The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > Scotland > Personal injury: defender

‘Defence marine personal injury is very specialised, and this firm is one of the few firms in Scotland knowledgeable in this area. They are also very helpful to respond to queries and efficient at keeping us advised of case developments.’

‘They really take the time to understand their client’s culture and, just as importantly, adapt to when this changes. Special mention to Elena Fry and Kate Donachie for their approach and their outstanding case and client management abilities.’

‘Brodies are a tier one Scottish firm. They have a focus on the local market which has been lost by some of the UK national firms. They have excellent expertise in all areas of law.‘

‘Elena Fry is one of the best solicitors in the market. She is an excellent leader of her unit, and never lets you down on a case. She has a very commanding presence in the market.’

‘Kate Donachie is dependable and commercial in her approach towards resolving litigation.’

‘The stand-out defender team in Scotland. Vast experience and breadth of knowledge.’

‘Vikki Melville is a class act.’

‘Bruce Goodbrand is highly experienced in the field. He is pragmatic, knowledgeable and client-focused. He is clearly valued and well-liked by insurers and commercial clients. A pleasure to work with.’

‘An excellent, leading firm with a fantastic and well-deserved reputation for servicing the needs of insurance and public sector clients. The PI team has an enviable reputation and impressive client base..’

‘Tanya Gordon could not be better organised; she has a fantastic understanding of how to achieve her clients’ objectives.’

‘The team is made up of very able individuals who understand defender insurance litigation and practise it to great effect within the Scottish courts. They are unsurpassed in that regard.‘

‘Tanya Gordon is very knowledgeable and secures settlements at the correct amount in a timely manner. She is proactive, not reactive, and has an abundance of technical knowledge. She interacts well with customers and is able to explain in plain English the issues in the claim.’

‘Anderson Strathern has a proven track record across the whole range of of medical negligence and personal injury (defender) practice. The team is headed by a number of hugely experienced individuals, but the quality of practitioners in the middle and junior ranks is also high.’

‘Very attentive, transparent and easy to do business with.’

‘I have dealt with Frank Hughes on some high value and complex cases. He has been outstanding. In particular his patience with difficult clients, and his ability to work with them to obtain good results.’

‘The experience and drive of senior, respected and hard-working partners, particularly Karen Dance and Frank Hughes allows the firm to provide a reliable, high quality service to its clients. Recent appointments of Kirsty Yuill and, more recently, Rachel Henry add strength and expertise in relation to catastrophic injury and major loss cases. The team handles a broad range of complex and high value PI cases on instructions from insurers.’

‘Andrew Forsyth took the time to visit our office to speak to our claims handlers in order to gain a better insight into the level of service that was expected from his team and provided some training in Scottish legal practices at the same time.’

‘Burness Paull have a very strong litigation team. They are responsive, commercial and skilled.’

‘Those with whom I have worked in this team are enthusiastic and driven to find solutions for their clients. They are lawyers with an ability to see the wood from the trees and to quickly identify the real issue or issues in a case. They take a proactive approach to the claims. Whilst being pragmatic, they are also determined, and will take an appropriately firm stance on their client’s behalf; whether in settlement negotiations or in defending claims to the full.‘

‘Suzanne McGarrigle is focused and determined; always willing to go the extra distance to achieve best result for clients.’

‘Lynne Macfarlane has provided outstanding assistance in highly complex and sensitive personal injury proceedings. She has consistently demonstrated excellent knowledge of the law and procedure throughout the case and her attention to detail has been exemplary. She is also highly approachable. She would be my absolute first choice in complex personal injury cases.’

‘The team does extensive work for local authorities and has done so for several years. They are very experienced and able.’

‘Ledingham Chalmers are an excellent Scottish firm who have maintained a strong position in the local market despite the influx of UK firms into the market in recent years. They have a regional presence across Scotland which is very valuable as it allows them to service customers in all areas, and that has been key to their continued success.‘

‘Graeme Edward has for many years now been one of the best solicitors in the Scottish insurance market. He can turn his hand to any type of case and always delivers. He is extremely popular with our clients, has a very relaxed manner, and has built a very strong team around him. Victoria Leslie is also a leading figure in the local market and has delivered countless successes over the years for our customer base.’

‘Plexus are a top defenders’ insurance litigation practice with a very skilled and experienced team.’

‘Stuart Mackie in Scotland is an excellent lawyer in the field of complex long tail disease litigation, with a level of skill and knowledge that belies his age.’

‘Laurie Traynor is a pleasure to work with; conscientious, caring and with very good judgement.’

‘Calum Mathieson has considerable experience in health and safety crime, and will raise the profile of the firm in this area hugely. Calum has an excellent manner with clients, and is both practical and pragmatic in his approach to cases.’

‘A bespoke and focused service. Plexus are aligned with our ethos and view of the world; they know what we want to see more of, and what behaviours we eschew. We have found this invaluable in creating a “no-surprises culture” between lawyer and client. Plexus have a track record of going that extra mile and pulling rabbits out of hats during litigation.’

‘Calum Mathieson is a calm and measured individual, who provides sensible and appropriate advice taking account the merits of the arguments as well as wider commercial and risk factors playing into decision-making. ‘

‘Cameron McNaught is a very skilled and highly respected lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury and insurance litigation. He has headed the team in Edinburgh for a number of years developing the business from start up in Scotland.’

‘Julie Fisher is a very competent lawyer with great interpersonal skills.’

‘For our business sector, Plexus is a market leader in effective billing. Given that one of our chief desires in running our portfolio is finality and acceleration, this is a greatly appreciated skill.’

‘Weightmans’ client service is first class and they are always my first choice when instructing a Scottish legal firm. They are collectively very knowledgeable and always ready to dedicate time and attention to any queries I have.’

‘Engaging, subject matter experts who are quick to respond and easy to access.’

‘Both Pamela Stevenson and Seonaid Busby have provided our company with dedicated, comprehensive reports and knowledge and regularly visit to provide training to our insurance claims staff. They are always approachable and eager to help.’

‘Doug Kier, Seonaid Busby and Pamela Stevenson have all been supportive across a number of areas including training support.’