Rising Stars

Personal injury: pursuer in Scotland

Digby Brown LLP

With an impressive track record and significant experience acting for claimants, Digby Brown LLP handles the gamut of personal injury claims. The practice fields a large and experienced team across seven offices throughout Scotland and includes several accredited personal injury specialists. In Edinburgh, the ‘superb’ Gordon Dalyell has a broad practice that includes fatal claims and claims for miscarriages of justice, while Kim Leslie is frequently instructed to act on historic institutional abuse claims. In Glasgow, the core team includes Chris Stewart and Moira Kay, who handle catastrophic and serious injury claims, as well as Fraser Simpson, who takes point on industrial disease matters. Mark Gibson, Stuart Barton and Fraser Oliver are other key members of the team.

Other key lawyers:

Fraser Oliver; Brian Castle; Mark Gibson; Gordon Dalyell; Chris Stewart; Fraser Simpson; Kim Leslie; Dawn McCafferty; Stuart Barton; Moira Kay


Testimonials

‘Exceptional in ensuring access to justice for all.’

‘Gordon Dalyell has a truly altruistic attitude to justice. An exceptional lawyer with an interest in every claim, and he applies his skills for the benefit of every client and also works collaboratively with his peers to advance the cause of justice in our society. He is a superb lawyer, who represents everything that a lawyer should be – a person of high integrity, skill, knowledge and experience, but all used with great humanity and humility.’

‘Kim Leslie is the partner leading the historic abuse team. She is an exceptional individual – determined, focused, tenacious and extremely capable. She always does the best for the client and has a marvellous team. Kim goes above and beyond for the client and is a great communicator. Mark Gibson heads the foreign and travel department. He too is excellent. He is very capable, great with clients and focused on their best interests. Moira Kay is the partner leading the catastrophic injury team. There is not much that this team doesn’t know about catastrophic injury cases. Moira is very well prepared, very capable and great with clients.’

‘The firm has experienced and very able lawyers from top to bottom. All cases are properly prepared, which leads to excellent results for clients. All work produced by the firm consistently meets a high standard. The number, quality and value of the cases pursued by the firm is very impressive.

‘Moira Kay demonstrates a quiet confidence and competence, which leads to excellent results for her clients. She is a pleasure to work with. Kim Leslie is a leading historic abuse claims lawyer for pursuers. She is tenacious and very well informed and drives difficult cases to a successful conclusion. Together with Stuart Barton, they are all very experienced PI lawyers and are among the foremost practitioners in this field in Scotland.

‘Digby Brown’s pursuer practice is of a universally high standard.’

‘Far and away the best firm for personal injury work for pursuers. A large team of highly trained lawyers – not just paralegals – using a very efficient system that ensures all cases are properly investigated.’

‘The consistency of the quality of the solicitors at Digby Brown is one of the most impressive features of the firm. However, the work Kim Leslie does for victims of historic abuse deserves special mention.’

Key clients

Spinal Injuries Scotland


Headway


Asbestos Action and Clydebank Asbestos Group


Brake


Members of the Compensate Personal Injury Network


Work highlights


  • Acted on a fatal road traffic action, and secured damages for the sole survivor of the car crash.
  • Acted on a serious workplace injury case that settled for 45 times the original offer. Acted for a joiner, who suffered a brain injury after falling through a roof while fitting a Velux window. The defenders tried to dismiss the action with an initial offer of £20k; the case settled for £900k.

Balfour+Manson LLP

Balfour+Manson LLP's ‘excellent’ personal injury practice is regularly instructed to act on highly complex claims, including catastrophic road accidents, severe head and brain injuries, and fatal claims. David Short co-heads the team and has a particular specialism in aviation cases, and is also an accredited occupational and asbestos disease specialist. Co-head David McIntosh is an accredited personal injury specialist and leads on high-value catastrophic road traffic and workplace accidents. In Aberdeen, Julie Clark-Spence handles offshore claims and fishing accidents. Ann Logan and Michaela Guthrie are other key members of the team.

Practice head(s):

David Short; David McIntosh


Other key lawyers:

Ann Logan; Michaela Guthrie; Julie Clark-Spence


Testimonials

‘Ann Logan is an exceptional partner. She is a great lawyer: diligent, inspiring, honest, hard-working and practical. Her team has the same ethos. Michaela Guthrie is a great lawyer and excellent with clients. David McIntosh is diligent, hard-working, extremely competent and practical.’

‘Excellent attention to detail and commitment to clients. The professional service is the overarching aim, and not recoverable fees.’

‘David McIntosh and David Short are outstanding personal injury practitioners. Highly knowledgeable, well organised & excellent communicators, supported by excellent teams.’

Key clients

Kenyan Tea Pickers


Work highlights


Harper Macleod LLP

With a strong presence in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness, Harper Macleod LLP's personal injury team has a strong track record acting on road traffic accident-related mandates, employers’ and public liability matters and on catastrophic injury cases. Heather Calderwood leads the team alongside consultant Elizabeth Mitchell, and has particular expertise in handling complex and high-value wrongful death and fatal claims. Accredited personal injury specialist Amy Dickson was promoted to partner in 2023 and handles road traffic accident matters and liability claims. At associate level, the team is supported by Laura Ann Sheridan and Christina Wason.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Mitchell; Heather Calderwood


Other key lawyers:

Laura Ann Sheridan; Amy Dickson; Christina Wason


Testimonials

‘Harper Macleod is particularly attuned to understanding their clients’ needs.’

‘Heather Calderwood is an exceptional lawyer with a unique combination of empathy, objectivity and communication skills.’

‘A very good team.’

‘Amy Dickson is an excellent lawyer. Justifiably confident in her abilities. Down-to-earth approach with her clients.’

‘Laura Ann Sheridan is outstanding.’

‘I found that the team was able to exercise great adaptability in dealing with foreign jurisdiction personal injury cases.’

‘I found the solicitors I have dealt with, in particular Laura Ann Sheridan, show great initiative and diligence in the preparation of their cases.’

‘Amy Dickson is practical and commercial with a skill for getting things done. Her clients trust her as she tells it like it is. She is a very talented lawyer, who is very reliable and consistently achieves results. Christina Wason: Astute and up to date with the law, Christina works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for her clients in a supportive but no-nonsense way. She deals effectively with the other side, especially when they are being difficult.’

Work highlights


Lindsays

Leveraging the firm's wider capabilities, the personal injury team at Lindsays handles a broad range of personal injury claims with particular strength in industrial disease, historic abuse and catastrophic injury claims. David Armstrong heads the team and is the key contact for fatal claims and accidents, both in Scotland and abroad. Accredited personal injury specialist Jonathan Cornwell handles public liability matters and specialises in industrial disease claims, while the 'outstanding' Lauren Pasi takes point on workplace claims. Associate Rachel Holt is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

David Armstrong


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Holt; Lauren Pasi; Jonathan Cornwell


Testimonials

‘The best thing was that the team believed me and was on my side. They kept me well informed. They were professional, fair and friendly. They treated me with dignity and respect throughout my conversations with them.’

‘The two contacts I had were very good. They both kept me updated with the progress of my case, and they were very friendly over the phone. They advised me accordingly but gave me the right to make the final decision without pressure.’

‘All the team members involved in my case were amazing! They were knowledgeable and asked all the correct questions leaving no stone unturned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lindsays, and I already have to a friend.’

‘I received the most excellent service possible. Rachel Holt’s communication, legal knowledge and dedication is unparalleled. I am truly grateful for all of her efforts in my case and for reaching the best outcome possible. Rachel is a highly knowledgeable professional, who practices with integrity and diligence. I would wholeheartedly recommend Rachel to anyone seeking a legal representative for personal injury matters.’

‘Great teamwork. Knowledgeable. Personable to deal with.’

‘David Armstrong is knowledgeable, efficient and a good communicator. Jonathan Cornwell is efficient and knows the area of practice well. Rachel Holt is well organised with a sharp mind.’

‘Rachel Holt is a rising star. She is very competent and easy to work with.’

‘Lauren Pasi is outstanding. Very considered, thoughtful, excellent with clients, highly efficient, organised and effective.’

Key clients

Calio Claims


First Central Insurance Management


Lindsays Alliance


Society of Radiographers


LIM Insurance


Law Society of Scotland


The Legal Advice Group


Coplus Insurance Services


The Scottish Vaccine Injury Group


Work highlights


Thorntons Law LLP

With offices in Dundee and Edinburgh, Thorntons Law LLP has a full-service personal injury offering and fields a strong team that includes several accredited personal injury specialists. Handling matters pertaining to occupational disease, serious head and brain injuries, as well as permanent vegetative state claims constitutes a particular strength for the team. Under the leadership of Caroline Kelly (Dundee), the team has seen a recent uptick in work relating to historic abuse claims. Gordon McBean (Dundee) takes point on catastrophic injuries with a focus on complex acquired brain injury, and Gary Mannion (Dundee) frequently handles public liability claims, while the Edinburgh-based Michelle Adam routinely advises on clinical negligence matters. Other key members include Kathleen-Erin Lawson and Clare MacPherson as well as legal director Richard Poole and associate Michaela Dougan.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Kelly


Other key lawyers:

Kathleen-Erin Lawson; Michelle Adam; Gordon McBean; Clare MacPherson; Richard Poole; Gary Mannion; Michaela Dougan


Testimonials

‘Clare MacPherson provides excellent leadership. She is very well organised and expects no less from her team. Michelle Adam combines excellent legal knowledge with a good practical slant. Kathleen-Erin Lawson is a pleasure to work with. Always on the ball and good at thinking outside the box.’

‘An approachable and friendly manner. Experienced litigators willing to fight hard for their clients. Richard Poole is a safe pair of hands, always willing to ensure everything is done for his clients.’

‘Michelle Adam is extremely experienced. Michaela Dougan and Kathleen-Erin Lawson are extremely capable and have an excellent manner with clients.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a client who suffered the loss of a limb as a result of the delayed diagnosis of diabetes, resulting in a high six-figure settlement.
  • Advised the client on pursuing a claim for historic abuse against an educational establishment resulting in a six-figure settlement.
  • Won a court action for the client’s loss of hearing sustained due to exposure to noise alarm in her workplace.

Anderson Strathern

At Anderson Strathern, the personal injury practice handles a broad range of claims, including fatal claims and those pertaining to catastrophic road traffic accidents and workplace assaults. Gary Burton, who made partner in September 2022, specialises in matters pertaining to workplace accidents and accidents abroad; he co-heads the group alongside Robert Carr and Catriona Watt. Robbie Wilson, who takes point on medical negligence matters, is another core member of the team, as are associates Laura Bowen and Jane Pothan.

Practice head(s):

Gary Burton; Catriona Watt; Robert Carr


Other key lawyers:

Robbie Wilson; Laura Bowen; Jane Pothan


Testimonials

‘Good communication within this team, prompt and proficient updates and feedback about any progress with my case. Very thorough and supportive.’

‘All lawyers have been very supportive, helpful and informative.’

‘Wonderful team, so helpful and supportive.’

Key clients

Harper, Robertson & Shannon


Martin & Company


Masson & Glennie


Quantum Claims


Pomphreys


Lynn Herbert & Co


Smith & Grant


Royal College of Nursing


Work highlights


Irwin Mitchell Scotland

Under the leadership of the ‘outstanding’ David Bell, Irwin Mitchell Scotland is regularly instructed to act on complex injury claims, including those pertaining to brain, spinal and polytrauma injuries. The team has particular strength in industrial disease claims, and continues to see an increase in instructions concerning fatal asbestos disease claims. This is complemented by expertise in military claims. Solicitor Nicola McCartney is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

David Bell


Other key lawyers:

Nicola McCartney


Testimonials

‘Outstanding PI team focused on service delivery, rehab and client care. Exceptional knowledge of rehab services. IM delivers a service that is completely client-focused.’

‘Client care delivery is exceptional, the value of legal advice and focus on solution-based resolutions is outstanding. David Bell and Nicola McCartney are standouts.’

‘My experience with them has been very supportive, sympathetic and positive. The time, consideration and compassion I received enabled me to make decisions in my own time. I was never pressured, but constantly listened to in an understanding and caring manner.’

‘I cannot fault the level of attention I have received. I have been fully informed and kept up to date with all proceedings. I feel I have received a personalised service. They make me feel that I am a valued client, and have been very generous with their time when I needed support and reassurance. I appreciate what they are doing for me.’

‘I have dealt with this practice twice over the past few years for injury-related claims. In both cases, I have had a one-to-one relationship with the lawyer dealing with my claim. This has felt very personal and I felt (having no legal experience) looked after and guided very well. Excellent service.’

‘Everyone is excellent in the team and always willing to assist.’

‘David Bell shows complete dedication to his clients’ interests and is willing to go the extra mile to make things happen for them. He is ably assisted by the rest of the personal injury team.’

‘David Bell is the outstanding individual in the team. He is very reliable and also hands-on where necessary to take charge of any tricky situations or bumps in the road. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.’

Work highlights


Jackson Boyd LLP

Jackson Boyd LLP's personal injury team has seen an increase in instructions on industrial disease, workplace stress and non-surgical beauty claims. The team is jointly led by managing partner Alan Macdonald and the 'unflappable' Dave Berry, a certified trauma-informed solicitor, whose caseload includes offshore accidents, industrial disease matters and workplace accidents. Debbie Milne handles complex injury claims with an emphasis on brain and spinal injuries, while David McKinney takes point on road traffic accident claims. Also in the core team is associate Pamela Bradshaw.

Practice head(s):

Alan Macdonald; Dave Berry


Other key lawyers:

Debbie Milne; Pamela Bradshaw; David McKinney


Testimonials

‘Established and very efficient in their field. Displays good flexibility to problems.’

‘The team at Jackson Boyd has a very proactive approach to handling personal injury claims. They have extensive experience in the field and in choosing the appropriate experts to provide opinion and support for their clients’ claims. They handle claims with skill, great attention to detail and without undue delay.’

‘Diligent, empathetic, sympathetic, professional and dedicated are the qualities which come to mind in relation to partners Debbie Milne and Dave Berry, and senior associate Pamela Bradshaw.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for the family of a 35 year old woman killed in a road traffic accident.
  • Acting for a 62 year old male in connection with life-altering injuries sustained in a car accident in July 2018.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Morton Fraser MacRoberts‘s personal injury practice has particular strength in fatal claims, including serious road traffic accidents, and claims relating to historic asbestos exposure. Jenny Dickson oversees the group, which includes accredited personal injury specialist Nicola Edgar; her practice covers fatal claims, sexual abuse claims and employers’ liability claims.

Practice head(s):

Jenny Dickson


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Edgar


Testimonials

‘They were very open and explained how the process would work in an easy-to-understand way, which is what you need when you find yourself in a position where you require their help and expertise. This company was recommended to us and didn’t let us down.’

‘Nicola Edger was brilliant with us, she kept us updated with what was happening especially over Covid, and reassured us when we were at our lowest point and grieving. She was always on hand and checked out anything we thought was important to our case. I found everyone helpful and friendly.’

‘They have a desire to do their best for their clients. A steady and capable team. Can be readily relied upon to progress cases.’

Work highlights


  • Acting on a fatal claim on behalf of the families of two men killed in a road traffic accident.
  • Acting on a cycling case for an individual who suffered a complex brain injury following a collision with a vehicle.
  • Acting on behalf of the family of an individual who died as a result of historic exposure to asbestos, and recovered significant damages on their behalf.

Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon handles the full spectrum of personal injury and public liability claims, including those pertaining to brain and spinal injuries, workplace accidents and historical abuse; this is bolstered by experience in pursuing claims in the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland. Stuart Cochran oversees the team and frequently assists with amputation-related claims, while Karyn McPhee routinely handles industrial disease claims.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Cochran


Other key lawyers:

Karyn McPhee


Testimonials

‘Very experienced and competent solicitors, who are well versed in the challenges posed by this type of litigation. They are alive to the issues in a case without the input of counsel, and papers are usually very well prepared before counsel is instructed.’

‘Stuart Cochran and Karyn McPhee are very competent and experienced solicitors. Karyn is very able and proactive.’

‘Highly professional team providing the highest standards of customer care.’

‘I deal mainly with Stuart Cochran and Karyn McPhee. Both are extremely knowledgeable and provide a first-class customer service.’

Work highlights