The ‘strong and excellent’ team at Kennedys is known for its work on high-value and complex professional indemnity disputes. Led by Eammon Mooney, the group receives a steady flow of instructions from major global and national insurers. Its expertise spans various sectors such as accountants, construction and insolvency professionals, as well as solicitors. Paul Chaplin works with key professional indemnity insurers and their insureds, and is particularly sought after for his work on tax-scheme claims. Steve Oates excels at representing construction and property professionals, solicitors and insurance brokers. Patric Rouendaal is noted for his D&O claims work. Jonathan Herne and Eliza Kwok are among the other significant members of the department.
Professional negligence in West Midlands
Kennedys
Practice head(s):
Eamon Mooney
Other key lawyers:
Paul Chaplin; Patric Rouendaal ; Jonathan Herne; Eliza Kwok; Steve Oates; Emily Clift
Testimonials
‘Kennedys have an excellent level of knowledge in all areas relating to professional negligence. Their ability to respond to our needs and provide advice on a timely basis sets them out from the market.’
‘We work with Paul Chaplin and Eliza Kwok. Both are very responsive and able to provide the correct advice when we need it most.’
‘A very experienced and knowledgeable team which resources smartly on matters across its regional offices making instructions cost effective.’
Key clients
Accelerant Insurance
AIG
Allianz
Atrium Underwriting
Aqueous Underwriting
AXA XL
Aviva
Canopius
CFC Underwriting
Chubb
CNA Hardy
Dual Corporate Risks
Hiscox
John Sisk
Liberty
Munich Re
Nexus
Pen Underwriting
QBE
RSA
Solicitors Indemnity Fund
Sompo
Travelers
Zurich
Work highlights
- Acting for a solicitors firm who acted for a developer and in the capacity as a stakeholder for a number of high-risk property investments throughout the country.
- Defending a litigated claim concerning an allegedly lost property development opportunity which presents interesting questions about calculation of loss and mitigation.
Mills & Reeve LLP
The team at Mills & Reeve LLP ‘boasts exceptional industry knowledge’, which allows it ‘to navigate complex legal landscapes with finesse’. The large team 'leaves no stone unturned'. It frequently acts on multi-million pound claims and coverage disputes in the professional indemnity insurance market. Angus Turner 
is highly sought after by law firms when faced with a negligence claim. Neil Frankland ’s focus is on construction and brokers’ negligence cases. David Gooding has an established practice - he defends accountants' and solicitors’ negligence claims. Also recommended is Lucy Howard who leads on professional indemnity claims that arise from trust, probate and private tax related matters.
Practice head(s):
Angus Turner; Neil Frankland; David Gooding; Lucy Howard
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Lynch; James Thompson
Testimonials
‘An excellent team, with strength and depth in numbers. Client focussed.’
‘David Gooding – very switched on, commercially astute, great with clients Andrea Stanford – excellent with clients, engaged.’
‘When we’re looking to select a partner to help us through the most difficult of situations, it’s David Gooding’s team at Mills & Reeve that I go to. They genuinely care about us as an organisation and make us feel like they have our backs at all times.’
‘David Gooding is my go to person. He’s always available to speak to and is reassurance personified. ’
‘Their understanding of insurance matters runs deep. Their technical excellence shines through in their meticulous approach to cases. Their focus on practical solutions ensures that clients’ interests are safeguarded. Their adeptness at mediations is commendable.’
‘David Gooding excels in client management. His ability to build strong relationships with clients ensures their needs are met effectively. His strategic approach to litigation sets him apart. David navigates legal challenges with foresight and precision.’
‘James Thompson is a true expert in the field of Broker Professional Indemnity (PI). His depth of knowledge makes him a go-to lawyer for this area. Combining complex technical understanding of broker coverage with commercial astuteness, James achieves optimal outcomes for clients.’
‘The team seamlessly taps into the full resources and expertise of the wider firm. For instance, their specialist probate advice from the probate team adds value to their insurance practice. This collaborative approach ensures that clients benefit from a holistic legal perspective.’
Clyde & Co
Alison Siniver and Julian Smart co-head the practice at Clyde & Co, which frequently deals with claims against all professionals. It is particularly well-known for advising on claims against financial professionals, as well as claims arising from tax and financial transactions. The team has also been working on some large group actions, and repeat claims in relation to interest only mortgages, tax avoidance schemes and property searches. Siniver has a broad practice – she is particularly well-regarded for her work on claims against accountants. Smart also has a diverse practice, with a special focus on cases involving commercial fraud.
Practice head(s):
Alison Siniver; Julian Smart
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Under the direction of Mark Beesley, Shakespeare Martineau LLP
acts for claimants in a variety of professional negligence claims, many of which are funded using conditional fee arrangements. These claims range in value from tens of thousands of pounds to millions of pounds. The claims are typically against solicitors, accountants and barristers, as well as independent financial advisors, pension trustees and surveyors. Beesley primarily acts for claimants. Michael Young has particular strength in high-value negligence claims with complex property and/or finance issues.
Practice head(s):
Mark Beesley
Other key lawyers:
Michael Young
Testimonials
‘This team is very strong on professional negligence in the Midlands. ’
‘Mark Beesley – Strong leader of the team with excellent skills. Michael Young – very committed to clients and technically very strong.’
‘Michael Young – Has particular experience and commercial know how for tax and property matters that would be really helpful.’
‘An extremely strong firm in the Midlands, they have a go to reputation for professional negligence work. They offer clear and practical advice along with strategical solutions so the client not only knows where they stand but also the route forward with their case. ’
‘Michael Young communicates in an effective and crystal clear manner. He knows the high level of service clients expect and always delivers. He has a friendly and warm approach when dealing with clients and advances their arguments in a firm and proficient manner. ’
Key clients
Starston International
SMARTech
Legal Insurance Management
Work highlights
- Advised on a claim in conjunction with bespoke tax specialists. The company, a management and business consultancy practice, and its founders entered into various financial schemes that they were then pursued in relation to taxes from HMRC. Mitigation was been achieved in the Isle of Man. Resolution of associated proceedings was achieved thanks to the successful mitigation.
- Acted for a client which entered into contractual arrangements. These arrangements were to be paid by the fuel saving their technology allowed, across a fleet of vehicles. However, raw data had not been submitted and they had been prevented from certain installations.
- Acting for individual injured whilst on holiday in Italy, whose PI claim was then struck out due to defendant not progressing. The firm is dealing with showing the defendants negligence, but then proving what would have happened in the underlying PI case absent the alleged negligence.
Wright Hassall LLP
Nathan Talbott leads a strong professional negligence practice at Wright Hassall LLP, which is mainly claimant focused. It acts for both private individuals and businesses, and covers all aspects of professional negligence. A large proportion of its work continues to involve tax and financial advice. It is adept at advising on issues relating to the mis-selling of products and tax schemes, as well as disguised remuneration planning. The group receives a steady stream of instructions on claims against negligent solicitors.
Practice head(s):
Nathan Talbott
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Rhind
Testimonials
‘Wright Hassall is one of the region’s leading claimant professional negligence firms. They provide a wealth of experience and expertise in the area.’
‘Nathan Talbott is a true expert in his field..’
‘Nathan Talbot is top class. Forensic in his analysis of any pleading and on top of all the details.’
Key clients
Sodi-tech EDM Limited
Krystian Volak, David O’Neil & V O Properties Ltd
Merchant Money Limited
Browne Jacobson LLP
Led by Jonathan Newbold, the professional negligence team at Browne Jacobson LLP is based in the East and West Midlands. It frequently defends claims against professionals. The group is on the panel of a number of large insurers. At the Birmingham office, Joanne Lewis specialises in high-value litigation against solicitors and other professionals. Lewis is also experienced in advising on coverage issues, particularly in relation to construction professionals claims.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Newbold
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Lewis
Testimonials
‘The Browne Jacobson team does a great job putting together a team of highly skilled individuals that have the requisite experience. The team is always well balanced and always seem to be built, bespoke, to serve precisely the needs of the client and case.’
Sydney Mitchell LLP
Dean Parnell and Ian Sheppard jointly lead the team at Sydney Mitchell LLP, which advises individuals who have personally suffered from a solicitor’s negligence. It also acts for some commercial organisations on various professional negligence matters.
Practice head(s):
Dean Parnell; Ian Sheppard
Testimonials
‘Communication with all parties involved have been professional and helpful.’
‘Ian Shepherd has been informative and helpful.’
‘An excellent team with first class lawyers. A genuine and refreshing alternative to the ligation teams in much larger national law firms.’
‘Ian Sheppard is brilliant. He is very knowledgeable and has the best client care skills I have ever encountered. He is attentive and you feel he wants to get the best outcome for you. He is very committed to getting the best result for you.’
‘Dean Parnell is a very talented lawyer who has everything you need in a litigation lawyer. He is extremely bright, an “out of the box” thinker and a master tactician who is utterly focused on getting the best result for his clients.‘
Work highlights
- Acting in a £800,000 claim relating to the destruction of a property.
- Acting for the client in a claim in excess of £400,000 against a firm of solicitors who provided negligent advice in relation to the preparation and execution of a will.
- Acting for a client who failed to register an equitable charge for a client which has result in a loss of at least £140,000.