Personal injury: defendant in London

Clyde & Co

The London personal injury team at Clyde & Co has, as of July 2022, officially merged with the large personal injury offering formerly at BLM, significantly bolstering its strength-in-depth. The consolidated team is now co-led by industrial disease specialist Michelle Penn, and casualty and large loss expert Matthew Ford. The team has a multitude of areas of specialism, including: rail and airport; motor and transport, including severe road traffic accidents; health and safety, including accidents at work; catastrophic and sub-catastrophic injury and disease; and abuse and neglect, led by Paula Jefferson. The team’s client list contains an impressive array of leading insurers. The claims which the team defends include such factors as harmful chemical exposure leading to long-term health conditions, orthopaedic injury and amputation, fatalities, severe head injuries and brain trauma, abuse and psychological harm, spinal injury, paraplegia and tetraplegia. Michael Pether and Claire Collins are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Michelle Penn; Matthew Ford

Other key lawyers:

Tony Cawley; Paul Smith; Leanne Given; Paul Charter; Michael Pether; Nick Pargeter; Nigel Lock, Claire Collins, Paula Jefferson, Sharon MacArthur-Powell, Peter James; Sharon Moohan, Sarah Murray-Smith, Phillip Carney; Ian Walker; Edward Sainsbury; Clare Garnett

Testimonials

‘Standout defendant insurer team with high value catastrophic injury work.’

‘Tony Cawley is a stand-out performer: excellent manner, highly professional, inspires confidence in clients and offers effective teamwork to instructed counsel. An excellent ‘people-person’, who helps shape the personal injury team.’

‘Paula Jefferson is probably the leading defence solicitor in handling abuse claims, particularly for faith organisations.’

‘Clare Garnett is a brilliant lawyer, able to keep many plates spinning simultaneously and always delivers the highest quality of service to her clients.’ 

‘Claire Collins is recently promoted and definitely making a noise. A tough litigator who takes no prisoners.’

‘They are very pragmatic and commercial. They handle the heaviest cases with ease.’

‘The team is very responsive and flexible to our needs. The depth of knowledge and the team’s capabilities has never left us wanting. They have fully immersed themselves in our business in terms of our strategies and business needs. They have developed their offering to meet our business needs.’

‘Now that Clyde & Co have merged with BLM, their position in the market will be vast. BLM had a significant piece of the defendant insurance market and were market leaders in that field. They bring a range of talent and experience to the table.’

Key clients

AIM Mutual

Allianz Insurance

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty

The Arcadia Group

AIG

Arch

Armour

Aspen

AVIVA

AXA

AXA XL

Barclays Bank

Barry Nilsson Lawyers

Berkley Homes

British Land

British Car Auctions

Broadspire (Crawfords)

Capita

Catalina

Center Parcs

CHUBB

CNA Hardy

Coca Cola Europacific Partners

Costa

The Davies Group

Ecclesiastical

European Risk Insurance Company hf.

Faraday

Gallagher Bassett

Grosvenor Casinos Limited

HCA International

HDI

Hamilton Managing Agency Ltd

Hiscox

Honeywell Group

Ikea

Intu

InterContinental Hotels Group

Ironshore

Jet2 Holidays

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Lastminute.com

Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liverpool Victoria Insurance

Marshall of Cambridge

Marsh

Mecca Bingo Limited

MS Amlin

New India Assurance

Olympic Holidays

Pro Global

QBE Insurance

QuestGates

Royal Opera House

The Rank Group

Red Sea Holidays

Regis

Riverstone

Subway

Thomas Cook Travel Operations Ltd

TK Maxx

Tokio Marine

Towergate

TSB

Sandals

Sedgwick

Vero Insurers

Willis Towers Watson

Whitbread (Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre, Beefeater)

Woodgate & Clark

Zurich

DWF

Steven King and Mark Whittaker co-lead the personal injury defendant offering at DWF. The team is comprised of experts in complex injury litigation and is well adept at defending high-value, complex claims arising from: motor and road traffic incidents, workplace accidents, property damage, health and safety issues, as well as public and product liability cases. It is also experienced in dealing with group actions. Presently, it is acting for the defendant council in the multi-claimant, high-profile action regarding the Grenfell Tower disaster, and has set up extensive rehabilitation for victims and their families as part of its work. In addition, the team is well equipped to handle cross-jurisdictional matters; recently promoted partner Michelle Knapp is developing a strong reputation for handling international catastrophic injury cases. Other noted senior practitioners include Claire Bowler, Graham Dickinson and Rhys Sanchez. ‘Future partner in-the-making’, Adela Carrasco, is one to watch at senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Steven King; Mark Whittaker

Other key lawyers:

Seema Bains; Charles Ashmore; Rhys Sanchez; Alison Standfast; Dan Mitchell; Stuart Giddings; Paul Greaves; Adela Carrasco; Graham Dickinson; Olly Bowes-Smith; John Lezemore; Dan Jordan; Emma Clarke

Testimonials

‘Seema Bains is the best in the business. A bright, thorough tactician with excellent judgement – charming to work with. Other stand-outs are Mark Whittaker, Alison Standfast and Dan Mitchell. All have good judgment and are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Charles Ashmore is a robust, no-nonsense insurance lawyer.’

‘Rhys Sanchez is approachable, client-focused and knowledgeable across a number of different fields including personal injury, property damage and overseas jurisdiction matters.’

‘DWF have been amongst the top defendant insurance firms for many years and their position in that ranking has been well earned and secure. They bring a wide pool of talent, experience and abilities to their clients and are receptive to different tactical approaches.’

‘Adela Carrasco is a future partner in-the-making. Erudite in personal injury, she uses her extensive knowledge base in an effective and pragmatic way to ensure the best results for clients.’

‘John Lezemore is a standout partner – very experienced, and can handle a large caseload.’

‘Charles Ashmore is an exceptional litigator. Combining outstanding analytical adroitness, high voltage intellect and the unerring ability to get to the epicentre of a claim, he outpaces, outclasses and outmanoeuvres his opponents. It is no surprise that, for insurers, he is the one to call.’

‘By his ability to get through to the opposing side and the cunning deployment of a lethal charm, Steven King achieves amazing results for his clients.’

Key clients

RSA

Aviva

The Markerstudy Group

QBE

Direct Line Group

Travelers

MS Amlin

Ageas

Tokio Marine Kiln

QIC

Antares Managing Agency Limited

LV

Generali

Van Ameyde (UK) And Ireland

Hastings Direct

HDI Global

Mannheimer Versicherung AG

Wuerttembergische Versicherung AG

Gefion AS (In Administration)

Ergo Hestia

Canopius

Allianz

First Central

Accredited Insurance Europe

Kennedys

Kennedys‘ sizeable serious and catastrophic personal injury offering is led in London by Mark Burton; the wider firm specialises in the global defence of insurers. The team deals with consistently high-value claims in a variety of areas, including: motor, workplace and leisure, and travel; notably of late, the team defended on the high-profile, landmark Supreme Court case made against the Four Seasons Hotel Group regarding whether an incident in a foreign jurisdiction can indirectly injure a UK-based claimant. In addition, the team has a strong reputation for defending sports-related claims; Ben Appleton has a strong reputation for his brain trauma work and is currently involved in defending on the high-profile World Rugby action relating to concussion and brain injury in multiple players. Anthony French, one of three partners who joined the team from BLM in 2021, is described as a huge asset to Kennedys’. ‘Visionary partner’ Richard West is a well-regarded member of the team, while Burton led on the development of the team’s Serious Injury Suite, an innovative technology created to assist clients through the legal process. Joe McManus and Stephen Foster are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Mark Burton

Other key lawyers:

Richard West, Stephen Foster, Jennifer Harris, Andrew Purdie; Anthony Rawlins; Joe McManus; Antony French; Stephen Foster; Joanne Kelly; Alexandra Riley; Ben Appleton; Amber Jenner; Deirdre Burgess; Rebecca Woods; Rachel Moore; Amber Jenner; Tracey Perry

Testimonials

‘Richard West, Mark Burton, Stephen Foster, Jennifer Harris and Andrew Purdie are all handling very high-value catastrophic personal injury claims. The results they achieve for their clients are regularly exceptional due to the drive and care that they bring to every claim brought before them by their wide range of insurance clients.’

‘Anthony Rawlins is a fearless and unflappable solicitor who always fights his clients’ corner. Richard West is a visionary partner.’

‘Antony French is a real star and a huge asset to Kennedys. He is trusted by his clients to handle complex, high-profile and high-value claims. He has a great and calm personality that clients, claimant solicitors and counsel appreciate and warm to, which when combined with his commercially-focused mindset, leaves him unmatched by his peers.’

Deirdre Burgess’ attention to detail sets her apart from others in her field. Stephen Foster is a class act who offers innovative solutions to insurers on complex matters.’

‘Mark Burton combines a first-class intellect with excellent tactical thinking. Efficient handling of very complex cases and a go-to solicitor for defendants in this field.’

‘Ben Appleton is passionate in delivering an excellent service to clients. Meticulous in his research and advice.’

‘Rachel Moore is calm under pressure and willing to think outside the box. Tracey Perry always goes the extra mile and guard’s insurers’ money as if it is her own.’

‘Kennedys continue to be at the forefront of developing innovative technology for their clients in the personal injury defendant workspace.’

Key clients

Acromas

Aspen

Aviva

Chubb

Enstar

Axis

Allianz

Canopius

Newline

CNA Hardy

Allied World

PSV Claims Bureau/Stagecoach

AmTrust

UTC/Otis

Work highlights

  • Defending test cases brought by a group of nine former international rugby players who are suing governing bodies for failing to take adequate steps to prevent concussion.
  • Defending the Four Seasons Hotel Group in a notable case concerning personal injury jurisdiction law.
  • Successfully defended a trial of high-value claims arising from a multi-vehicle motorway pile-up.

Plexus Law

The Plexus Law personal injury team is co-led by a multitude of experts, being: property risk specialist Paul De La Porte, occupational disease lead Stephen Phillips; Joanne Pizzala, who specialises in catastrophic loss in motor incidents and is described as being ‘at the very top of the tree in this space’; leader of the dedicated large loss team Mark Dyson; head of travel Michael Gwilliam; and Philip Tracey, whose work covers all aspects of employers’, public and product liability. At present, Tracey is defending on a potentially ultra-high-value, cross-jurisdictional leisure liability group action claim being made against the RFU and Wales Rugby, involving brain damage. In addition, the team has a wealth of experience in dealing with motor incidents, public liability cases and workplace accidents. Claire Attridge is developing a strong reputation in asbestos claims in particular.

Other key lawyers:

Ashley Mahon; Nicola McDougall; Paul Phillips; Simon Martin; Stephanie Wilson; Claire Attridge

Testimonials

‘Joanne Pizzala is, without doubt, at the very top of the tree in this space. Devoted, tireless, sensitive and caring. Not all words regularly applied to lawyers working for insurance companies. But they all apply to Jo.’

‘A wide client base and market presence.’

‘Plexus’ key strength is its competitive pricing; routinely undercutting other defendant insurance firms in the market with no loss of ability or competency. The firm has adapted very quickly to electronic billing, with limited fuss in comparison to others.’

‘The team at Plexus, namely Mark Dyson, Ashley Mahon and Nicola McDougall, provide a uniquely personal service to defendant insurers. They are always prepared to go above and beyond, not simply handling litigated cases, but providing ad-hoc competent advice, training, and support, at incredibly competitive prices for the London market. Recommendations focus on closing claims as quickly as reasonably possible.’

‘In the casualty sector I would always choose Philip Tracey.’

‘Can be relied on to handle the highest-value claims. No matter how trivial my enquiries, they are more than happy to help at all times.’

‘Steve Phillips has an incredible, in-depth knowledge of the legacy disease claims market. He is approachable, pragmatic, sensible and thorough in his approach.’

‘Philip Tracey and his team are always conscious of the bigger picture; innovative, decisive, collaborative and pragmatic when appropriate.’

Key clients

QBE

Metroline

Rugby Football Union (RFU)

DLG

AIG

TfL

Tesco

Gatwick Airport

HDI Global

Insure the Box

London Borough of Hackney

McDonalds Restaurants

Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, London City, Leeds-Bradford Airports and many others

Metropolitan Police Authority

QBE

Metroline

Rugby Football Union (RFU)

DLG

AIG

TfL

Tesco

Gatwick Airport

HDI Global

Insure the Box

London Borough of Hackney

McDonalds Restaurants

Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, London City, Leeds-Bradford Airports and many others

Metropolitan Police Authority

Work highlights

  • Defended on a potential £9-10m claim alleging suspected brain damage following an incident on a rugby pitch; the claimant pursued a claim both against his club and against the hospital in which he was treated.
  • Defended on a chronic pain case in which causation was in issue.
  • Successfully defended a civil action made against the Metropolitan Police for false imprisonment, assault and personal injury relating to a detailed and sensitive criminal inquiry involving the importation of class C drugs.

Weightmans LLP

The ‘dynamic and diverse’ large loss and technical team at Weightmans LLP in London is led by the ‘fantastic’ Elaine Chapman, who has a strong reputation for catastrophic injury work and vast experience handling issues of care, statutory funding, rehabilitation and accommodation. The team deals with high-value, serious injury and industrial disease, as well as employers’ and public liability matters and complex motor incidents. Notably, principal associate Phillip Bratt is assisting with the defence of Cornwall Council against a fatal road traffic claim, which is awaiting approval at the Supreme Court. In addition, Nicholas Richards has a strong reputation in cases concerning accidents which took place abroad. Factors often involved in the matters the team defends include severe injury, paraplegia and tetraplegia, amputation, severe brain and spinal injury, and fatal claims. Associate Shaun Lavery, described as ‘a true natural with tremendous skill’, is one to watch in the team.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Chapman

Other key lawyers:

Seva Singh; Nick Richards; Catherine Kearney; Patricia Williams; Kathryn Hinchey; Phillip Bratt; Shaun Lavery; Karyn Brannigan

Testimonials

‘Elaine Chapman heads this dynamic and diverse team. Her London team deals with claims of the highest value. They have an impressive client base, consisting of composite insurers, who are loyal to the team.’

‘A heavyweight defence personal injury firm with many impressive individuals. The standout stars in the London team are Seva Singh and Elaine Chapman. They are both seasoned lawyers with great talent, insight and ability.’

‘Shaun Lavery is immensely capable and works at a level many years beyond his current level of qualification. He is a true natural, with tremendous skill and instinct for a case.’

‘Elaine Chapman is a very strong and impressive performer with an unerring sense of the winning features in a case. Seva Singh too, is a very industrious and able, well-seasoned professional with a strong instinct for the winning features in a case.’

‘Weightmans is a big firm that has the friendliness and accessibility of a small firm. Their partners and associates are available and lovely to deal with at the same time as having real expertise.’

‘Elaine Chapman is fantastic. She is tactically astute and incredibly client focused. She is a calm and excellent leader of any legal team. Catherine Kearney has been an excellent addition to the Weightmans team. She is smart and astute and a tough negotiator.’

‘Philip Bratt has a very bright future. He is a technically excellent lawyer with excellent attention to detail and first class judgment. Shaun Lavery is a rising star. He is exceptionally bright and an excellent choice for legally complex cases.’

‘They are very good with insurer clients. Friendly, down to earth and easy to deal with. They have a clear grasp of the market and provide appropriate, pragmatic advice.’

Key clients

Zurich Insurance Plc

Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)

Armour Risk Management

Premia Re

Direct Commercial Limited

Haven Insurance

Catalyst Insurance

Prometheus Insurance Company Limited

Tradex Insurance Company Ltd

AIG Europe

Dekra

Van Ameyde

Cornwall Council

TUiR Warta

Enterprise Rent A Car

Swiss Re Commercial Solutions

Work highlights

  • Repudiated a £22m traumatic brain injury claim for MIB.
  • Repudiated an £8m complex multi-party liability claim arising out of a building site accident.
  • Represented Cornwall Council in the Court of Appeal against the appeal of a successful strike out.

Browne Jacobson LLP

James Fawcett leads the insurance team at Browne Jacobson LLP, with frequent assistance from Nottingham-based head of public law Laura Hughes. The group has experience in dealing with injury cases of maximum severity, including brain and spinal injuries. It also defends on foreseeable risk of injury cases in more minor incidents. The firm’s particular specialism is in adult and child abuse cases; namely acting in public liability matters defending local governments against vicarious liability claims in instances of child sexual abuse, as well as in ‘failure to remove’ cases involving complex Human Rights issues.

Practice head(s):

James Fawcett; Laura Hughes

Testimonials

‘They have specialist knowledge and experience in handling rather complex claims.’

‘In addition to providing us with detailed reports, they are happy to discuss cases over the phone directly with us in a friendly and helpful manner.’

‘The work is detailed, of a high standard and provides a good service.’

Key clients

Environment Agency

Liberty Syndicates

Markel (UK) Ltd

Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd

Marble Arch – Lexham Insurance Services

London borough of Lambeth Insurance team

Department for Education (RPA)

Gallagher Bassett International Ltd

TopMark Claims Management Ltd

Zurich Insurance

London borough of Enfield Insurance team

Hiscox

Natural England

Norfolk County Council

Insurance London Consortium

Resolute Management

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Howard Watson leads the personal injury disputes offering at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. Its caseload is focused on representing defendants in fatal and catastrophic accident cases, complex sensitive stress and bullying at work claims, and high-value group litigation matters. The team has recently acted on some notable cases, including fatal explosion and train derailment cases, as well on a multi-party, cross-border action regarding the long-term effects of ingestion of thalidomide by pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 60s.

Practice head(s):

Howard Watson

Other key lawyers:

David Bennett

Key clients

Diageo

Chevron

BAE

BP

TXU

Post Office

Arup

Work highlights

  • Acted for Diageo in relation to claims for injuries arising from the alleged ingestion of thalidomide in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
  • Acting on behalf of Chevron following the explosion at their refinery on 2 June 2011, which resulted in four fatalities, a serious personal injury and a number of stress and related claims.
  • Acting for the Post Office in relation to personal injury issues raised by former sub-postmasters and postmistresses who are bringing claims against the client in connection with its internal computer system.

Horwich Farrelly

The complex injury group at Horwich Farrelly is led by Malcolm Henké, and has a strong reputation for defending high-value road traffic claims on behalf of motor insurers, as well as acting on a variety of catastrophic claims, including employers’ and occupiers’ liability cases. The team's typical workload includes cases involving adult and child brain injury, spinal injury, paraplegia and tetraplegia, and complex quantum factors. The team also has expertise in advising on liability and indemnity issues, as well as on policy disputes. In addition, it has significant experience of dealing with insurance fraud. New to the London team is head of product liability, Daniel West, who joined from BLM in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Malcolm Henké

Other key lawyers:

Daniel West; Raouf Achour

Key clients

Hastings Direct

1st Central

Liverpool Victoria (LV=)

Ageas Insurance

Tesco Insurance

AXA Insurance

Markerstudy

Admiral N

XS Direct

Sabre

Work highlights

  • Acted for XS Direct in a claim involving 14 expert disciplines, which settled for £26m on a variable PPO basis.
  • Acted for the successful insurer in a case which set the new precedent for the fact a vehicle can be shown as being insured on the Motor Insurance Database, but that does not mean that the insurer did in fact insure the vehicle, or that they have any liability to third parties under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
  • Acted for a large motor insurer, and secured a finding of fundamental dishonesty in a personal injury claim, which had been pitched at over £2m by the claimant passenger in an road traffic accident.

Ince

Rachel Butlin, described as ‘one of the best lawyers in this field’, co-leads the team at Ince with recently recruited partner and ‘outstanding lawyer’ Leanne Conisbee, formerly of Clyde & Co. Along with Conisbee, senior associate Imogen Webb, and seasoned specialist Jennette Newman - who brings to the team experience dealing with sensitive, multi-party, multi-jurisdictional cases - also joined the team in December 2021. The team maintains a strong reputation for its niche specialism defending on maritime and offshore incidents, and its new recruits bring with them expertise in terror attack and aviation matters.

Practice head(s):

Leanne Conisbee; Rachel Butlin

Other key lawyers:

John McGowan; Imogen Webb; Jennette Newman

Testimonials

‘They are experts in relation to the most complex multi-jurisdictional claims and insurance coverage disputes, and deliver skilful management of the most high-profile and reputationally sensitive matters.’

‘Jennette Newman is pro-active, strategic and client-focused. She has massive experience of all aspects of death and personal injury proceedings and insurance work. She is a calm and incredibly safe pair of hands.’

‘Imogen Webb is thorough, with great attention to detail. She is quick and highly intelligent. She grasps complex concepts quickly and adapts legal principles to the technical and factual environment with great skill.’

‘Leanne Conisbee is a hugely knowledgeable and reliable professional. She is calm and measured under pressure and provides a work product of outstanding quality.’

‘Leanne Conisbee is an outstanding lawyer and a supremely skilled negotiator. A star of the personal injury defendant market.’

‘John McGowan understands what I want as a client, bears in mind the bigger picture and economics, not just the legalities, and has a pragmatic approach.’

‘As a large law firm, Ince has all the back-up and technical know-how one could wish for.’

‘Rachel Butlin is one of the best lawyers in this field. She is very knowledgeable and gives clear advice which is always to the point. She will also go the extra mile – or two – to secure evidence.’

Key clients

Major vessel and yacht insurers

Various P&I Clubs

Kone Plc

Global Maritime

Tulip Limited

If P&C

Major vessel and yacht insurers

Various P&I Clubs

Kone Plc

Global Maritime

Tulip Limited

If P&C

Hill Dickinson LLP

The personal injury, travel and regulatory team at Hill Dickinson LLP is led by the ‘extremely experienced’ John Caddies. The sectors the team’s workload covers include disease, travel, and workplace and factory cases. In particular, the team has a niche specialism in marine and offshore cases, and deals with complex matters of significant value in that sector; new recruit formerly of Plexus Law, associate Grace Skinner, has a particular specialism in this area.

Practice head(s):

John Caddies

Other key lawyers:

Laura Wilson; Sarah Barnes; Grace Skinner

Testimonials

‘The firm’s shipping industry knowledge and expertise sets it apart and brings added value in the handling of these claims, all of which arise from service at sea. Due to the many years in which we have instructed Hill Dickinson, the individuals who advise us have a detailed knowledge of our company’s history and relevant records, enabling them to advise accordingly.’

‘John Caddies is extremely experienced and is meticulous and thorough in his analysis of a case and setting out the relevant facts. He is also tenacious when seeking the best possible settlement. Laura Wilson, who initially worked under John’s supervision, displays all of the same attributes.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the market. Always happy with the results and reporting received.’

‘John Caddies is recognised in the market and is well respected by peers.’

‘Solid team, know the market and the business of cruise shipping.’

‘Sarah Barnes has a very personal touch and is a solid pair of hands.’

‘Straight-forward, practical advice with excellent reasoning based on experience.’

‘The standout partner was John Caddies, who has a great, straight-forward and practical approach to dealing with things.’

Key clients

Associated British Ports

Hutchison Ports

BP Shipping Limited

DFDS

Carnival

Royal Caribbean Cruises

P&O Ferries

Louis Hotels

UK P&I Club

West of England P&I Club

Generali

Maersk Shipping Company

Maersk Offshore (Guernsey) Limited

Viking Ocean Cruises

Shipowners Mutual P&I Club

RSA

Gard P&I Club

Swedish Club

Steamship P&I Club

London P&I Club

MS Amlin

MSC Crociere

The North of England P&I Association and Seatruck Ferries

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, Inc

Svitzer Marine Limited

Assuranceforeningen SKULD (GJENSIDIG)

Work highlights

  • Obtained a court order refusing the claimant’s application for either a periodical payments order or a personal injury trust in order to pay for the claimant’s non-NHS funded immunotherapy and associated treatments for his mesothelioma.
  • Representing a ferry company in relation to both the civil and criminal claims arising out of a fatality.
  • Representing a cruise company in relation to numerous passenger injury claims brought about due to an engine failure in bad weather.

Keystone Law

Cordelia Rushby and Steven Conway are key individuals in the Keystone Law personal injury defendant team. The group’s caseload often involves defending employers against workplace claims and defending local authorities against public liability claims. In addition, the team deals with matters involving such complex factors as retrospective abuse, and Animals Act claims.

Other key lawyers:

Cordelia Rushby; Steven Conway

Key clients

Allianz

HDI Gerling SE

Ipswich Borough Council

Top Mark Claims Management Limited

Travelers Insurance

Zurich Municipal

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended on an employers’ liability claim where a caretaker suffered a back injury whilst moving defective refuse bins and claimed he was unable to work again as a consequence.
  • Defended a claim for personal injury when the store manager of an international luxury retailer fell down the architecturally designed staircase in the client’s flagship Bond Street store.
  • Applying to strike out a claim for injury, discrimination and breach of human rights brought by a claimant.

RPC

Gavin Reese leads the London and Bristol-based team at RPC. It represents defendants on a range of cases, often involving public liability, road traffic or workplace accidents. Its cases often involve defending claims of significant value, and involve such injuries as brain damage, psychiatric illness, amputations, somatoform disorders and fatalities, and can often involve claimants lacking capacity.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Reese

Other key lawyers:

Fiona Hahlo; Steven Aitken; Mamata Dutta

Testimonials

‘Gavin Reese is a quality lawyer.’

‘A very commercially-oriented practice known for a depth of talent among senior associates and partners.’

‘Fiona Hahlo has a forensic approach to witness and expert evidence, is not afraid to litigate cases to trial where appropriate and is robust in doing so.’

‘Gavin Reese has excellent strategic overview and client management skills and is a tough negotiator in joint settlement meetings.’

‘Steven Aitken is methodical in his approach to case preparation, calm and collated under pressure and works well with overseas insurer clients.’

‘A very strong personal injury team. Their associated specialisms of inquest and regulatory work means that they are always able to offer a premier service. They are especially strong in cases with complicated expert and technical evidence, and cases requiring particular sensitivity where their additional reputational management skills are always deployed to their client’s benefit.’

‘Gavin Reese is a hugely experienced and skilled tactician who inspires confidence in his clients and fear in his opponents.’

‘Mamata Dutta has astonishing intellect and judgment. Always adds real value to a case and is an inspirational team leader. Fiona Hahlo’s outstanding attention to detail means she is the go-to lawyer for complicated product liability claims. Clients love her enthusiasm and boundless commitment to their cause.’

Key clients

AXA XL

Faraday

Hiscox

Work highlights

  • Represented a hospitality provider and its insurer in connection with an accident involving an employee who sustained a brain injury.
  • Represented a waste recycling company and its insurer in a claim involving an amputated arm, arising from a workplace accident.
  • Represented a ship maintenance company and its insurer in connection with the death of an engineer.