal with.'

'The PI team at Stewarts is probably the most tenacious and successful for catastrophic injury claims. It does not shy away from difficult cases.'

Work highlights

  • Representing a protected party, an Irish national, in a severe brain injury claim with issues relating to periodical payments and tax treatment should he return to live in Dublin.
  • Currently acting for a young tetraplegic, father-of-two in a substantial claim estimated to be in excess of £10m.
  • Represented a 39-year-old client with spinal injuries securing damages of £15m (including periodical payment orders on a capitalised basis).
  • Represented the claimant in a brain injury claim for a protected party arising from a road traffic incident (£3.8m settlement).
  • Represented a claimant who suffered life-changing injuries including burns and below-knee amputation in an employers' liability claim for compensation with success in a full-liability trial.

Bindmans LLP is acknowledged for its expertise in managing complex cases and those involving catastrophic injury, where early interim funding for treatment and rehabilitation are prioritised. Jon Crocker, whose expertise also includes clinical negligence, leads the personal injury team, which has a strong track record in fatal accident cases and serious multiple injury claims, involving brain, spinal cord, orthopaedic as well as psychiatric injuries. Alla Murphy regularly attracts work where causation is difficult to establish, while Siobhan Kelly is an expert in claims concerning exposure to asbestos. Recent highlights include the team take on a leading role in a number of civil claims arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.

Practice head(s):Jon Crocker

Other key lawyers:Alla Murphy; Siobhan Kelly; Yagmur Ekici

Testimonials

'A firm that always puts the client at the centre of the litigation process and ensures they are informed and updated every step of the way.'

'This firm and its lawyers are totally driven by what they can do for the client. Whilst every firm has to be commercial, I  always think that is a secondary consideration for Bindmans.'

'Its preparation and management of cases is excellent and it is plain how concerned it is always to put the client first.'

'Alla Murphy is empathetic and always anticipates a client's needs and how to fulfill them.'

'Yagmur Ekici and Alla Murphy both have great knowledge of their clients and are empathetic and caring individuals.'

Bolt Burdon Kemp is noted for taking on high-risk and difficult liability claims, where it has 'an enviable record of success' in securing early rehabilitation. The team has 'a realistic appreciation of the risks of litigation', and solely specialises in complex and serious injury claims that regularly result in high-value settlements. The practice's niche specialisms set it apart in the market. The military claims team, where Ahmed Al-Nahhas is a key practitioner, has significant experience representing injured service personnel, veterans and their families in claims against the Ministry of Defence. The abuse department is led by David McClenaghan, who has been involved in several ground-breaking decisions in the field of child abuse law. Orthopaedic injury expert Joshua Hughes heads the complex injuries group, which covers a blend of clinical negligence and personal injury work. Jonathan Wheeler heads the team.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Wheeler

Other key lawyers:Rhicha Kapila; Dino Nocivelli; Ahmed Al-Nahhas; David McClenaghan; Joshua Hughes

Testimonials

'Bolt Burdon Kemp has an excellent team of serious injury specialists and really stands out for its work on abuse claims.'

'Bolt Burdon Kemp deals with higher value claims and is very strong in general and across its specialist areas. It has built up a genuine depth of knowledge within its specialist teams. It has very strong military claims, spinal injuries and brain injuries teams. It has very hardworking conscientious people who genuinely care about their clients.'

'Strengths are in client care, professional approach, going the extra mile and being consistently client focused.'

'David McClenaghan is one of the best abuse lawyers.  He is always on top of the details of his case; he is effective whether acting as a solicitor negotiating a settlement or as an advocate in court.'

'Josh Hughes is a wise head on young shoulders and his legal experience enables him to deal with clients sensitively and supportively.'

'From day one, the care and concern showed about my case was such that I felt not as their client any more but as part of their team. In essence, I was treated with respect and their ability to take time and understand my injuries helped a great deal. To say the least, their professional standards were exceptionally outstanding.'

'With regards to their personal injury work, Bolt Burdon Kemp has one of the best, if not the best, military teams, headed up by Rhicha Kapila and Ahmed Al-Nahhas. They are both stand-out practitioners in this area of work, dealing with their own clients with compassion, care and thoroughness that is second to none, whilst being resolute but open minded in their dealings with the Ministry of Defence.'

'The team dealing with historic sex abuse cases is very sympathetic and very good at allowing its clients to tell their stories.'

'Dino Nocivelli is very conscientious and meticulous in his work, offering guidance and support throughout and ensuring I have remained central to his approach. He has been sensitive in his nature and support offered, making himself available at all times possible to reassure myself and many other clients with queries, or concerns both about the case and / or with personal issues arising through the stresses of the case.'

Osbornes 'continues to build on its success', fielding a personal injury team that predominantly assists individuals who have sustained serious and life-changing injuries. The team receives instructions in high-value and complex trial litigation, involving severe brain, head and spinal cord injuries, as well as fatal accident claims. Ben Posford leads on catastrophic injury work, demonstrating particular expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims, while injuries of utmost severity, debilitating pain syndromes and functional neurological disorders are all key areas of activity for Robert Aylott. Department head and cycle injury team leader Stuart Kightley specialises in brain injuries as well as cycling and workplace accidents. The wide service offering also encompasses child abuse claims for which Stephanie Prior is noted.

Practice head(s):Stuart Kightley

Other key lawyers:Ben Posford; Stephanie Prior; Robert Aylott

Testimonials

'Osbornes now has a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers; particularly strong on high-value quantum cases, workplace accidents and claims involving foreign workers injured in the UK.'

'The team provides fantastic strength-in-depth for personal injury claims. It is also particularly well placed to service clients from Eastern Europe with specialist native language speakers. From the smallest case to a multimillion-pound spinal injury case, Osbornes has the right staff to manage every claim.'

'Ben Posford remains pre-eminent in his field with expert understanding of litigating cases of the upmost severity. His experience builds on Stuart Kightley's running of the firm with recent partner additions of Rob Aylott making a fantastic addition.'

'A firm going from strength-to strength-which retains its client care whilst being able to offer a full personal injury service.'

'Rob Aylott is a top-class litigator who has an unrivalled knowledge of catastrophic personal injury. A ferocious eye for detail means that quantum claims are always maximised and every angle analysed in liability cases.'

'Beneath Ben Posford's calm and reassuring presence, which clients love, lies a formidable tactical and legal brain. His experience tells and he gets it right at every stage of the process from arranging the best possible rehabilitation, to ensuring, so far as possible, a polite relationship with those acting for the defendant in order to ensure best and early resolution of the claim.'

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors undertakes the full gamut of personal injury matters, including cases of brain, spinal and other catastrophic injuries arising from all types of accidents. The team 'delivers a first-class service', and has a wealth of experience in dealing with inquests, fatal cases, repetitive strain and chronic pain. The firm houses a department of experts in asbestos disease litigation led by Isobel Lovett, who specialises in claims for those affected by mesothelioma and other related illnesses. Patrick Allen's experience spans complex personal injury and multi-party cases, while Riffat Yaqub frequently acts for those who lack capacity (children and clients under the Mental Capacity act) in claims encompassing road traffic accidents, employer liability and sexual abuse. Leticia Williams leads the team.

Practice head(s):Leticia Williams

Other key lawyers:Isobel Lovett; Patrick Allen; Riffat Yaqub; Louise Jukes

Testimonials

'With the continuing superlative support of the great Patrick Allen, the firm has strength across all of its practice areas.'

'This is one of the leading firms in the PI sector, innovative, energetic and responsive to clients' needs and rapidly changing legal and market landscapes.'

'Had it not been for this firm, we would have accepted a fraction of what was due, purely to put a bad period in our lives behind us.'

'The industrial disease team is particularly experienced and effective in dealing with asbestos claims and in my experience is the equal of any other in this field.'

'Isobel Lovett is a tenacious litigator who always gives 100% for her clients.  In addition to her ability as a litigator, Isobel also appreciates the "human element" of such claims and has an excellent manner with clients.'

'Riffat Yaqub is extraordinary. She is very talented and focused, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of success for her clients.'

Work highlights

  • Settling a road traffic accident case for £185,000, where a 79-year-old pedestrian (claimant) was struck by a reversing motor vehicle.
  • Acted for a victim of a road traffic accident, who sustained a brain injury and developed cognitive impairments with significant psychiatric symptoms.
  • Representing the family of a man who suffered fatal injuries when he fell down an excavation in the street (the claim involves five defendants).
  • Representing three foreign claimants against Cumberland Hotel, after they were attacked by an intruder in their rooms and sustained psychological injuries.
  • Reached a £500,000 settlement for a claimant who suffered multiple catastrophic injuries as a result of a road traffic accident.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP undertakes claims of the utmost severity, focusing on proactive litigation to secure prompt rehabilitation for clients. Department co-head Warren Collins has a proven track record handling claims for clients based in the UK and USA who have been catastrophically injured; while Tristan Hallam's key specialisms include head and spinal injury work as well as acting for amputees and police officers. The team's expertise also extends to neurotrauma, fatal accident claims and psychiatric injuries, among others.

Practice head(s):Warren Collins; Tristan Hallam

Other key lawyers:Georgia Rowland; Renee Wright

Testimonials

'From the outset of my accident, Tristan went above and beyond in every way, and provided reassurance and practical support throughout all aspects of my recovery, rehabilitation and return to work for years afterwards, right up to settlement. I am sure that his knowledge around injured police officers and the consequences for them is unrivalled.'

'A strong PI firm, with particular expertise in dealing with claims on behalf of the police officers instructed through the Police Federation.'

'Tristan Hallam is a really excellent PI solicitor, very thorough in evidence preparation and hugely experienced in negotiating with defendants.'

'Tristan is clearly a highly experienced practitioner in his field with not only the knowledge but contacts to bolster and strengthen your claim.'

'Warren Collins takes a very creative and commercial approach to cases and looks for creative ways around problems. He is extremely experienced in the field and I rate him very highly indeed.'

'Warren Collins is without a doubt among a handful of lawyers who lead in this field. He has great knowledge, tireless energy and simply never stops.

Work highlights

  • Reached a £7.2m settlement on behalf of a claimant who was left seriously brain injured when he was hit by a car while crossing the road.
  • Acting for a 33-year-old claimant who sustained a severe brain injury in a motorcycle accident (£5m settlement).
  • Secured a £1.5m settlement within four months of the incident for a 21-year-old mother who suffered a serious head injury in a motor accident.
  • Assisting claimant in a case concerning a traumatic brain injury of a minor following a road traffic collision involving an uninsured vehicle where the driver absconded.
  • Acting for a 71-year-old cyclist who was knocked from his bicycle in a road traffic accident, having already secured funding for initial rehabilitation treatment.

Slater and Gordon acts for those who have suffered life-altering injuries, generally resulting from brain, orthopaedic and spinal trauma, as well as amputation and industrial disease. The main focus of the practice concerns supporting clients at the beginning of their injury to secure ongoing financial relief and rehabilitation. Nick Godwin specialises in catastrophic injury involving brain and spinal damage; while Edmund Young leads a team of expert asbestos lawyers. Typical instructions also include representing bereaved families in fatal accident cases. Patrick Maguire led the team that acted for a number of families of the victims as well as those that were injured in the Westminster and London Bridge terrorist attacks. Alicia Alinia heads the team.

Practice head(s):Alicia Alinia

Other key lawyers:Nick Godwin; Will Cornwell; Tracey Benson; Edmund Young; Patrick Maguire

Testimonials

'Slater & Gordon continues to be a true market leader in personal injury work. The sheer depth of expertise across the full spectrum of personal injury work marks the firm out.'

'The firm continues to achieve success in claims of the highest value and complexity.'

'Very good firm for asbestos-related disease. The London branch led by Mr Edmund Young especially sticks out.'

'Nick Godwin is a powerhouse lawyer who has a remarkable ability to see the wood for the trees in the most complex cases. He can cut through difficult medical and legal problems and get straight to the heart of the matter.'

'Will Cornwell is impressive. He is clearly hardworking and dedicated to his clients. More than capable of dealing with complex catastrophic injury cases.'

'Tracey Benson is a formidable negotiator who has a knack of getting concessions out of opponents and maximising damages claims.'

Work highlights

  • Enjoyed huge success in the Court of Appeal in the case of Bellman vs Northampton Recruitment Limited, which extends the boundaries of the law of vicarious liability.
  • Acted for a claimant, who was involved in a road traffic collision and suffered an amputation injury, in reaching an agreement in respect of liability with the claimant receiving a significant proportion of damages.
  • Representing a client in a fatal case regarding a mesothelioma claim.
  • Securing interim payments for accommodation and acting for claimant in a formal appeal regarding a spinal cord injury sustained in a road traffic accident.

Howard Kennedy LLP has a great reputation for advising clients in the entertainment and healthcare sectors who suffer serious injuries. Complex workplace stress cases are a key strength of the practice, which is led by Elizabeth Smith, whose expertise also covers upper limb disorder claims. Joel Leigh has a track record of assisting with a number of fatal accident cases at work, as well as sports injuries and claims arising from severe road traffic accidents and public liability issues. The team is particularly noted for its ability to handle complex quantum matters revolving around loss of earnings.

Practice head(s):Elizabeth Smith

Other key lawyers:Joel Leigh

Key Clients

Royal College of Nursing

Society of Radiographers

Work highlights

  • Acting for a widow in a fatal claim against Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire County Council, in relation to a serious road traffic accident.

Hudgell Solicitors puts the rehabilitation needs of clients first, while demonstrating 'an excellent anticipation of the other side's strategy' during litigation. The practice provides support to those who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries, commonly involving orthopaedic, spinal cord or severe brain injuries sustained in road or workplace accidents. Amanda Stevens specialises in these types of claims as well as Kent Pattinson, who has a proven track record of securing multimillion-pound damages. The team also includes Malcolm Johnson, who, according to one client, stands out as the 'go-to claimant solicitor' for abuse cases. Shurouk Al-Sabbagh heads the team.

Practice head(s):Shurouk Al-Sabbagh

Other key lawyers:Amanda Stevens; Kent Pattinson; Malcolm Johnson

Testimonials

'The team covers all the bases from straightforward PI to complex medical negligence and class actions.'

'Malcolm Johnson is always completely calm and unflappable, even when under a lot of pressure. He is very thorough and careful which was really important in this case as there was a lot of detailed financial evidence.'

'Key strengths lie in the team's ability to identify the core issues of an abuse case and give practical advice that manages the clients' expectations, but which at the same time ensures that damages' awards are maximised.'

'Kent Pattinson exemplifies absolutely everything that one would wish to see in the skill sets of an ace personal injury lawyer. He is professional and sociable and will let nothing get in the way in his efforts to achieve the best result for his clients.'

'Amanda Stevens is exceptional, bright, knowledgeable, energetic and sympathetic with a wide list of contacts and the ability to mentor other practitioners to strive for the best client care.'

Work highlights

  • Acting for 40 former pupils of a private school in London, who suffered physical and emotional abuse between 1975 and 1991.
  • Acting for 65 former residents of various children’s homes who are presenting claims to the London Borough of Lambeth under the Lambeth Redress Scheme.

Pattinson & Brewer provides advice to a nationwide client base and benefits from its strong following in the trade union sector. Typical instructions range from road traffic accident claims to occupational disease matters, and cases involving brain and spinal injury. Practice head Frances McCarthy has extensive experience in multi-party and disaster-related claims. Marcus Weatherby  generally deals with injuries of maximum severity, acting for clients with brain and spinal injuries in securing high-value settlements. Asbestos-related cases are an area of expertise for Caroline Phelan, who often handles high-profile claims against the police.

Practice head(s):Frances McCarthy

Other key lawyers:Marcus Weatherby; Caroline Phelan

Testimonials

'At multi-track level a strong fusion of dedication to the client, common sense and instinct.'

'Marcus Weatherby is a human dynamo and gets the points effectively.'

'Caroline Phelan is practical, friendly, personable and technically strong.'

Key Clients

UnionLine

Police Federation of England & Wales

National Association of Retired Police Officers

URTU

Unison

Civil Nuclear Police Federation

Association of School and College Leaders

The personal and catastrophic injury department at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP acts for claimants who have sustained severe and oftentimes catastrophic injuries, notably those who have suffered neurotrauma. Brain injury, amputation and advanced prostheses as well as spinal cord and brachial plexus injuries are the team's main areas of expertise. Gary Smith, whose specialisms include Mental Capacity Act and Court of Protection matters, heads the practice, which also counts Debra Harling, who is experienced across brain and spinal injuries.

Practice head(s):Gary Smith

Other key lawyers:Debra Harling

Key Clients

Headway

Spinal Injuries Association

Work highlights

  • Involved in an innovative quasi-Court of Protection application concerning whether a vulnerable claimant should be notified of the substantial damages recovered for him.

Russell-Cooke LLP has a strong record presenting the 'very best cases for its clients'. The team assists individuals who have sustained serious injuries, and occasionally attracts work where novel and interesting points of law are raised. Janice Gardner, whose personal injury legal experience spans nearly 25 years, supervises large multi-party actions as well as high-value cases involving psychiatric and criminal injury compensation claims, and those arising from road traffic accidents. Sarah Towler specialises in claims against local authorities, notably in relation to abused children. Deborah Blythe heads the team.

Practice head(s):Deborah Blythe

Other key lawyers:Janice Gardner; Sarah Towler; Nimmisha Aslam

Testimonials

'Russell-Cooke has a team of very experienced partners and associates, who are well supervised and exposed to work at an appropriate level which permits the development of properly rounded experienced lawyers .'

'Excellent representation of injured people to ensure they achieve justice.'

'Janice Gardner is an exceptional lawyer. She has the heart of a lion and will fight hard for her clients. However, she will not lose perspective and will both seek and heed advice where appropriate.'

'Janice is good at distilling complex issues and evidence into digestible  chunks for clients and will never lose sight of the bigger picture or commercial realities of a case.'

'Deborah Blythe is a very experienced lawyer with a gentle manner that belies a steely resolve to do well for her clients. She is a very safe pair of hands.'

'Nimmisha Aslam has excellent knowledge of the law and can identify the real issues in a case and focus on those to achieve the best outcomes for clients.'

'Sarah Towler is a market leader in the industry; she can pick the essence of a case and develop it to a successful conclusion.'

Work highlights

  • Represented a 75-year-old woman who sustained an injury at home involving a cupboard landing on her left shoulder.
  • Acted in a complex causation claim for a client who suffered a complicated left hip injury following an accident in a supermarket and had a long history of hip-related issues.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP's London branch concentrates on high-value cases, which frequently involve catastrophic injury and industrial disease claims. The firm has a long history of acting for trade unions, bringing claims on behalf of their members who sustain injuries predominantly at work, in road traffic accidents or elsewhere. Practice head Henrietta Phillips is 'absolutely focused on getting the best' result for clients, and has particular experience in catastrophic injuries. Maximum severity and high-value cases are also key areas of strength for Christalla Christodoulidou. Asbestos expert Lorna Webster surpervises occupational disease claims.

Practice head(s):Henrietta Phillips

Other key lawyers:Christalla Christodoulidou; Lorna Webster

Testimonials

'Its union lawyer background and commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of workers is Thompsons' unique selling point, tried and tested over the decades.'

'The firm specialises in personal injury claims for claimants only and has a supervision structure that ensures claims are prosecuted with efficiency and with the best outcome for its clients.'

'Christalla Christodoulidou is a capable and empathetic lawyer. She is easy to deal with and very reliable.'

Key Clients

Unison

Unite the Union

PCS

RMT

ASLEF

USDAW

NASUWT

CSP

NUJ

Work highlights

  • Success at liability trial for a client that suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a road traffic accident.
  • Achieved a high -value settlement for a claimant who suffered complex injuries in an accident at work.
  • Significant settlement for widower of a woman fatally injured in a road traffic accident.
  • Success at liability trial for a claimant who was employed as a receptionist at an A&E Department and slipped on vomit, sustaining injuries to her arm and shoulder.
  • Acted for claimant who sustained a stroke following an accident at work rendering him disabled in that he had right-sided weakness and restricted vision (£2.175m plus periodical payments of £80k per year).

Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles a wide range of complex and often high-value personal injury cases, and has a niche specialism in accidents at work claims. Acting against local authorities for slips and trips in public space, road traffic accidents as well as asbestos-related illnesses are some of the team's other areas of specialism. Julie Leslie, whose expertise includes life-limiting injuries, heads the Dalston office; while the team based in Harrow is led by Rebecca Thomas, who has experience in dealing with claims relating to fatalities.

Practice head(s):Rebecca Thomas; Julie Leslie

Other key lawyers:Nilma Shah; Shabana Masood

Testimonials

'It is the breadth of work that the firm as a whole undertakes that makes the team unique.'

'It gives personal attention to clients of every description, is far removed from the 'factory' experience so common to many other firms and blends compassion for injured and often vulnerable clients with diplomatic realism to guide them towards sensible settlements.'

'The personal injury team is able to draw on the knowledge of other teams so as to best advise their clients.'

'Rebecca Thomas knows what needs to be done in order to gather what is required to best present a case.'

'Julie Leslie understands that her clients come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and that many of them have difficulty participating in the litigation process.  She appears to work tirelessly to guide them through the process, without ever expecting too much from them.'

'Shabana Massood is learning fast and undertakes work well above her years with considerable success.'

McMillan Williams acts for individuals in a wide range of injury claims, and is fast building a solid reputation for spinal cord and chronic pain cases. Joanna Bailey, who has a proven track record of acting for those who sustain serious brain injury in road traffic accidents or families suffering bereavement, heads the team. Timothy Pyant's expertise also spans psychiatric injury, including post-traumatic stress.

Practice head(s):Joanna Bailey

Other key lawyers:Timothy Pyant; Simon Rooney; Caroline Kempster

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