Boyes Turner is known as ‘an efficient and empathic firm dealing with complex and substantial cases’. Led by Susan Brown, the clinical negligence group is praised for ‘looking after their clients with great care and sensitivity’. Brown works with Richard Money-Kyrle, senior associate Vanessa Wand and recently promoted partner Julie Marsh. Senior partner Kim Milan leads the personal injury team, which includes Claire Roantree, while Laura Magson heads up the mesothelioma and asbestos group. The firm is described as having ‘mastered the art of making clients feel like they are home and one big family.’
Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant in South East
Boyes Turner
Practice head(s):
Susan Brown; Kim Milan; Claire Roantree
Other key lawyers:
Richard Money-Kyrle; Vanessa Wand; Julie Marsh; Laura Magson
Testimonials
‘Susan Brown is outstanding: real expertise in her field, excellent judgement, sound understanding of the relevant legal principles, great tenacity and a pleasure to work with. Richard Money-Kyrle demonstrates the same qualties.’
‘Laura Magson is incredibly knowledgable and a dream to work with.’
‘Kim Milan is vastly experienced, empathetic and a thoughtful and thorough lawyer. She backs her clients up and listens to their concerns and worries but is also apragmatic problem solver. She is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Claire Roantree is also an asset to the firm. She is dedicated to her clients and a very effective performer.’
‘Led by Kim Milan, Boyes Turner is an excellent outfit that consistently manages to punch above its weight. One of the best provincial firms doing serious and catastrophic PI work.’
‘Kim Milan is very experienced and knowledgable. A tough opponent, who does her utmost to achieve the best results for her clients.’
‘Claire Roantree – exceptional in her close attention to cases, care and constant strategic awareness. A delight to work with .’
‘Claire Roantree is an extremely accomplished litigator who cares deeply for her clients and will focus on ensuring that they receive the best available rehabilitation whilst the litigation is ongoing as well as achieving outstanding settlements.’
Work highlights
- Represented a 63 year-old amputee requiring a below-knee amputation in a multi-defendant, strongly defended negligence claim following her GP’s and district nurses’ failure to refer her for treatment of a post-surgical ankle infection.
- Represented a tetraplegic, 61-year-old claimant in this complex, international, spinal cord injury, surgical negligence claim.
- Represented a physically and psychologically injured client in this ongoing, delayed cervical cancer diagnosis clinical negligence claim.
Collins Solicitors
Collins Solicitors has in recent years been highly active representing thousands of clients impacted by the use of contaminated blood in hospitals during the 1970s and 80s, as part of the Infected Blood Public Inquiry. It has also been involved in environmental cases, including the toxic poisoning at Motherwell, a residential area which had formerly been an MoD and industrial site. The Watford-based team is led by founder Des Collins – who handles civil litigation, group litigation and complex personal injury claims, particularly with reference to NHS treatment and the Department of Health – and Danielle Holliday – who works on environmental and group litigation claims. Senior associate Anna Murduck has supported with major cases and work related to water poisoning and complex flooding claims.
Practice head(s):
Des Collins; Danielle Holliday
Other key lawyers:
Anna Murduck
Testimonials
‘People I have dealt with are helpful, courteous and have made me aware of information that previously I had not been made aware of.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable, thorough in their investigation and preparation of a claim, dogged in their determination to achieve a result for their clients.’
‘Des Collins and Dannielle Holliday are both very experienced and know the issues thoroughly.’
‘The team at Collins Solicitors are very human. I feel like my case is as important to them as it is me. My contacts there have been very positive, responsive and they have been very accommodating in how I liaise with them. I have used other firms in the past and this is the first time I have felt this level of engagement and priority.’
‘The individual who is handling my case is very efficient and she fully understands every minute nuance of this very complex case. This gives me the utmost confidence that my case and my future is in the very best hands.’
Enable Law
Enable Law has a team focused on complex and catastrophic injury claims. The team is led by Southampton-based Alison McClure, who acts as a professional trustee on clinical negligence matters. John White is qualified as a doctor and lawyer, experience he can draw on to effectively handle cases involving brain injury and obstetric injury. Kym Provan, who is praised for her 'excellent communication', is another strong clinical negligence specialist. Experienced senior associate James Wood specialises in employers’ liability claims and repetitive strain injury., while fellow senior associate Julia Prior is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Alison McClure
Other key lawyers:
John White; Kym Provan; James Wood; Julia Prior
Testimonials
‘Kym Provan is the best solicitor I’ve ever had, with excellent communication and always explaining matters to me in a way I could understand. I felt like she personally did all she could to support me on the journey.’
‘James Wood has extensive experience of the whole range of personal injury litigation and unrivalled experience in upper limb industrial injury claims. Julia Prior is an approachable and experienced litigator with good attention to detail and considerable expertise in road traffic and fatal accident claims.’
‘Julia Prior is a very experienced litigator and would be a steady hand on the tiller of any case. In my experience, no matter the value, she approaches each case with the intention of doing the best for her client. She is not afraid to run difficult cases, and do so with the proper resourcing – without losing sight of the commercial and practical realities of litigation’
‘An extremely diligent and hardworking team of brilliant personal injury lawyers. They are particularly expert at high-value catastrophic brain injury cases.’
‘Julia Prior was amazing. Any time I made contact, my query was dealt with quickly and efficiently and was always up to speed with my case. Through Julia I was able to find a quick and thorough diagnosis and ultimately the perfect surgeon to perform my surgery and I had an brilliant outcome. I would 100% recommend the company and most importantly Julia Prior.’
‘A team of solicitors that are friendly in their approach, understanding of your needs, helpful and professional. Julia Prior is a credit to her profession and an outstanding solicitor with invaluable knowledge in her field.’
‘Julia Prior is professional, diligent, friendly and understands the needs of her clients and the negative impact accidents have not just on the body and mind but on relationships and her clients’ future outlook.’
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP ‘s clinical negligence team has ‘a longstanding history in the Oxford region of providing excellent services, and are part of a wider national firm which has a very good reputation.’ The Oxford-based team is led by Carolyn Lowe, who is ‘calm and exudes confidence and competence‘. Director and solicitor advocate Catherine Bell and managing associate Lynne Foster are key individuals. The practice deals with high-value, complex cases concerning a wide range of medical negligence matters.
Practice head(s):
Carolyn Lowe
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Bell; Lynne Foster
Testimonials
‘This is a team who have a longstanding history in the Oxford region of providing excellent services, and are part of a wider national firm which has a very good reputation.’
‘A highly competent and organised outfit.’
‘Catherine Bell is tenacious and organised.’
‘Catherine Bell is excellent. Warm, empathetic, very knowledgeable. A very capable clinical negligence practitioner.’
‘Lynne Foster has an excellent client manner, takes a robust but very pragmatic approach to her cases and always provides sound, common sense advice.’
‘Very close knit and well run team. The junior staff seem very well supported. Very tenacious and committed for their clients Excellent administrative support’
‘Carolyn Lowe is an excellent lawyer, calm and exudes confidence and competence.’
‘Overall I like Freeths so much, and despite knowing a huge number of other law firms, I have chosen them to act for my own personal affairs – I hope that there can be no greater endorsement! An excellent legal firm’
‘Carolyn Lowe is a very good clinical negligence lawyer.’
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell‘s Southampton-based team has an longstanding reputation as one of the leading firms for both clinical negligence and personal injury. Southampton managing managing partner Guy Darlaston acts exclusively for victims of both personal injury and asbestos related diseases; he works alongside Nicola Maier, who leads the asbestos disease team. Claire Howard heads the serious injury team in Southampton, while Andrew Buckham fronts the military injury claims team. Justine Spencer leads the Southampton medical negligence team. The firm also supports clients by offering a support and rehabilitation co-ordinator service, staffed by individuals with a background in nursing, occupational therapy and social work.
Practice head(s):
Guy Darlaston; Claire Howard; Andrew Buckham; Nicola Maier; Justine Spence
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Brown; Ruth Johnson; Lauren Haas
Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow‘s personal injury team is led by Southampton-based Damian Horan; he is a dual qualified solicitor and barrister, and ‘understands the market well, knows what clients want, and is committed to the various charities associated with this field of work‘. The clinical negligence team is led by Richmond-based Anne Cassidy, who works with Guildford-based firmwide chair Helen Goatley – ‘a compassionate and highly capable Deputy in Court of Protection matters‘ – and the ‘tenacious and caring‘ Maya Sushila in Southampton, who is well regarded for her work on cases involving spinal injuries. Other key names include Matthew Claxson, Fadwa Errhioui, Victoria Jones, who was recently promoted to partner, and Emma Potter, the head of serious injury in Guildford and Woking.
Practice head(s):
Damian Horan; Anne Cassidy
Other key lawyers:
Helen Goatley; Maya Sushila; Matthew Claxson; Fadwa Errhioui; Victoria Jones; Emma Potter
Testimonials
‘The team show very good knowledge of client needs, careful and considerate handling of clients in distress, clear advice and guidance through the litigation process for clients.’
‘The lawyers I work with in this practice have empathy for their clients and the situations they find themselves in, the understand the need to take time, to help clients adjust their expectations and to appreciate that legal cases often cannot progress as quickly as clients wish.’
‘Working with Moore Barlow is always a pleasure. Cases are always prepared thoroughly and their knowledge of the sector is second to know, particularly in relation to finding the right team for each case, be that counsel or experts.’
‘Enhanced by the merger of two great firms, this is now a market-leading claimant PI/clin neg firm in the south of England. Helen Goatley is a force to be reckoned with. The firm are very good at bringing on juniors and nurturing the partners and leaders of the future.’
‘From my very first meeting with Victoria Jones I was confident in her knowledge of Cauda Equina cases and the realistic perspective she provided regarding the merits of my claim. Victoria’s command of the detail of my case was exceptional and at every stage I felt comfortable with her advice, she showed compassion and understanding for the trauma caused by my injuries and the lasting effects upon my life. My claim was a complex one with no guarantee, but Victoria took her time working in a highly professional and diligent manner which resulted in us reaching a successful settlement. Typically claims of Cauda Equina take upwards of five years, Victoria managed to reach a settlement in just over four years. Victoria has helped to change the course of my life and I will be eternally grateful to her and the support of the many expert health professionals.’
‘Excellent team with depth of legal knowledge and client care.’
‘This team’s strength lies in its diversity, but that is not at the expense of competency. Although members of the team hail from a range of backgrounds, each can be relied upon to progress a case to their client’s best advantage.’
‘Matthew Claxson – mild-mannered but uber-resilient, Matthews displays total dedication not only to the cause of his clients (for whom he works as hard as it takes to get great results) but also to the solicitors’ profession at large.’
Work highlights
- Represented client in catastrophic spinal cord injury claim, securing a £7,000,000 settlement for her.
- Represented a Croydon tram disaster victim in a personal injury claim securing £3,750,000 for him.
- Advised client in a landmark clinical negligence brought under the Congenital Disabilities (Civil Liability) Act 1976, which gives a statutory right of action to people born disabled because of negligence which “affected either parent … in his or her ability to have a normal, healthy child”. This is the first claim under the Act based on negligent advice.
Nockolds Solicitors
Nockolds Solicitors handles major catastrophic personal injury and medical negligence claims, and is praised for combining 'extensive knowledge and experience' with 'huge compassion and kindness'. The Bishop’s Stortford–based injury and accident team is led by Jennie Jones, who handles both personal injury and medical negligence claims, including cases related to mental health, particularly during the pandemic. Senior associate Yasmin Ameer brings decades of experience, and is known for 'handling the most difficult cases with apparent ease.'
Practice head(s):
Jennie Jones
Other key lawyers:
Yasmin Ameer
Testimonials
‘The level of expertise in their field is exceptional. PI claims are inevitably emotional at times and it’s beyond just reassuring to know that you are in safe hands.’
‘Aside from their extensive knowledge and experience, they show huge compassion and kindness, even when having to deliver news which is hard to hear.’
‘Yasmin Ameer is an outstanding brain injury lawyer with 30 years of specialist experience in this field of work. She has great client communication skills, vast knowledge, and is an excellent litigator and negotiator.’
‘In my opinion after 25 years working in this sector, Yasmin Ameer is the best clinical negligence solicitor in the country. Supremely able, more experienced than any other I have come across, fights the hardest cases, never gives up, handles the most difficult cases with apparent ease. An absolute star.’
Work highlights
- Represented a seven-year-old girl who suffered life changing injuries after being hit by a car while playing out in a residential area – at £19.5m, the firm’s highest ever settlement in a personal injury case.
- Represented the family of a baby whose skull fractured during forceps delivery, as a result the baby suffered a brain haemorrhage which went undiagnosed for five days.
- Represented the family of a baby who was born with severe cognitive and physical impairment. Although CTG trace showed signs of fetal distress, delivery was delayed for a number of hours. Valued in excess of £15m.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Typical claims handled by the ‘exceptional team of undoubted specialists’ at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP include those concerning birth injuries, brain injuries, elderly care and oncology. The practice is led by the ‘tenacious, bright and hugely sympathetic’ Alison Appelboam Meadows in Basingstoke; she focuses on clinical negligence cases involving obstetric and paediatric negligence, and heads up the cerebral palsy team, alongside Guildford-based Philippa Luscombe, who specialises in brain and spinal injury cases, including cauda equina cases and surgical incidents, and is regarded as ‘very experienced and reassuring‘.
Practice head(s):
Philippa Luscombe; Alison Appelboam Meadows
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Code; Alison Johnson; Emma Beeson; Andrew Clayton; Elise Bevan
Testimonials
‘I found my solicitor helpful and she kept in touch without me having to chase her up. She kept me informed if there was going to be a delay and was very pleasant to deal with.’
‘Alison Johnson is a joy to work alongside, brilliant with her client care, has superb judgement and time again conjures terrific settlements for her clients. Alison Appelboam Meadows is a superstar, with knowledge second to none in birth injury claims, she’s tenacious, bright and hugely sympathetic. Emma Beeson is hugely dedicated to her clients and leaves no stone unturned – a future star in the making.’
‘Elise Bevan was always very professional but always friendly as well. Every stage of my claim she kept me informed and always asked for my opinion and never did anything without asking for my opinion.’
‘The team at Penningtons have been absolutely fantastic whilst they have been dealing with my case; they keep me updated on how my case is going. I know they have other cases to deal with and it is understandable, but I know for a fact they will be in touch with me at any point, that is why I do not worry about what is happening with my case.’
‘The individuals working on my case have been amazing from the first time I met them back in 2016 to present, still dealing with my case. The work and time they have all put into my case are amazing and I know they are working their hardest to help me win what I need for present and future needs.’
‘Andrew Clayton was a real workhorse who was very clear exactly what he needed and by when. And, fully prepared, he delivered on the day.’
‘Philippa Luscombe inspired confidence from the first meeting I had with her (which had been preceded by a phone call which I had also found helpful). Very experienced; reassuring; straight down the line, and to the point; not flashy.’
‘Exceptional team, undoubtedly specialists in this area. They are well trained, dilligent, intelligent, have excellent client handling skills, provide thorough and well thought out briefs. Some of the best of the best.’
RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman is praised as a ‘very organised firm, with good communication, good case knowledge, with good expert relationships’. The practice features an Oxford-based team which focuses on brain injuries led on the personal injury side by Tracy Norris-Evans and Ian Carrier, who also specialises in spinal injuries and fetal accidents. Richard Coleman leads the Oxford team handling clinical negligence – he is ‘a gentleman lawyer with a huge capacity to simplify complex clinical negligence cases, who works with laser-like precision‘. National industrial disease leader Helen Childs and Rachel James are prominent in asbestos-based illness, with the latter heading the Oxford industrial disease team.
Practice head(s):
Tracy Norris-Evans; Ian Carrier; Richard Coleman; Helen Childs; Rachel James
Other key lawyers:
Lucy Norton; Lucy Crawford; Rosie Hodgetts; Mark Walters
Testimonials
‘Richard Coleman is a vastly experienced presence, unflappable in all circumstances and a shrewd tactician. Lucy Norton is a successful senior associate whose client care skills are excellent.’
‘Helen Childs – absolutely fearless in taking on the most complex of cases.’
‘Lucy Crawford is stand-out. Her ability to handle clients and her ability to work collaboratively with her opponents marks her out.’
‘The lead partner was Rachel James. Her grasp of the issues, her speed of response and ability to cut through to solutions can only be described as outstanding.’
‘Tracy Norris-Evans is a leader of the highest calibre. Her integrity and character are unmatched in other firms. She has her clients’ interests at heart in every aspect. She inspires her team (and those around her) into excellence.’
‘Professional and efficient. Get back to you when you expect them to, show compassion and feel as if they all have your best interest at heart.’
‘The team is very good in communication, honouring payments and working around my availabilities. They are prompt at getting back when there are queries. I must say that the team is a pleasure to work with and they do not place undue pressures when things get busy.’
‘Ian Carrier is a hugely experienced personal injury lawyer with expertise in high value and complex claims. He has excellent technical knowledge but a realistic approach to what is achievable. Mark Walters is a rising star in the Oxford office, with a detailed approach to gathering evidence and a common sense approach to litigation.’
Work highlights
- Represented a husband at an inquest when the coroner directed that the 111 protocol be changed to: streamline the process of obtaining contact information at the start of a call and implementation of correct protocol to ensure that ectopic pregnancy is considered in incidences where a woman reports abdominal pain or unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Represented the wife of a deceased claimant following his diagnosis of mesothelioma. This was a cross-border claim involving the Court of Protection in the Republic of Ireland.
- Representing a claimant with a significant brain injury. The claimant was awarded a significant interim payment enabling him to purchase and adapt suitable accommodation, appoint an appropriate brain injury case manager and experienced multidisciplinary team as well as appointing a financial deputy enabling him to continue his recovery and plan to live independently.
Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths LLP divides its practice into clinical negligence, personal injury and serious injury teams. The firm’s wide-ranging workload covers complex cases involving spinal injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy and obstetric claims, as well as delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis cases, among other matters. The clinical negligence team is led by Reading-based ‘force of nature’ Denise Stephens, who handles catastrophic injuries, while the Reading-based Susan Prior deals exclusively with claimant clinical negligence cases. Sue Bowler is national head of the Court of Protection team.
Practice head(s):
Denise Stephens
Other key lawyers:
Susan Prior
Testimonials
‘An efficient and well run firm whose PI and clinical negligence team is highly experienced and up to date in all areas of practice.’
‘Denise Stephens is a giant in the clinical negligence field. She tenaciously builds cases to provide claimants with awards to achieve life long support. She masterfully provides honest, firm and insightful conduct of her litigation cases.’
‘Shoosmiths are a close team and support one another well. They provide a very welcoming and supportive environment.’
‘Denise Stephens is an excellent and extremely committed partner. I view her as a leader in her field, pushing all the time to absolutely maximise recovery for her immediate clients and also with an eye to improving the field for future personal injury claimants. Sue Prior is a really reliable solicitor, hard working, great with clients and deeply lovely to work with which really does make a difference. I always dig deep to find the extra time and go the extra mile for them all.’
‘Almost unparalleled strength in its experience of serious injury cases – both personal injury and clinical negligence. This gives them a depth of knowledge which enables them to get the best results for their clients.’
‘Denise Stephens is a force of nature. She works well with experts and always gets the very best for her clients.’
‘Susan Prior has represented some of the most troubled clients that I have seen. She is calm under pressure and well organised. Always prepared for anything that might arise in a case. A very safe pair of hands and a person I would want to represent me if I were in need of a solicitor.’
Work highlights
- Represented a complex claim to include an award for provisional damages, which the defendant resisted, before eventually backing down.
- Advised the BackUp Trust and the CBIT. Appointed by both charities as legal panel solicitors.
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Thomson Snell & Passmore‘s clinical negligence and personal injury practice is led from Tunbridge Wells by the ‘empathetic, hardworking and great with clients‘ Fiona Follis. She works alongside Graham Bell, who ‘has a tremendous attention to detail and a great tactical brain‘, while James Cahan ‘excels in his analysis of his cases and has guts‘. Oliver Chapman, who is described as ‘kind, understanding and patient‘, is part of the firm’s asbestos team and handles a wide range of both clinical negligence and personal injury cases.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Follis
Other key lawyers:
Graham Bell; James Cahan; Oliver Chapman
Testimonials
‘The team are thoroughly conscientious and committed to achieving a positive result for their clients’
‘We found our responsible partner Fiona Follis to be caring, very knowledgeable, determined and tenacious in pursuit of our claim, being caring of our needs at at all times’
‘Graham Bell continues to be an extremely knowledgable and astute professional, I couldn’t imagine being in better hands for our son’s legal case’
‘This is a team of expert clinical negligence lawyers who have a deep knowledge of the relevant law and practice. The obtain the best results for client and are a pleasure to work for.’
‘Graham Bell has a tremendous attention to detail and a great tactical brain. Well able to deal with the most complex claims. Oliver Chapman is expert in the field of clinical negligence. He has a real strategic brain for such claims.’
‘I found the service to be outstanding! From the beginning of my journey to the end of my journey I was looked after by the team! Led by Oliver Chapman who was a fantastic guy! From start to finish he was there for me.’
‘Oliver Chapman looked after me from the start to the finish. He is very kind, understanding and patient. The whole team are fantastic but Oliver really was thereat my time of need.’
‘Clear instructions. Good understanding of the issues. Clients’ interests high on the list’
Trethowans LLP
Trethowans LLP is known for ‘providing London firm quality of service across the south coast’. The firm’s varied workload includes road traffic accidents, workplace accidents and public liability claims. The practice is led by Salisbury-based Clare Carter and Southampton-based John Hall, who has a track record of work on complex asbestos disease claims. Gavin Lane handles catastrophic injury cases involving head injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, multiple fractures and employers’ liability claims. Salisbury-based senior partner Chris Whiteley deals with high-value cases, with a focus on birth injuries.
Practice head(s):
John Hall; Clare Carter
Other key lawyers:
Gavin Lane; Chris Whiteley; James Braund; Frances Gillett
Testimonials
‘Trethowans provides London firm quality of service across the south coast.’
‘Chris Whiteley is a highly experienced and unflappable personal injury litigator, who inspires confidence in clients and has good judgment of the strength and value of a claim. John Hall is a very experienced asbestos disease litigator with outstanding subject knowledge and sound case preparation.’
‘Trethowans has an enviable presence in Hampshire/Wiltshire. They are well known as one of the biggest players in the South. They have good geographical reach for the clients that want to see their solicitor in person. Their offices are outstanding for client facilities. The PI/Clin neg team is comprised of friendly and outstanding lawyers who go the extra mile for clients.’
‘James Braund, Gavin Lane and Claire Carter are all extremely experienced in their fields and I have worked with them all for nearly 20 years. I value their judgement and experience.’
‘Trethowans is a firm of national competence providing a local personal injury/clinical negligence service. They are well resourced and full of well trained and experienced litigators. Salisbury and Southampton are the main offices where Chris Whiteley is managing partner. Key litigators there include Clare Carter, partner in clinical negligence field and Frances Gillett.’
‘Clare Carter is meticulous in her approach to cases, no stone being left unturned. I can recommend Clare’s approach and desire to ensure her clients damages are maximised. Frances Gillett is a dogged litigator, happy to play hard ball against defendant insurers.’
‘A strong local presence and an inside knowledge of the particular courts, which is invaluable.’
‘A strong Southampton outfit. Impressive in both clinical negligence and catastrophic PI. They are a market leader on the south coast with an impressive caseload and reputation.’
Blaser Mills Law
Blaser Mills Law fields a team of experienced personal injury and clinical negligence lawyers, whose work includes multi-track and highly complex cases. The team, which is praised for taking 'a real interest in their clients' cases and getting the right result', includes firmwide CEO Dave Matthews, who specialises in personal injury litigation, supported by senior associate Andrew Castle, who handles both PI and clin neg claims. Senior associate Victoria Harvey is head of personal injury and medical negligence.
Practice head(s):
Dave Mathews; Victoria Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Castle
Testimonials
‘Blaser Mills is a firm that genuinely listens and makes sure I understand the process involved.’
‘Blaser Mills respected me with everything that had happened and really took the time to understand the case. Victoria Harvey set out all of the expectations and made sure I understood everything clearly before pursuing the case.’
‘A very good team with their clients’ interests at heart. Extremely diverse makeup of lawyers and paralegals. A real interest in their clients’ cases and prepared to take a risk on CFAs to get the right result for their client.’
‘During the COVID lockdown Andrew Castle really took care to listen to my requests. He took time to explained clearly by phone and email so that I fully understand in layman’s terms. Highly recommended.’
‘Andrew Castle was always happy to take a call, explain anything I didn’t understand and he provided a completely personal experience for me. When my case was passed over to Andrew I thought I would be left in the dark but Andrew worked so hard to get an amazing result.’
‘Andrew Castle and Victoria Harvey are outstanding. Both are very much at the top of their game. They both have excellent knowledge of their cases. Both also fully understand the importance of negotiating well at the right time.’
Dean Wilson LLP
Brighton’s Dean Wilson LLP is a ‘small but highly dedicated team‘ specialising in higher value and serious injury claims; the team’s size means it is ‘able to give each client the attention and focus their claims merit‘. The Brighton-based practice is led by Alex Brown, who has experience litigating high-value claims, including catastrophic birth injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord damage and fatal accidents. Other key members of the team include ‘natural leader‘ Frances Pierce, who is ’empathetic with clients but tenacious and creative as a litigator‘, and senior chartered legal executive Ben Davey.
Practice head(s):
Alex Brown
Other key lawyers:
Frances Pierce; Ben Davey
Testimonials
‘One of the reasons we chose Alex Brown was due to his experience and understanding of how one can be affected when living with a disability. He has identified points that had not even considered and this is therefore helping us plan for the future.’
‘Frances Pierce is a formidable lawyer whom you would always want on your side. She’s knowledgeable and brave but also alive to commercial realities and litigation risk and her clients trust her every inch of the way.’
‘Alex Brown understands what has happened and strives for success, giving very good advice and also the thinking behind allowing me to understand and also make correct decisions.’
‘I cannot say anything negative about the team at all, they have been fantastic to deal with from the start!’
‘Ben Davey has been fantastic in assisting me with my ongoing claim. He gives good advice with my best interests in mind – going through all information thoroughly to ensure I have full understanding.’
‘Alex Brown is excellent a definite rising star with a canny sense of how to prosecute a claim, excellent client skills and immensely hard working.’
‘Ben Davey is an industrious and very capable lawyer who covers all the bases, never misses a trick and works tirelessly for his clients’
‘Alex Brown combines compassion and charm in equal measure to achieve the best results for his clients whilst maintaining a sensible working relationship with opponents. Ben Davey litigates cases of real complexity with aplomb and an excellent sense of judgment.’
DMH Stallard LLP
DMH Stallard LLP covers a broad range of claims, from accidents at work to misdiagnosis cases. The team, which is led by Gatwick-based Tessa Grayson, has decades of experience of cases including surgical negligence and road traffic accidents. She works alongside Guildford-based Lucienne Westbrook; the duo are described as ‘exceptional‘ and ‘able to grasp factually and legally complex cases in a pragmatic fashion, with little difficulty… they have a seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge of relevant case law in the personal injury sector.‘
Practice head(s):
Tessa Grayson
Other key lawyers:
Lucienne Westbrook
Testimonials
‘Extremely experienced, reliable and highly motivated staff.’
‘Tessa Grayson has always been extremely responsive and available. Tessa always responds and acts as agreed and on time. Tessa is extremely professional and reliable. Even during the pandemic Tessa has always available both in and out of regular office hours. Tessa has strong communication skills and always ensures everything is clear.’
‘They immediately put me at my ease in what is a very emotive issue for me. Very professional, explained everything exactly and very personable’
‘Lucienne Westbrook always returns my calls in a timely manner and keeps me exceptionally well informed on the progress on my case.’
‘As a person with very little knowledge of the legal system, I found everyone who has been involved extremely helpful, understanding and very very patient. Proving your case can be a frustrating time and this team have gone the extra mile explaining that although one might have a case there are certain perimeters that have to be adhered to.’
‘Tessa Grayson has given 120%, reassuring me that she is always available to deal with any queries or problems that are causing me concern. Not only a true professional who knows the law, she understands the pain and frustration a non-legal person can feel.’
‘From my first contact about a claim, the team were very professional about passing it on to the right individual and seeking out further information from me about the accident in order to clarify how to proceed. The response was timely and efficient.’
‘I have regular contact via telephone, email and post, ensuring I have all the information about the case at each stage and understood what would happen next. I was able to ask questions and received timely responses and I have felt extremely well supported during what can be a very stressful time.’
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles claims resulting from high-value serious or fatal accidents. The Harrow-based team is led by director of clinical negligence and personal injury Rebecca Thomas, who brings over 25 years of experience in claims on behalf of clients who have suffered fatal injuries or injuries which have severely impacted their personal lives and/or ability to work. Solicitor Amy Bennett focuses exclusively on medical negligence cases and is noted for her work in stillbirth and neonatal death claims. Solicitor Ifrah Ahmed works with life-changing injury work, particularly focused on traffic collisions.
Practice head(s):
Rebecca Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Amy Bennett; Ifrah Ahmed
Testimonials
‘They provide a friendly and caring service to their clients. The solicitors are diverse, knowledgeable and determined.’
‘Rebecca Thomas – intelligent, knowledgeable and demonstrates great determination in getting the best results for her clients.’
‘Ifrah Ahmed – compassionate, hard working and excellent client-handling skills.’
Holmes & Hills
Holmes & Hills‘ team is led by Jason Brady, who is a senior litigator with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and is also on the Headway (The Brain Injury Association) panel. He specialises in high-value, complex, life-threatening cases. ‘Conscientious and thorough’ associate Zoe Diss advises on birth injuries and complex care claims. Senior chartered legal executive Anna Watson has expertise in asbestos-related work claims, workplace accidents and public liability claims, as well as matters arising from negligent diagnoses. The practice is based in Marks Tey, Colchester.
Practice head(s):
Jason Brady
Other key lawyers:
Zoe Diss; Anna Watson
Testimonials
‘I have worked with this firm for over 25 years. Although in that time the partners have changed, the quality and consistency of the dirm has not changed. That is indicative of a very efficient and robust recruitment policy.’
‘All the partners and associates engaged in personal injury and clinical negligence work I have found to be very efficient and helpful. As a medical expert I receive instructions from many different sources.’
‘Zoe Diss is a credit to this firm. She is meticulous, has an excellent rapport with all of her clients and is firm in her advice when required. The clients know the strengths and weaknesses of their case but know that she will fight tirelessly to ensure a good outcome.’
‘I have worked with Zoe Diss who is conscientious, thorough and demonstrates a clear understanding of her cases. She manages client expectations extremely well.’
‘They provide a very professional and friendly service. My experience is that they are very client focused and put an emphasis on clear communication. With clinical cases they also consider their clients greater needs and assist with rehabilitation and recovery.’
‘Jason Brady who leads the clinical negligence team is very experienced in clinical negligence and leads the team really well. His clients are always very happy with the service provided.’
‘Anna Watson was superb, extremely knowledgable and great communication which is extremely important in a situation like mine, I received support and advice which I am extremely grateful for through a very difficult time, I feel very fortunate to have found Anna – she was extremely positive and filled me with confidence and I knew immediately that this was the right choice to make.’
‘Jason Brady is thorough and responds quickly to queries.’
Work highlights
- Representing a client who suffered a double amputation due to medical negligence.
- Represented the client in a complex case whereby the client has suffered more than 10 years of chronic back pain due to negligent spinal surgery and the case settled by mediation in the sum of £280,000.
- Representing the client in a complex birth injury claim, where the client has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and suffers from seizures, requiring round the clock care.
IBB Law
IBB Law handles high-value, complex claims, and is known for ‘providing a singularly client driven process, achieving excellent results‘. The department is led by Malcolm Underhill, an accredited brain injury specialist who is ‘very knowledgeable within his field and really cares and shows interest in his clients’ wellbeing’. The firm has expertise in the areas of dental negligence and cases relating to the diagnosis of psychiatric conditions. Senior solicitor Simon Pimlott has more than 15 years of experience representing claimants who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries; he ‘does not shirk from the difficult cases but rather relishes the challenges such cases bring. The team is based in Uxbridge.
Practice head(s):
Malcolm Underhill
Other key lawyers:
Simon Pimlott
Testimonials
‘I was given professional advice throughout by Simon Pimlott and very much appreciated his patience and always being approachable in explaining the process of the claim.’
‘The team was always ready to explain issues that was not clear. They have always kept us up to date with all progress or any relevant information. They were approachable and have given us the opportunity to ask questions and to seek advice.’
‘IBB listened to us and gave us advice as to what we needed to do, and the information we needed to obtain to pursue a claim. Not once did we feel irrelevant.’
‘IBB provides a singularly client driven process, achieving excellent results.’
‘Simon Pimlott is an outstanding lawyer, relying on his intellect and wealth of experience.’
‘They build rapport with clients and their families and genuinely wish the best for their clients. Billing is all super effective too and you have direct contact with those involved.’
‘Malcolm Underhill – very knowledgeable within his field and really cares and shows interest in clients’ wellbeing, I have valued his understanding and patience.’
Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP
Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP recently became part of Ampa – a group of legal and professional services companies which includes national firm Shakespeare Martineau LLP, meaning the team now has access to a much wider range of resources and can draw on support from the group’s substantial platform. Practice head Melanie Minter brings a variety of qualifications to her role as a clinical negligence lawyer: she is a qualified nurse, sits on the AvMA referral panel andthe SRA clinical negligence panel, and is well regarded for her expertise in catastrophic birth injury cases and her ‘great rapport with clients‘. Solicitor Nick Garrish is ‘personable and knowledgeable, particularly in amputation cases‘. The team is based in Lewes.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Minter
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Garrish; Gail Waller
Testimonials
‘We have been a client of Mayo Wynne Baxter for over 12 years and have found the quality of service outstanding. We have always felt the communication has been excellent and felt that we have always been included every step of the process. Every decision has been explained thoroughly and they have made sure that we can understand difficult legal terms. The billing has been well communicated and the people we have dealt with have been supportive and informative.’
‘The team is led by Nick Garrish, who is absolutely excellent.’
‘MWB are an excellent claimant firm in the south east. Their team provides an excellent level of client care, in respect of which Melanie Minter leads by example. Excellent communication and collaboration. I would not hesitate to recommend them as a go-to clinical negligence firm in the south east.’
‘Melanie Minter is a stand-out astute lawyer with excellent judgement who gives clear practical advice on complex issues in a way her clients can understand.’
‘Nick Garrish has years of experience and is at the top of his game. He is quick to gain the trust and confidence of his client and is known for his common sense approach.’
‘Melanie Minter is a lawyer who is always focussed on the needs of her client. Her nursing background is of considerable help in clinical negligence cases. She is extremely good at explaining legal terminology and legal processes to her client. She has good negotiating skills in dealing with her opponent and does not act aggressively.’
‘Melanie Minter has been our solicitor for over 12 years and has always provided the best standards of service. She has been supportive, approachable and knowledgable. She has always been honest and clear. We have always felt our son’s best interests were at the heart of her work.’
‘Nick Garrish is absolutely excellent. He couples a first rate legal mind, with great commercial nous and his client handle skills are beyond compare. He is a pleasure to work with.
‘Gail Waller: versatile solicitor with an interesting and varied caseload.’
Pinney Talfourd LLP
Pinney Talfourd LLP‘s personal injury practice has a track record of work on cases involving life-changing injuries or fatalities, including road traffic accidents involving bikes and motorbikes. The Hornchurch-based team is led by Stephen Eccles and Stephen Green, who holds a RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Riding Instruction, providing him with thorough insight into the causes and effects of these types of accidents. The firm is praised for ‘providing a very strong partner-led service‘.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Green; Stephen Eccles
Testimonials
‘My experience is that the firm provides a very strong partner-led service so that a claimant can be confident that they are dealing with someone who has the experience and expertise to handle their claim efficiently and see it through to a successful conclusion.’
‘Stephen Green is very much hands-on, clearly shows an understanding of the key issues in the claim and communicates well with both the claimant and experts.’
‘Stephen Green has proved to be very efficient and helpful when any advice on specific cases is required.’
‘It is the level of consistency and ease of contact that make the relationship with this firm very professional and efficient.’
‘A good, niche but successful team who use their skill, experience and tenacity to achieve significant results for clients which go above and beyond what is expected.’
‘Stephen Green is a hugely experienced and tactically astute litigator. He builds good rapport with clients and genuinely cares about the job and getting it right for injured people. He has particular experience of complex brain injury cases and challenging RTA claims. Works closely and fairly with counsel and experts to achieve excellent results.’
‘Stephen Green is an accomplished solicitor with years of experience. Very professional in dealing with my multitrack case. Stephen has been responsive to all my queries and communication has been excellent at every step of the process. Stephen’s attention to detail is meticulous and ensures every angle is covered in the case to ensure the best outcome for me. I am confident that Stephen will win my case and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is seeking a personal injury solicitor.’
Tees Law
Tees Law works with clients across a wide range of areas, including employers’ liability claims, road traffic accidents, orthopaedic cases, obstetrics, sub-standard surgery and delayed diagnosis cases. The personal injury team is led by Chelmsford-based Gwyneth Munjoma, who handles work with psychological and physical injuries, including as a result of childbirth. Medical negligence solicitor Georgina Wade joined in October 2021.
Practice head(s):
Gwyneth Munjoma
Other key lawyers:
Georgina Wade
Testimonials
‘The Tees practice has given me unprecedented support through out the whole time this case was proceeding. As the claimant and a complete layman they explained to me every step of the procedure, answering any query I had with clarity and understanding of my lack of legal knowledge.’
‘Tees Law are always caring towards clients but also with an extremely high quality of intellectual discernment and forensic analysis of legal issues. These are conveyed in a clear manner from the perspective of a medical expert.’
‘Gwyneth Munjoma is both caring and professional, demonstrating high intellectual calibre.’
‘Excellent professionalism, support, communications and technical back up for radiology imaging distribution to a busy NHS practicing diagnostic radiology expert witness. All the solicitors in Tees Law that I have worked with over the past years are well above average in the management of medical negligence process and in enjoying an excellent relationship with the highest quality barristers/QCs to help settle cases.’
‘They seem to very widely experienced in medical negligence.’
‘The team is extremely capable in all aspects however their strength is the ability to work as a team and support their clients throughout the process. Giving them time and understanding and information where needed and total commitment and dedication towards their clients.’
‘Clear instructions. Records paginated and ordered. Timely communications. Prompt payment’
‘The whole team is outstanding. They offer a fantastic service which draws on the knowledge of every member of the practice group.’
Thompson Smith and Puxon
Thompson Smith and Puxon‘s personal injury and clinical negligence team is led from Colchester by Steve Webb, an APIL senior litigator and a Law Society-accredited PI specialist who is praised for his ‘dedication to his client’s best interests combined with practical good sense’. He is supported by chartered legal executive Stacey Anderson, who has ‘the right mix of empathy, tactical guile and meticulousness in thought and preparation‘. Solicitor Sam Welham is also recommended; the team was also strengthened by the arrival of clinical negligence senior associate Hasina Choudhury in late 2021.
Practice head(s):
Steve Webb
Other key lawyers:
Hasina Choudhury; Stacey Anderson; Sam Welham
Testimonials
‘I work with Stacey Anderson, who is very bright and knows her files very well. The firm has real expertise in clinical negligence work, and is very well established in the market place.’
‘Stacey Anderson is a really good solicitor, and a pleasure to work with. Definitely one to watch.’
‘TSP are a really nice bunch of people. They are really well organised and highly competent.’
‘Stacey Anderson is a wonderful solicitor; she has the right mix of empathy, tactical guile and meticulousness in thought and preparation.’
‘This team has a diversity of backgrounds and experience which enable them to give a personal service to clients. They have a history of training people within the firm, turning legal secretaries into full paralegals and even qualified Legal Executives which is commendable.’
‘Stacey Anderson is a real rising star in the department. She works well with clients, explaining complex concepts in relatable ways.
Steve Webb runs the department well. He is always friendly and approachable.’
‘The practice comprises a team of dedicated, professional, unflashy practitioners whose sole focus is to do the best they can for their clients.’
‘Steve Webb is an exemplary exponent of the Firm’s ethos; dedication to his client’s best interests combined with practical good sense.’
White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors
White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors is a boutique firm which specialises in claims arising from motorcycle injuries. The team is led by senior partner and solicitor advocate Andrew Dalton, who has ‘an unparalleled ability to relate to motorcyclists and is dedicated to achieving a cost-efficient service‘. The firm’s lawyers are all experienced motorcyclists, bringing with them personal experience and understanding of the subject matter. Managing partner Andrew Prendergast is also an ‘expert rider with a working knowledge of motorcycle mechanics and handling characteristics’. The firm and all its partners are based in Aylesbury.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Dalton
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Prendergast; Martyn Dey; Gavin Grewal
Testimonials
‘White Dalton is a motorcycle-only accident solicitors and everybody that works for White Dalton rides a motorcycle, which helps when you are trying to describe particular situation that only a motorcyclist would understand.’
‘When speaking to White Dalton, they explain complex legal terms in a way that the layman can understand. This is what I value about White Dalton’
‘This team is very communicative and responsive. This was a leap into unknown territory for me. From the first phone call, I was dealing with knowledgeable people who did what they said they would do in a very timely manner and treated me with empathy and respect. The firm was very proactive in offering advice and resources that I would not otherwise have been aware of.’
‘Andrew Prendergast was straightforward and friendly from day one making us feel that we were a team rather than just another client. Felt confident that he had my best interests at heart. Andrew Prendergast made a home visit to speak with me about my case even though I live at the other end of the country.’
‘White Dalton are riders themselves and this is really important for anyone who had an accident on two wheels, as it is easier for them to imagine the injuries that could be sustained during a certain accident. The White Dalton team has never forced or pushed me to close the case but made sure that I have attended all the necessary visits with experts first and had required treatments. Only the best feedback and feelings about White Dalton!’
‘Honestly I can say that White Dalton solicitors were on the case from the very first phone call I made. I have been given one person to deal with all the time and that told me straightaway that my case would be looked after in the detail.’
‘I feel it was very important that I knew there was the expertise I needed from the practice. I didn’t doubt that they would give 100% to my case, which they absolutely did. They were honest, didn’t make promises they couldn’t keep and kept me very much up to date every step of the way.’
‘Both Andrew Dalton and Andrew Prendergast, from my experience, provide the claimant client with constant information throughout the case and excel at a personal service sometimes lacking in bigger more well known firms.’
‘Dedication, effort applied, knowledge base, personal touch.’
Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors
Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors‘ ‘very dedicated‘ medical negligence practice covers a wide range of cases, including spinal and birth injury claims. Experienced Harlow-based associate Penny Fitzpatrick has a wealth of experience in many areas of clinical negligence, including work in delayed cancer diagnoses, impaired sight and inadequate surgery which have been covered in the national press. The overall team is led by Joanne Westbrook, who focuses on personal injury.
Practice head(s):
Joanne Westbrook
Other key lawyers:
Penny Fitzpatrick; Rebecca Mclaughlin
Testimonials
‘Very approachable firm, every member of the practice involved in your claim is very understanding, sympathetic to your loss and always happy to talk things through so you fully understand the procedure.’
‘Penny Fitzpatrick is very thorough, sympathetic to your case, doesn’t promise unrealistic goals.’
‘The level of care and professionalism that is provided to clients, at least from our point of view when reviewing files for the purposes of costing, always seems to be of the highest level.’
‘All of the staff at Attwaters have been fantastic when responding to costs queries from our team where we have been instructed to prepare bills of costs and costs budgets.’
‘Very dedicated team. Personal attention to clients. Thorough and appropriately cautious were necessary, but committed and tenacious.’
‘Penny Fitzpatrick brings a wealth of claimant experience – she now heads up the claimant team here with quiet, methodical strength.’
‘A strong clinical negligence team capable of dealing with the full range of cases.’
‘Penny Fitzpatrick is an industrious and careful lawyer who gets excellent results for her clients.’
Clarkson Wright & Jakes
Clarkson Wright & Jakes‘ personal injury team focuses on complex clinical negligence cases specific to Kent, the location of its Orpington practice. The team is led by David Greenhalgh, who ‘has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of his cases and he fights hard on behalf of his clients‘. He has over 30 years of clinical negligence experience, which includes birth-related complications, surgical negligence and misdiagnosis claims. The ‘exceptionally helpful‘ Alex Wormald handles a range of both personal injury and clinical negligence work, while Michelle Easton is a ‘diligent and responsive senior lawyer.’
Practice head(s):
David Greenhalgh
Other key lawyers:
Alex Wormald; Michelle Easton
Testimonials
‘A Kent practice with sound reputation for claimant clinical negligence.’
‘David Greenhalgh – battle-hardened senior partner with long experience of difficult cases. Michelle Easton – diligent and responsive senior lawyer.’
‘David Greenhalgh is well organised, with an in-depth knowledge of the law and how it applies to his cases.’
‘David Greenhalgh was amazing with us, he was kind, attentive and very informative throughout the process. Our case was one of a very sensitive nature & we feel he handled it/us with care, consideration & respect, even during the difficult time we all had during lockdown because of Covid.’
‘I have nothing but praise for the way my claim was dealt with. Great communication right from the start together with the ability to be able to contact the person dealing with me, via phone or email directly. They always returned my calls very quickly. The information they gave was in-depth but in a manner which the lay-person could understand. ’
Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP
Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP 's personal injury and medical negligence team is led by 'amazing' associate solicitor Rhian Lowe, who is a member of The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. She was joined in mid-2021 by disputes specialist Aaron Pottle, who also has expertise in injury and medical negligence matters. Recent work the team has handled have included cases concerning accidents at work, sexual abuse, road traffic accidents and complex clinical negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Rhian Lowe
Other key lawyers:
Aaron Pottle
Testimonials
‘I’ve found FJG to be very professional and helpful and informative throughout the process of my claim. Keeping me updated at all times with any new progress.’
‘Rhian Lowe is amazing. Keeps me informed and updated at at times. Very knowledgeable and helpful.’
Furley Page Solicitors
Furley Page Solicitors covers a range of claims relating to industrial disease, physical and psychological injuries, including cases of fatal accidents. The team is led by Canterbury-based Neille Ryan; all fee earners are personal injury specialists. Senior associate Ross Rowland has been building up the firm's clinical negligence woffering, including matters concerning ophthalmology, orthopaedics, oncology and gynaecology.
Practice head(s):
Neille Ryan
Other key lawyers:
Ross Rowland; Rachel Stibb
Testimonials
‘I found Furley Page to be very professional. They did everything they said they would and more.’
‘Ross Rowland was excellent; I could not have asked for more. He was very in depth with everything we need for the case from my loss of earnings, my mental health to my prosthetics for the future.’
‘Very professional and helpful. Thorough and knowledgeable.’
‘Ross Rowland was incredible from start to finish with clear instructions and constant updates. I would recommend him and use again.’
‘Neille Ryan was extremely thorough in gaining all the information he needed for my claim, but at the same time asked the questions sensitively. He was friendly and I felt that we had a good rapport whilst dealing with a sensitive issue.’
‘Furley Page made me feel a very important client at all times, kept me up to date on the state of play and always so helpful and polite. Would recommend them to anyone.’
‘Rachael Stibb is very businesslike, very polite and professional. Took my case on a third of the way through did a first class job.’
Key clients
National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers
University of Kent
Work highlights
- Advised client in his six-figure clinical negligence claim for negligent delay in treatment for nodular malignant melanoma.
- Advised a Paper Mill Operative in his accident at work claim leading to seven-figure damages for amputation of all the digits on his dominant right hand.
Gardner Leader LLP
Gardner Leader LLP works largely with high-level personal injury claims, and its team has handled a wide array of cases related to transport accidents and mental health issues. The practice is led by Alastair Goggins, who works with clients in cases related to birth injuries and retail/manufacturing negligence. In 2021, solicitor Ashleigh Wong joined from Horwich Farrelly.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Goggins
Other key lawyers:
Ashleigh Wong
Testimonials
‘Very good at understanding their clients, responding swiftly to their requirements and providing practical and effective advice. Their teamwork is a definite strength.’
‘Alastair Goggins is excellent both at managing his team and responding to clients.’
‘Gardner Leader are a comparatively small team, from what might be regarded as an old school high street firm. They provide excellent services to the people of Newbury and surrounding areas.’
‘Andrew Shipp is an astute and careful practitioner, who puts his cases together flawlessly and gets good results for his clients.’
Larcomes
Larcomes is prominent in the area of asbestos-related disease claims, a field it has focused on for four decades. The head of team is Richard Hopgood, ‘a formidable litigator who has a great manner with clients‘, who for 20 years has represented disease victims and their families in compensation claims connected with asbestos-related pleural thickening, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma. Michael Osborne is ‘a pleasure to work with and is dedicated to his clients.’
Practice head(s):
Richard Hopgood
Other key lawyers:
Michael Osborne
Testimonials
‘Efficient with good communication’
‘Richard Hopgood is outstanding in all aspects’
‘Larcomes have a significant practice dealing with asbestos related injury claims in the South East area’
‘Richard Hopgood deals with asbestos-related claims. Richard has many years experience in this area. He has a firm grasp of applicable legal principles but just as importantly has a real feel for the practicalities of litigation in this area. He is a formidable litigator but, in addition, has a great manner with clients which is a vital attribute when dealing with those who are terminally ill or have recently lost a loved-one. A first-rate practitioner!’
‘Larcomes is a boutique firm specialising in asbestos claims. Its lawyers have a wealth of knowledge of local industries and exposers and their client care is second to none.’
‘Richard Hopgood really knows his stuff. He gets great results for his clients who love him for his approachable manner.’
‘This is a team expert in asbestos litigation. It is no surprise this team is Involved in leading cases given the expertise of the lawyers involved.’
‘Richard Hopgood brings great expertise and knowledge. Michael Osborne is an expert asbestos litigator, a pleasure to work with and dedicated to his clients.’
‘The Larcomes team are large enough to be responsive and timely, but also small enough to care for and remain engaged with a personal touch with claimants, their carers and other voluntary organisations important in their social and medical care as well as medicolegal pathways.’
Taylor Rose MW
Taylor Rose MW‘s clinical negligence team is led by Wallington-based Lauren Phillips. Sevenoaks-based clinical negligence specialist Jacqui Hayat handles cases related to childbirth, while Hove-based Nisha Sharma has dealt with cases involving bladder and lung injuries, as well as claims concerning children with cerebral palsy.
Practice head(s):
Lauren Phillips
Other key lawyers:
Jacqui Hayat; Nisha Sharma
Testimonials
‘Throughout the five and a half years of my case I was always kept well informed of developments and always reassured by their professionalism and expertise.’
‘Nisha Sharma is an excellent and dedicated solicitor in her field. She is the complete package, with a clear mastery of the law, facts, quantum and negotiating. She has sharp insight into tricky legal issues.’
‘Nisha Sharma is an excellent clin neg solicitor’
‘Up and coming firm in the clinical negligence world with some excellent, highly experienced, practitioners.’
‘Nisha Sharma is an excellent lawyer who really goes the extra mile for her clients.’
‘As a clinical expert witness I have found this firm is a pleasure to work for with an excellent understanding of the clinical details of cases and very efficient to deal with’
‘The team work very well together and ensure that they bring the best service to their clients.’
‘Jacqui Hayat knows when and how to involve counsel to ensure maximum impact on the claim and either pushing forward or resolving the matter in the most favourable way.’
Work highlights
- Advised on a child that would not have been born but for the doctor’s negligent failure to advise of the risk of being born with a hereditary disability, and having been born not only with that hereditary disability but also with autism, whether the mother of the child could recover damages for the cost of both disabilities or only the costs associated with the hereditary disability in relation to which the doctor was asked to advise.
BTMK Solicitors
BTMK Solicitors works collaboratively as a small team to ensure that all partners are familiar with all the firm’s work. The Southend-based team is led by Johanne Turner, who ‘stands out as someone who always has time for her clients‘ working frequently on matters related to injuries which impact people’s ability to work.
Practice head(s):
Johanne Turner
Other key lawyers:
Ruth Hemingway
Testimonials
‘BTMK are a local firm, with a real presence in the area it serves (Essex), whilst also having the scale to offer PI clients more than a High Street firm. Clients therefore get a personal service but also access to the better experts, rehab etc.’
‘Ruth Hemingway is a highly experienced personal injury solicitor who goes the extra mile for her clients. She is personable, thorough and knowledgeable.’
‘Very approachable and informative. Also payments are handled efficiently.’
‘Johanna Turner and her team are of particular merit with regards to professionalism and conduct with clients and their cases’
‘Johanne Turner stands out as someone who always has time for her clients; has excellent communication skills taking time and trouble to explain complex matters in a clear and understandable manner. When seeking to engage a personal injury claim solicitor this was the only practice of those contacted where I felt I was an individual – not a cash cow for the firm.’
‘BTMK’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team have real expertise across all levels of case but have a rare and valuable local feel. The firm really feels a part if the Southend community but provides an enviable level of specialism and expertise’
‘Jo Turner is vastly experienced in Personal Injury and Clinical negligence cases of the utmost severity but is accessible and client focused throughout. One of the very best claimant lawyers out there.’
Hart Brown
Hart Brown‘s personal injury and clinical negligence team which litigates multi-track cases involving head injuries, spinal injuries and amputation. The practice is led by Godalming-based Gerard Sanders, who specialises in cases involving a psychiatric or regional pain dimension. Associate Mark Wisby is also an experienced personal injury solicitor.
Practice head(s):
Gerard Sanders
Other key lawyers:
Mark Wisby
Testimonials
‘The lawyers in the team are very industrious and work hard to make the cases they manage winnable and easy for the client to understand.’
‘Always very good at communicating the issues and timeframes and always available to talk when needed’
‘Gerard Sanders – good communications and awareness of medical Issues, always a good support services with timely correspondence and values your independent opinions.’
‘I found the team to be thorough and professional throughout from instruction to conclusion. They were also very aware of the key issues on the claim that were relevant to my instructions. The instructions that I received were clear and cogent, with all deadlines clearly communicated to me. I would not hesitate in recommending them to a potential client.’
‘I have worked closely with Mark Wisby, he is very professional on how he deals with you and has a willingness to help and answer any questions you may have.’
‘I have found the team to have a good understanding of terminology and very efficient and straightforward to deal with.’
‘Gerard Sanders is a pleasure and delight to work with and is clear and concise’
Healys
Healys handles complex matters related to road traffic accidents and injuries in the workplace. The Brighton-based practice is led by Dino Skinner, who specialises in personal injury claims, particularly cases concerning fatal accidents, injury to cyclists and amputations. His work also involves supporting those who have had life-changing injuries and are now trying to get their lives back.
Practice head(s):
Dino Skinner
Other key lawyers:
Paul Keown
Testimonials
‘Paul Keown knows his cases inside out.’
‘Paul Keown has worked on the defendant side and can see cases from both sides – he understands the commercial realities underlying litigation in this area. As a result he has good overall judgement.’
‘An excellent and well run personal injury and clinical negligence practice. Efficient staff and first rate partners.’
‘Paul Keown, partner, is very bright and on the ball. Commercially minded and creative.’
Lennons Solicitors
Lennons Solicitors takes on high-value cases with a particular emphasis on matters related to childhood. The team is led by Chesham-based director Andrew King, who works on inquests, brain injury matters and clinical negligence cases related to children.
Practice head(s):
Andrew King
Testimonials
‘Andrew King is very practical and down to earth. Imaginative and flexible in his approach. Works tirelessly on your behalf. Patient, knowledgeable and affable’
‘Andrew King has been superb when I have dealt with him, I feel like my case is in good hands.’
‘Andrew King was very direct and straight to the point with the legal advice he gave.’
‘The welcoming environment of the team and relaxed but professional approach of Andrew King at my first consultation soon reassured any of my concerns. I particularly appreciated the attention and understanding that I received when discussing my case.’
‘Lennons are a very established solicitors firm in my home town. Several family members and friends have also used Lennons in the past and have always had the highest praise and respect on how the client was dealt with.’
‘I am currently working with Andrew King, absolutely 110% the professional at all times. My legal case is very personal and emotional to me, Andrew and his team have embraced this with great professional conduct and for this I have the upmost respect.’
‘The team at Lennons Solicitors are a pleasure to deal with. They are particularly responsive, empathetic and sensitive to client needs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with rival firms. Lennons are a firm I would have no hesitation recommending to others. Andrew King is particularly impressive and has a substantial social media presence, providing useful practice updates and commentary on relevant legal areas.’
‘Andrew King is a real star of the profession. He has an impressive ability to be across a huge amount of detail in complex cases, spanning various practice areas. He is passionate about getting the right result for his clients and has a really astute commercial sense. I consider the tactical nous of the firm to be a particular strength. They a wily operators and achieve consistently great outcomes.’
Work highlights
- Represented the widow of a man was tragically killed whilst working in the course of his employment.
Lester Aldridge LLP
Lester Aldridge LLP's medical negligence practice is led from Southampton by Paula Barnes; she can draw on decades of experience and is known for fighting for her clients 'every inch of the way', specialising in birth injury cass and spinal injury cases. She works alongside Liz Oaten, another hugely. experienced practitioner who joined in 2021 from Iacopi Palmer Solicitors, where she led the clinical negligence team.
Practice head(s):
Paula Barnes
Other key lawyers:
Liz Oaten
Testimonials
‘I have found the practice to be reliable and client focused. They keep me up to date with any new developments. They are fantastic, very professional and knowledgeable.’
‘I have worked with Liz Oaten for several years. She is an exceptional solicitor with a real focus on her clients’ best interests and wellbeing. She is extremely diligent and goes above and beyond on her clients’ behalf. She is highly expert in her field.’
‘A very good team led by the superb Paula Barnes with support from new addition Liz Oaten.’
‘Liz Oaten is a five-star solicitor. She really does know her stuff. She has extensive experience as the defendant and the claimant. She is able to understand both sides. She is always able to answer my questions and advise me wisely.’
‘Liz Oaten is empathic and is a good client advocate. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Paula Barnes is one of the best clinical negligence lawyers in the country with a mass of heavy cases in her caseload. Clients love her because she fights for them every inch of the way.’
Marsons Solicitors
Marsons Solicitors is led by Bromley-based Beth King, who specialises in personal injury work. She advises clients on a wide range of claims, including those arising from work-related accidents, professional negligence, road traffic accidents and industrial disease, among other matters.
Practice head(s):
Beth King
Testimonials
‘The team has always proved very efficient and are able to clarify things in a way that allows me to make decisions in a rational and informed way. A huge amount of effort is put in to developing the legal case and great consideration is given by the team to possible obstacles that may be encountered before they present themselves. As a client I feel that the situation is always being dealt with by an extremely experienced team.’
‘I feel that I am able to fully entrust my needs to their capable hands. I have been dealing with Beth King who explains the legalities in an understandable way and is always ready to discuss my concerns and listen to my replies.’
‘Marsons is a somewhat boutique firm. Small, client-focused and dynamic. Whilst being relatively small in terms of fee earners it has the advantage of thus being highly responsive to the needs of clients.’
‘Beth King is hugely experienced and robust. She is very capable at dealing with difficult opponents, both individuals and institutions. Clients love her because of her no-nonsense approach and because she is effective in obtaining results, both following contested trial litigation and at settlements. She is the ultimate safe pair of hands.’
‘Beth King was a pleasure to work with.’