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Beachcroft’s ‘very strong’ team provides ‘exceptional service’ to clients such as the Ministry of Defence and Zurich. Multi-track litigation is its primary focus, with high-value and complex catastrophic and disease claims a particular specialism. Recent work highlights for Duncan Rutter’s team include successfully defending the MoD regarding an accident arising at sea during a rescue operation.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP’s ‘enthusiastic, knowledgeable and hardworking’ team is noted for its expertise in equestrian and specialist risk cases. New panel appointments include the Motor Insurance Bureau and LV=. The team recently obtained a successful outcome in the high-profile Jessop v Nixon case. Practice head Andrew Hibbert is ‘outstanding and leads by example’, and Michael Renshaw is ‘exceptionally good’.

Kennedys is ‘first rate’ in motor, public liability and occupational disease cases. Practice head Andrew Caplan is recommended for his strength in policy reviews of highway matters, and successfully defended TfL in a case involving a death resulting from accumulation of surface grit on a highway. Clients include LV=, Hastings Direct and Virgin Holidays.

Lea Brocklebank’s team at Bond Pearce LLP specialises in high-value catastrophic brain and spinal injury claims. Clients include Groupama, Chubb and English Heritage.

Clarke Willmott LLP is ‘excellent’ on multi-track catastrophic injury cases, and its business acumen is ‘second to none’, although practice head Rod Evans has recently left for Greenwoods Solicitors.

Nick Rogers’ team at Lamport Bassitt has particular expertise in motor injury claims, and acts for LV= and QBE. Richard Williams is a ‘leading force’.

Neil McLaughlin’s team at Morgan Cole provides ‘consistent, quality service’, and acts for Aviva, Travelers and ACE among others. Nick Richards has ‘terrific depth of knowledge’.

Tim Oliver’s cross-office team at Plexus Law is highly regarded by its peers and advises clients such as QBE and RBS in catastrophic and motor injury claims.

Weightmans LLP’s acquired Vizards Wyeth’s insurance team in April 2011. Headed by Elaine Chapman, the new cross-office team acts for insurers and the Motor Insurance Bureau.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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