Lyons Davidson > Leeds, England > Firm Profile

Lyons Davidson
St Martins House
Britannia Street
LEEDS
LS1 2DZ
England

Private client > Family Tier 1

Praised for being ‘incredibly committed to their cases’ and going ‘the extra mile’ for clients, Lyons Davidson maintain an impressive reputation for its work on international children matters. Its specialisms include child abduction matters, child and domestic abuse cases and divorce and financial remedy matters. The practice is jointly chaired by Philippa Morgan and Iona Phillips; Morgan - who has extensive expertise handling international child abduction cases - has been described as ‘a leading practitioner in the field of international child abduction’, while Phillips is highly regarded for her work on child law cases.

Practice head(s):

Philippa Morgan; Iona Phillips

Other key lawyers:

Donna Cummins

Testimonials

‘This is a very strong firm of solicitors which can offer representation to clients in a variety of different circumstances, particularly involving international law (including child abduction proceedings). Their ability to take instructions and file statement and evidence from clients abroad in a speedy manner is most impressive.’

‘Philippa Morgan has been a leading practitioner in the field of international child abduction for many years and is experienced in representing clients in the most complex of cases. She is a joy to work with and has an immediate grasp of what work needs to be done.’

‘Truly exceptional teamwork, availability, and client care. Every member of the family team is incredibly committed to their cases and goes the extra mile. They are particularly great at working with international clients and have developed a fantastic range of interpreters to be available at almost any time. They ensure great handovers take place so a matter is never dropped while someone is away and are always very communicative.’

‘Philippa Morgan is a complete star. She works tirelessly for her clients and instructed counsel and is brilliantly knowledgeable. Her clients get a truly premier service with keen insight into their issues and the options available to them. Her advice is always clear, robust, and effective. She takes a pragmatic view when necessary but will always push for the best possible outcome for her clients.’

‘Great children team. Responsive and hard working. Go the extra mile for their clients.’

‘The entire team is hard working and they all have real talent. They are incredibly contentious and do not rest until they have exhausted every avenue that is in the best interests of their clients. Alongside this they are all able to deliver difficult advice in a compassionate way and work with their clients to achieve the best out come possible.’

‘Iona Phillips is very personable and easy to get on with. Her calm and balanced approach to matters is a real asset. Provides clear and thorough legal advice. Is excellent at demonstrating her expertise and arguing her client’s case. Excellent communicator in and out of court. I feel very safe when I am represented by Iona.

‘Donna Cummins is an extremely skilled and knowledgeable practitioner. She is friendly and calm to work with, has excellent understanding of the field of work and keeps children in mind closely. I am always confident in the quality of her legal advice in complex situations.’

Work highlights

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2

With a particularly active personal injury practice, Lyons Davidson is adept at representing claimants who have suffered from both road traffic accidents and non-motor injuries. The serious and catastrophic injury team is led by Emma Saville, while Laura Merry spearheads the practice’s brain and spinal injury department. The ‘efficient and tenacious’ senior associate Oliver Marsh leads on foreign claims work and counts matters relating to road traffic accidents as well as injuries arising from animals among his areas of focus.

Practice head(s):

Emma Saville; Laura Merry

Other key lawyers:

Kerry Dutton; Christopher Kemp; Oliver Marsh

Testimonials

‘An excellent team both for defendant and claimant work.’

‘Kerry Dutton is an excellent personal injury solicitor.’

‘Lyons Davidson Solicitors proved to be very knowledgeable in personal injury law.’

‘Christopher Kemp was my case handler and showed great understanding and professional knowledge, including compassion, which was much appreciated. He provided clear advice, information and guidance.’

‘They understand the problems and deal with them in a discreet and confidential manner.’

‘Christopher Kemp was understanding and fully supportive with the information that was required from myself.’

‘Very personable and reliable, always on hand to explain and answer any questions. Really felt as though our best interests were the top priority.’

‘Oliver Marsh – a rising star in travel law personal injury claims. Efficient and tenacious. Very competent and reliable.’

Work highlights

  • Representing a 45-year-old male who was involved in a high velocity head-on collision with another vehicle in January 2020.
  • Representing a 58-year-old woman who brought a claim which arose out of two separate accidents at work in 2018 and 2019 in which she sustained serious injury.
  • Representing an 80-year-old male who was struck by a car whilst crossing a road in September 2021.

CLIENT: Jana
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: My case handler was very knowledgeable about the legal process, and communicated with us very efficiently, explaining every step of our case with clarity and managing our expectations accordingly. They also showed a great deal of empathy and made us feel confident.


CLIENT: Mrs Lynch
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: I’d really like to thank you and your team for everything you’ve done for me and how well you’ve represented me. I feel that your expertise helped me enormously through this experience. I am just so grateful that you represented me and I feel that the hard work of you and your team ensured such a great result.


CLIENT: Roy Wylam
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: My case handler secured the withdrawal of a ‘Contentious Probate’ claim. It took a considerable amount of time and it became increasingly difficult and extremely successful. I cannot express how much I appreciate all their help, diligence and doing a really professional job. Thank you Lyons Davidson for all your hard work, professionalism and sensible approach to ending this extremely trying time.


CLIENT: Andy
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: Excellent service from Lyons Davidson for claiming damages for a cycling RTA I was involved in. The online communication portal was brilliant for keeping in touch regarding the case and managing documents, signings etc. Any time I had to call in person there was little to no waiting time and all my concerns were dealt with swiftly and professionally. Would highly recommend.


CLIENT: Michelle Leathard
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: Highly recommend. Great communication from start to finish. I was very happy with the service they provided. I would certainly use them again and encourage anyone to do the same. A special thank you to my case handler. They were very professional and always helpful with everything.


CLIENT: Fern Peachey
COMPANY/FIRM: Lyons Davidson
TESTIMONIAL: Great experience, always answered my queries promptly and kept me up to date with the case. Special thanks to my case handler for always being helpful and polite.


At Lyons Davidson we recognise that each individual is unique and has individual differences. We have a Diversity Committee that meets regularly and aims to:

  • Ensure equality of opportunity, fair policies and working practices that comply with our Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy.
  • Improve the working environment for all.
  • Increase diversity within the Company through broad recruitment practices.
  • Achieve greater awareness of equality and diversity issues within the Company.
  • Promote diversity and inclusion through training and events.
  • Embed a culture of participation and inclusivity where all our people feel valued.
  • Regularly review our practices and monitor diversity within the business in order to evolve and implement positive change.

We have a Diversity policy which captures and ensures that these differences are embraced and respected.