Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant in South West

‘A great combination of the professional and personable. Pragmatic and reasonable.‘

‘Right at the top of the tree when it comes to defending the NHS in clinical negligence claims. They have introduced innovative paperless technology and the Collaborate platform is one of the best, if not the best, I have used. They have also facilitated new ways of dealing with potential claims based on poor outcomes to drive down costs and provide fair results for both patients and clinicians (the Early Notification Scheme). They are always on the lookout for new ideas and provide a first-class service.‘

‘Jo Lloyd brings huge experience of clinical negligence work at the coal face, both as a barrister and as a solicitor advocate. She has an instinctive grasp of the subtleties of trial tactics and negotiations, which she deploys to good effect.‘

‘The strengths and key capabilities revolve around the quality of the lawyers within the team. Support via the technology of the Collaborate system is highly efficient. Additionally, the team leaders understand the needs of the client, deploying real insight and direction in focusing the legal work towards identifying and achieving the optimal outcome.’

‘The team we utilise within Bevan Brittan have a very clear understanding of our business requirements for RTA defendant litigation work. Their knowledge of the relevant legal environment means that they are well placed to provide the solutions that we require when defending and resolving cases.‘

‘Paul Taverner has an excellent knowledge of our business requirements. He also has an extensive knowledge of the work where he is instructed and provides a personal and detailed service for our complex and catastrophic injury claims.’

‘The insurance team are close knit, highly skilled and competent, and committed to their insurer clients in a way that commands admiration, as well as being very approachable. They are a delight to work with, show superb attention to detail and are all exceptionally good lawyers. They are a small team but punch well above their weight. Paul Taverner is as good as any national partner in any firm, and stands head and shoulders above all other partners in this sector in the South West. A fantastic catastrophic injury lawyer.’

‘Paul Taverner is exceptional. The finest partner in Bristol. He is ably supported by proteges Claire Jones and Adrian Neale, who are cut from the same cloth. Claire is driven, sensible, commercially minded and a force to be reckoned with. Adrian has a keen eye for detail, a strong work ethic and excellent technical knowledge.’

‘Strong team. Adapted well to online working with good preparation of e-bundles. Excellent client care.’

‘Rebecca Shafto is very bright. Andrew Lawson demonstrates excellent preparation and is thorough. Emma Palmer leaves no stone unturned.’

‘The Bristol office of BLM has some of the best lawyers and support. I know I can rely on their skills, knowledge and experience to get the job done correctly first time. They are prepared to kick back when they don’t agree with me, which I like.’

‘Andrew Lawson and Rebecca Shafto stand out for me. They are both extremely reliable, efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Browne Jacobson is a nationwide firm that has strength in the breadth and depth of its experienced teams throughout each region in England. Its nationwide ethos is to achieve high standards in a cost-effective manner for its NHS and other corporate clients. There is a teamwork approach, with partners supervising and overseeing the delivery of services to clients.’

‘Michael Chambers has extensive experience, having worked in this defence sector for decades. He has excellent judgement and astute powers of analysis. He is effective at guiding his team and giving it direction. He gives clear, no-nonsense advice to his clients and ensures they are in a position to give informed instructions on often difficult and challenging cases.‘

‘All those who undertake clinical negligence work have an impressive understanding of medical matters. Noteworthy is the firm’s ability to secure the services of the most suitable experts for each case.‘

‘Sian Brown’s case preparation is unusually thorough; she is particularly astute in establishing the factual matters likely to be in dispute. Michael Chambers’ judgement on the merits of a case, and what it’s likely to be worth, is very sound.’

‘Very strong team in clinical negligence including Human Rights Act claims.’

‘Becky Wyld is very knowledgeable about the interface between Human Rights Act claims and common law negligence, giving strong, pragmatic advice.’

‘The team has vast knowledge in many fields, is always accessible and supportive, and this has not changed throughout the pandemic.’

‘Angela Williams is an asset to the firm. It is always a pleasure to work with her.‘

‘Adrian Southwood provides an immediacy of service which I value but try not to abuse! He is terrier-like in his pursuit of the facts and will deploy them tactically to maximum advantage. There is also an innate understanding of the commercial realities which is essential to anyone acting for defendant insurers. He will give pragmatic and timely advice to enable cases to be fought or settled.’

‘I work with Adrian Southwood who is prepared to go that extra mile for me on my cases. He thinks outside the box and has some very intuitive ideas.‘

‘A stable team.’

‘David Brown and Donna Hobbs have worked with us for years on our account and are always there when you need them.’