‘With a longstanding foothold in the market’, DAC Beachcroft LLP enjoys a notably strong presence in the healthcare sector. Heather Durston-Hillyer spearheads the clinical negligence team, fielding a varied practice that encompasses catastrophic injury claims and liability issues arising from birth injury and other complex matters. Ciaran Claffey and Bryony Steele are also recommended. Anthea Lane departed to Clyde & Co in 2024.
Clinical negligence: defendant in South East
DAC Beachcroft LLP
Practice head(s):
Heather Durston-Hillyer
Other key lawyers:
Ciaran Claffey; Bryony Steele
Testimonials
‘Very experienced team which knows the problems which arise in claims.’
‘They are one of the strongest teams, with a longstanding foothold in the market and some top of the tree partners with unsurpassed knowledge of the needs of NHSR and Trust clients. Top notch amongst the panel firms.’
‘Heather Durston-Hillyer is very experienced and responsive, matching the most relevant fee earner to the needs of the issues raised. As such I have experienced a very quick response time.’
Key clients
NHS Resolution
Medical Defence Union
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation trust
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
HCA International
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS trust
Dorset County Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Acting on two of the largest class actions against the NHS in the form of vaginal and rectal mesh (the subject of Baroness Cumberledge’s IMMDS review).
Gordons Partnership 2020 Limited
Regarded as a ‘top-notch’ practice, Guildford-based Gordons Partnership 2020 Limited routinely handles cases for its healthcare clients against doctors, surgeons, dentists and various private healthcare bodies, among others. The practice is jointly led by Charles Atkins, who strengthens the practice with his capabilities in spinal and brain injury cases with substantial rehabilitation costs, Iain Pickering, who is regularly engaged by individuals and organisations to assist with a diverse array of claims alongside expertise in multi-party litigation, and Alison Harden, who is particularly well-versed in brain, spinal and neurological injuries. Another key figure is Suzie McCluney, who manages claims for medical professionals and pharma companies. Emma Stockill is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Charles Atkins; Iain Pickering; Alison Harden
Other key lawyers:
Suzie McCluney; Shelley Boyd; Carla Applegate; Emma Stockill
Testimonials
‘Really top-notch lawyers dealing with clinical negligence defence work.’
‘Charles Atkins has great judgment and knowledge of medical issues. Iain Pickering is very robust with an uncanny ability to win all his cases. Alison Harden is calm, measured and sensible with excellent judgment. Shelley Boyd is a rising star who knows how to take points very effectively.’
‘The healthcare law team manage high value and complex cases excellently. They are always on hand and stand out thanks to their attention to detail and proactive case management.’
‘Shelley Boyd is always on top of tricky cases that often involve complex discrimination issues that overlap with clinical settings. Just as comfortable in the High Court concerning high value clinical negligence claims as she is in the Administrative division.’
‘A relatively niche firm who provide a high level of service.’
‘Great experience and expertise in the defendant clinical negligence field. All individuals sharp and on the ball.’
‘Charles Atkins has a real feel for litigation and a calm wisdom. Shelley Boyd is his equal.’
‘Gordons is a modestly sized firm compared with many of its competitors in the defendant clinical negligence market, but it punches above its weight with the quality of the solicitors employed by it in that sector.’