Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Personal injury: claimant

Irwin Mitchell opened in Cardiff in 2022, enabling its market-leading personal injury practice to service an existing South Wales client base with an on-the-ground presence. The 'exceptional' team focuses on serious and catastrophic injuries as well as fatal accidents, also covering industrial disease, claims against the Ministry of Defence, and international serious injury matters, drawing on support from the wider firm's network of offices. Key names include brain injury specialist Deborah Rose, who 'handles some of the biggest PI claims and is great with clients' and 'rising star' Rhys Dando.

Personal injury: claimant in Wales

Hugh James

The ‘highly resourced’ offering at Hugh James has the strength-in-depth to offer clients true sub-specialisms, including in the field of asbestos-related claims, where the ‘extremely knowledgeable and personable’ Richard Green  heads up an ‘amazing team’ that not only fights hard for victims of respiratory illnesses but also works closely with medical professionals and charities supporting those affected by asbestos related disease. The ‘technically able’ Kathryn Singh leads the industrial disease offering that continues to achieve outstanding results for workers, both domestically and abroad, where she is ‘exceptionally experienced in group litigation’. Simon Ellis also handles some unusual industrial disease claims, although he is best-known for his work on behalf of current and former members of the armed forces bringing claims against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for hearing loss and cold injuries. A ‘class act who combines empathy and experience to deliver a solid product to the client’, Cari Sowden-Taylor  heads up the serious injury team alongside Ciaran McCabe , and provides a superb service for clients that have suffered brain and spinal injuries as a result of road traffic collisions. Of the more junior partners, Lucy Strong has cultivated a very strong reputation in the asbestos field, while the ‘determined and capable’ James Gibson  ‘achieves great results’ for clients in industrial injury claims. Dividing his team between Cardiff and London, Mark Harvey heads up the overarching specialist claims group and draws upon his ‘vast experience and strategic nous’ to deliver exceptional results to clients in product liability claims, as well as the victims of accidents overseas and arising out of travel generally.

Practice head(s):

Mark Harvey


Other key lawyers:

Ciaran McCabe; Cari Sowden-Taylor; Simon Ellis; Richard Green;  Kathryn Singh; Lisa Morgan; Lucy Strong; James Gibson; Angharad Jones; Carlos Land; Pauline Roberts; Sarah-Jane Jerard; Aidan Lloyd; Charlotte Fletcher; Sandeep Gill; Ellice Harding;


Testimonials

‘Hugh James is a “regional firm”, but in truth it is a national powerhouse. Hugh James is committed to fighting cases which are at the cutting-edge of personal injury.’

‘Amazing team – experts in asbestos related claims.’

‘Mark Harvey brings his vast experience and strategic nous to everything he does. He is willing to take risks, and has the judgment to know which risks will pay off.’

Simon Ellis is leading the military claims team valiantly, in long-running battles against the MOD on behalf of thousands of claimants.’

‘Richard Green’s respiratory claims group is rightly acknowledged as an industry leading team. They have immense knowledge of asbestos claims and have excellent client care.’

‘Cari-Sowden Taylor is a class act and combines empathy and experience to deliver a solid product to the client.’

‘Kathryn Singh – exceptionally experienced in group litigation and technically able.’

James Gibson – highly experienced, determined and capable solicitor who achieves great results for his clients.’

Work highlights


  • £12.75m brain injury settlement.
  • £750k mesothelioma settlement to include substantial provision for future treatment on a private paying basis.
  • £290k military deafness settlement.

JCP Solicitors

JCP Solicitors has ‘incredible and in-depth knowledge of the personal injury sector’, ensuring that it is able to ‘achieve first-class results’ for clients across a range of claims, including those of the utmost severity. Key to the firm’s success over the years has been the expertise of the ‘very experienced and wise’ Keith Thomas, who is ‘compassionate and caring’ on behalf of clients who have suffered life changes injuries, including as a result of brain injuries. Mei Li also has ‘exceptional knowledge about brain injury’, and regularly acts in complex mandates as a result of road traffic accidents. A ‘first-class litigator’, Ian Rees heads up the non-catastrophic offering, although he is equally at ‘ease undertaking high value and complex claims’, including mesothelioma cases. Kirsty Meech  was recently promoted to partner and is also a key member of the team in relation to brain injury claims.

Practice head(s):

Keith Thomas; Mei Li; Ian Rees


Other key lawyers:

Kirsty Meech


Testimonials

‘The team has incredible and in-depth knowledge of the personal injury sector. This, along with their experience and pragmatism, allows them to achieve first- class results for their clients.’

‘They are a very experienced team with excellent knowledge of the field.’

‘One of the core strengths of the JCP team for me has been their excellent knowledge and understanding of brain injury and their personable and empathic approach.’

Work highlights


NewLaw Solicitors

Mixing ‘traditional values with a real enthusiasm to tackle difficult legal issues and claims’, NewLaw Solicitors‘ ‘strong and varied offering’ has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous volume and range of cases, from relatively commoditised fast-track claims through to matters of the utmost severity. The firm is able to handle the volume matters in a streamlined and effective manner by virtue of its new client portal, while for serious life-changing injuries, clients also benefit from access to the firm’s two in-house Welfare Managers. Hilton Obery manages motor, employer and public liability claims, with a specialist focus on large loss spinal injuries, an area that Lisa Samuel is also very well-versed. ‘Heavyweight litigator’ Cenric Clement-Evansbrings real force to negotiations and case strategy’ in relation to workplace injuries, both on single event accidents and occupational illness/disease. In this regard, Clement-Evans regularly receives invaluable support from associate Kelly Bernstein  whose ‘customer care goes above and beyond’. Praised for his ability to provide ‘detailed and thorough advice’, Darren Hackley-Green is one of many in the team with a focus on RTA work and is also noted for his ability to advise on related cross-border issues. While she does not currently handle fee-earning work, Nicola Edwards is operational lead of the specialist claims group.

Practice head(s):

Karl Ford; Nicola Edwards


Other key lawyers:

Hilton Obery; Cenric Clement-Evans; Lisa Samuel; Leanne Khan; Alex Hamilton-Brown; Melanie Ford; Darren Hackley-Green; Aled Davies; Timothy Burgess; Emma -Louise Jones; Kelly Bernstein; Stephanie Absalom


Testimonials

‘The team mixes traditional values with a real enthusiasm to tackle difficult legal issues and claims.’

Overall, a strong and varied offering in respect of personal injury negligence.’

‘The firm appears to be well furnished with both talent and resource. Their electronic bundles and instructions tend to be far better prepared than other firms of this size. Clearly they have fully embraced the brave new technology world that the legal profession must now operate within.’

Key clients

National Accident Helpline


Ageas


RCN


Thompsons Solicitors LLP

The ‘amazing’ team at Thompsons Solicitors LLP is ‘extremely helpful and supportive’ to clients, including many members from the firm’s extensive union ties, across a range of injuries sustained at work, and as a result of road traffic accidents. Under the guidance of the ‘experienced and capable’ Amanda Jones, the office has, however, gained most acclaim as a result of its tireless efforts on behalf of victims of asbestos-related diseases, where her ‘wealth of experience makes all the difference when seeking to identify potential sources of exposure, potential defendants and insurers’. Senior associate Anthony Welsh is particularly effective acting for clients in complex claims arising from road traffic accidents and accidents at work.



Practice head(s):

Amanda Jones (asbestos); David Coulthard


Other key lawyers:

Anthony Welsh; Chris Marie Niemala


Testimonials

‘The lawyers are extremely helpful and supportive, and provide a personalised approach’. 

‘One of the most experienced asbestos-litigation teams in Wales and the South West.’

‘Amanda Jones’ knowledge of asbestos litigation in the foregoing areas can fairly be described as encyclopaedic. Her wealth of experience makes all the difference when seeking to identify potential sources of exposure, potential defendants and insurers.’

‘Amanda Jones – experienced and capable with the best interests of her clients at heart.’

Key clients

Unite the Union


Unison


Fire Brigades Union


Public and Commercial Services Union


Rail Maritime and Transport Workers Union


ASLEF (Train drivers Union)


Prison Officers Association


National Association of Prison Officers


University College Union


USDAW (Shop workers Union)


Work highlights


  • Acting for a client who suffered a brain injury after falling down defective stairs (the claim is in excess of £7m).
  • Acting for a client in a claim valued at £600k as a result of nerve damage and foot injury suffered in the aftermath of a collision with fork lift truck.
  • Acting for a client bringing a £1m plus claim following a quad bike accident.

Dolmans

While it is undoubtedly best-known for its market-leading local authority-focused defendant offering, Dolmans is also adept at handling work for claimants, including in product liability and employers’ liability matters. Team head Philip Bradley has a ‘good relationship with his clients’ and works hard to achieve the best possible settlement in often very complex cases involving intricate issues surrounding liability, causation, and quantum.

Practice head(s):

Philip Bradley


Other key lawyers:

Peter Bennett


Testimonials

‘The team is very friendly and helpful.’

‘Philip Bradley is very thorough and Instructions are always complete with all angles covered and investigated prior to seeking advice from counsel. He also has a good relationship with his clients and is comfortable dealing with opponents.’

 

Work highlights


Howells Solicitors

Leveraging a ‘strong local presence’, Howells Solicitors is an increasingly popular choice across a range of personal injury matters brought to the firm in the form of direct instructions as well as referrals. Team head Susan Edwards has been pivotal to the team’s increased market visibility, regularly handling brain and spinal injury claims, both in a clinical negligence context as well as sustained through an accident at work or a traffic incident. The arrival in November 2022 of Victoria Garvey from Clyde & Co enhances the team’s credentials, with her defendant insurer background enabling her to provide additional perspective and ‘excellent judgement in high-value and complex personal injury claims’. 


Practice head(s):

Susan Edwards


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Garvey


Testimonials

‘An experienced team of solicitors and legal executives who add insightful value to all of their cases.’

‘Good solid team dealing with personal injury and clinical negligence cases in Cardiff with a strong local presence and team of expert solicitors.’ 

I have always found them to be diligent in their preparation, prompt in responding to matters, and proactive in their case management – overall a very good service.’

Work highlights


Mackenzie Jones Solicitors

St Asaph-based firm Mackenzie Jones Solicitors has strong local connections and provides a partner-led service to North Wales-based clients, including through the medium of Welsh, across a range of personal injury matters. Anna Mills Morgan is the principal contact including on cases of the utmost severity, and is appreciated for her ‘very good working relationship with her clients’. 


Practice head(s):

Anna Mills Morgan; Richard Jones


Testimonials

‘Mackenzie Jones Solicitors have a unique position to support their clients in the area, especially for their Welsh speaking clients . I know that their clients do search for this.’

‘Anna Mills Morgan has a very good working relationship with her clients, and maintains frequent contact.’

‘Anna Mills Morgan went up and above any customer expectations I have experienced in any customer service industry. She kept us up to date during every stage of the claim which at times was very frustrating in the 6 years it took to conclusion.’ 

Work highlights


Red Kite Law LLP

Primarily based out of its Carmarthen office, Red Kite Law LLP has ‘considerable experience in poly-trauma and catastrophic injury as well as single injury cases’, for clients stretching from West Wales through to the South West of England. Team head Sophie Jones is particularly effective at assisting claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries, including brain trauma and is noted for her ‘excellent dedication to the client’s needs’. Michael Evanshas bags of common sense and a very sensitive approach to dealing with fatal accident clients’ sustained at work, as well as in a road traffic context.


Practice head(s):

Sophie Jenkins


Other key lawyers:

Michael Evans; Joseph Slader; Rebecca Proctor; Michael Clarke


Testimonials

‘The team is very efficient, friendly and thorough, and sensitive to the needs of claimants to a very impressive degree.’

‘They have considerable experience in poly-trauma and catastrophic injury as well as single injury cases and are particularly proactive in arranging the best forms of rehabilitation for each claimant expeditiously.’

‘Red Kite provide a very personal service to their clients and maintain very good contact with them. They have very good knowledge of process to help the client get the best from their claim.’

‘Incisive and focused work ethos.’

‘Michael Evans has bags of common sense and a very sensitive approach to  dealing with fatal accident clients.’

Sophie Jenkins has an excellent rapport with clients and displays excellent dedication to the client’s needs.’

‘Joseph Slader has always been thoroughly professional, courteous and conscientious in all communications.’

Rebecca Proctor is very approachable, helpful and respectful.’

Work highlights


  • An infant suffered a severe injury following a motor vehicle accident. As part of his claim, the firm put in place an extensive lifelong rehabilitation package, and built an adapted home which met his long-term needs. Settlement of the case was in excess of £14,000,000.00 which is one of the largest lump sum settlements in Wales.
  • The firm acted for a claimant who suffered a severe spinal injury, and was paralysed from the waist down as a result of motorbike accident. A full rehabilitation package was put in place (including securing ReWalk exoskeleton equipment for the Claimant), and a purpose-built house was funded.

Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon has a number of ‘capable and quality lawyers who deal with high-value personal injury litigation’, including employers’ liability, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CCIA) claims, and RTA mandates, both in the context of private referrals as well as for members of its trade union client base. A ‘first-rate lawyer with unparalleled experience’ at handling serious injury claims, Andrew Owen heads up the team and is noted for his ability to explain ‘complicated matters in a clear and straightforward manner’. 

Practice head(s):

Andrew Owen


Other key lawyers:

Maria Gardner; Clare Griffiths; Hayley Lyn Jones


Testimonials

The team are experts in workplace injury matters representing trade union clients.’

‘They have a number of capable and quality lawyers who deal with high-value personal injury litigation. I would unhesitatingly recommend them to potential clients.’

‘Andrew Owen is a first-rate lawyer with unparalleled experience. He is excellent with clients and explains complicated matters in a clear and straightforward manner.’

Work highlights


  • Advised an individual in a road traffic accident to reach a settlement of £4m.
  • Advising a vulnerable individual in a £5m claim following negligent lithium treatment.
  • Advised an individual reach a six-figure settlement after an explosion at work.

Watkins & Gunn Limited

Able to draw upon the expertise of lawyers based across its Cardiff, Newport and Pontypool offices, Watkins & Gunn Limited provides a ‘professional and personal service’ to South Wales-based clients, in particular, across a range of personal injury matters. ‘Very experienced and knowledgeable’ team head Clive Thomas regularly advises trade union member clients on employer liability matters, as well as clients seeking redress in complex multi-track cases.

Practice head(s):

Clive Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Wellington; Michael Imperato; Lisa Guscott; Lyndsey Gordon-Webb


Testimonials

‘They have a medium sized but specialist team with a range of fee earners and experience. They can therefore provide a professional and personal service to their clients.’

‘Clive Thomas is is very experienced and knowledgeable, with a good rapport with his clients. He is also a good negotiator and cases are always well prepared.’

Work highlights


  • Successfully represented a client in public liability trial which succeeded at trial. The claimant fell over a water stop tap cover and suffered a fractured right femur and psychological symptoms.

GHP Legal

Led from Wrexham by Robert Williams, the 'very experienced, friendly and capable' team at GHP Legal provides a 'very bespoke legal service' to local clients across a range of personal injury claims. Williams 'does not shy away from difficult cases', including historic childhood abuse claims.


Practice head(s):

Robert Williams


Testimonials

‘GHP provide a very bespoke legal service for their clients. They are a very experienced, friendly and capable team who have justifiably built up a very good reputation. They are not afraid to fight for their clients.’

‘A local firm with true national-standard expertise and experience. Truly personal service. The very opposite of a call centre type experience.’

‘Robert Williams – a mathematician’s eye for detail.’

Work highlights


Harding Evans LLP

Newport-based firm Harding Evans LLP has a strong local reputation for handling 'complex and heavyweight personal injury work', including in the context of employers' liability and product liability claims. 'Extremely conscientious and very hardworking' team head Victoria Smithyman is key to the firm's success and is not only well-versed in the substantive law and civil procedure rules but also various medical conditions and available treatments, ensuring she is able to provide a very holistic service to clients.


Practice head(s):

Victoria Smithyman


Testimonials

‘They have high level of expertise in complex and heavyweight personal injury work largely unrivalled within their local market.’

‘Victoria Smithyman is extremely conscientious and very hardworking.’

 

Work highlights


Simpson Millar LLP

Supported by a national network of offices including a strong presence in the North West of England and Bristol, Simpson Millar LLP‘s small Cardiff presence is particularly adept at advising clients in industrial disease personal injury claims. Simon Rosser is a ‘pragmatic, friendly and skilled lawyer’, whose wide-ranging expertise includes group action claims and advice to clients in relation to asbestos-related illnesses.


Practice head(s):

Deborah Krelle (Manchester)


Other key lawyers:

Simon Rosser


Testimonials

‘Simon Rosser is a pragmatic, friendly and skilled lawyer.’

 

Work highlights