Simpson Millar Solicitors gives easy access to high quality legal services. Whether you’re looking for legal advice about Family Law or Divorce, Making a Will, Estate planning, Conveyancing, dealing with an Employment Law issue or making a Medical Negligence or Personal Injury claim.
We’ll be transparent about our fees so there are no hidden costs, and we’ll talk in plain, straightforward language every step of the way.
We’re a national law firm, with offices in Bristol, Cardiff, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Southport. The firm employs more than 500 people and offers legal advice and support across many areas of law.
Simpson Millar want to open up the law. That means giving people access to straightforward and easy to understand advice whilst delivering on our commitment to a clear and transparent service. The positive Trustpilot reviews from clients demonstrate that commitment.
We offer a bespoke service to suit each client’s specific needs and circumstances, and we want to be there at your “moments of truth” – when you most need legal services.
Simpson Millar was the first law firm to receive the Law Society’s award for excellence in Practice Management (Lexcel) and has held this accreditation since 1998. It also has Law Society accreditations in various areas of law, which demonstrates its expertise and the very high standards of legal services it offers.
Rankings and recognition
London > Public sector > Education: individuals - Tier 1 firms
Public law expert Dan Rosenberg and education and care specialist Sarah Woosey jointly lead Simpson Millar LLP‘s highly regarded London-based education practice, which stands out for its ability to represent children with special educational needs and their families in claims and disputes related to school inclusion, safeguarding, and equality policies. Rosenberg is a ‘marketleader‘ with extensive experience advising on social care and SEN educational provisions, and he has additionally handled high-profile religious discrimination claims in the education sector. The practice expanded in September 2022 with the arrival of Rachel Scales, who has acted in a number of judicial review proceedings against local authorities concerning insufficient educational provisions for children with special educational needs.
London > Public sector > Education: individuals - Tier 1 firms
Public law expert Dan Rosenberg and education and care specialist Sarah Woosey jointly lead Simpson Millar LLP‘s highly regarded London-based education practice, which stands out for its ability to represent children with special educational needs and their families in claims and disputes related to school inclusion, safeguarding, and equality policies. Rosenberg is a ‘marketleader‘ with extensive experience advising on social care and SEN educational provisions, and he has additionally handled high-profile religious discrimination claims in the education sector. The practice expanded in September 2022 with the arrival of Rachel Scales, who has acted in a number of judicial review proceedings against local authorities concerning insufficient educational provisions for children with special educational needs.
London > Public sector > Education: individuals - Tier 1 firms
Public law expert Dan Rosenberg and education and care specialist Sarah Woosey jointly lead Simpson Millar LLP‘s highly regarded London-based education practice, which stands out for its ability to represent children with special educational needs and their families in claims and disputes related to school inclusion, safeguarding, and equality policies. Rosenberg is a ‘marketleader‘ with extensive experience advising on social care and SEN educational provisions, and he has additionally handled high-profile religious discrimination claims in the education sector. The practice expanded in September 2022 with the arrival of Rachel Scales, who has acted in a number of judicial review proceedings against local authorities concerning insufficient educational provisions for children with special educational needs.
London > Public sector > Education: individuals - Tier 1 firms
Public law expert Dan Rosenberg and education and care specialist Sarah Woosey jointly lead Simpson Millar LLP‘s highly regarded London-based education practice, which stands out for its ability to represent children with special educational needs and their families in claims and disputes related to school inclusion, safeguarding, and equality policies. Rosenberg is a ‘marketleader‘ with extensive experience advising on social care and SEN educational provisions, and he has additionally handled high-profile religious discrimination claims in the education sector. The practice expanded in September 2022 with the arrival of Rachel Scales, who has acted in a number of judicial review proceedings against local authorities concerning insufficient educational provisions for children with special educational needs.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Public sector > Education - Tier 2 firms
Fielding a team which ‘excels in breadth and strength‘, Simpson Millar LLP is well-versed in a host of education law matters, including SEN assessements, Education, Health and Care Pans (EHCP), and special educational needs tribunals. ‘First class‘ Leeds-based practice head Sarah Woosey and ‘superstar‘ Lancaster-based Emma Davies are the key names to note.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Public sector > Education - Tier 2 firms
Fielding a team which ‘excels in breadth and strength‘, Simpson Millar LLP is well-versed in a host of education law matters, including SEN assessements, Education, Health and Care Pans (EHCP), and special educational needs tribunals. ‘First class‘ Leeds-based practice head Sarah Woosey and ‘superstar‘ Lancaster-based Emma Davies are the key names to note.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Public sector > Education - Tier 2 firms
Fielding a team which ‘excels in breadth and strength‘, Simpson Millar LLP is well-versed in a host of education law matters, including SEN assessements, Education, Health and Care Pans (EHCP), and special educational needs tribunals. ‘First class‘ Leeds-based practice head Sarah Woosey and ‘superstar‘ Lancaster-based Emma Davies are the key names to note.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Public sector > Education - Tier 2 firms
Fielding a team which ‘excels in breadth and strength‘, Simpson Millar LLP is well-versed in a host of education law matters, including SEN assessements, Education, Health and Care Pans (EHCP), and special educational needs tribunals. ‘First class‘ Leeds-based practice head Sarah Woosey and ‘superstar‘ Lancaster-based Emma Davies are the key names to note.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 2 firms
Simpson Millar LLP has a comprehensive claimant-side personal injury offering covering catastrophic injury and abuse matters. The team is headed jointly by employers’ and public liability specialist Melanie Burden; industrial disease expert Deborah Krelle; and Paul Rimmer, who focuses on personal injuries sustained abroad. The practice has a well recommended abuse claims sub-team under Liam Goggin, who specialises in claims relating to child abuse. Further key names include Darrel Jardine and Jai-Inder Rattan. Clients recommend the practice for its ‘expert guidance through trauma which can be harrowing for clients’.
London > Private client > Court of protection - Tier 3 firms
Led by Melanie Varey, the agile team at Simpson Millar LLP has considerable expertise in the full range of property and affairs, as well as health and welfare work. It frequently acts as a professional deputy, and also provides a full range of support to lay deputies and families. Varley, who has ‘bundles of experience’, specialises in complex cases concerning capacity and sexual relations, and is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor. Kate Edwards is now at Fletchers Solicitors.
London > Private client > Court of protection - Tier 3 firms
Led by Melanie Varey, the agile team at Simpson Millar LLP has considerable expertise in the full range of property and affairs, as well as health and welfare work. It frequently acts as a professional deputy, and also provides a full range of support to lay deputies and families. Varley, who has ‘bundles of experience’, specialises in complex cases concerning capacity and sexual relations, and is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor. Kate Edwards is now at Fletchers Solicitors.
London > Public sector > Administrative and public law - Tier 3 firms
Active across the full range of administrative and public law areas, Simpson Millar LLP handles complex judicial review work spanning community care, children’s rights, and education, with a particular specialism in acting for victims of trafficking. Chris Callender forms part of the leadership trio and has extensive experience bringing claims against the police and prisons for failing in their duty of care. Co-head Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann specialises in public law challenges concerning the rights of children and vulnerable migrants, while co-head Dan Rosenberg is an expert in education-related judicial reviews, particularly unlawful exclusions.
London > Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights - Tier 3 firms
Simpson Millar LLP fields a ‘fantastic team’ of human rights specialists who are active across the spectrum of HRA and ECHR related claims, spanning work for victims of trafficking and vulnerable children, as well as inquests and claims against public authorities. One leading figure within the team is Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann, who has recently handled complex cases concerning discrimination under Article 14. Chris Callender is another senior figure, with particular expertise representing children and young people. Dan Rosenberg and Sarah Woosey spearhead the education and children’s rights offering.
London > Private client > Court of protection - Tier 3 firms
Led by Melanie Varey, the agile team at Simpson Millar LLP has considerable expertise in the full range of property and affairs, as well as health and welfare work. It frequently acts as a professional deputy, and also provides a full range of support to lay deputies and families. Varley, who has ‘bundles of experience’, specialises in complex cases concerning capacity and sexual relations, and is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor. Kate Edwards is now at Fletchers Solicitors.
London > Public sector > Administrative and public law - Tier 3 firms
Active across the full range of administrative and public law areas, Simpson Millar LLP handles complex judicial review work spanning community care, children’s rights, and education, with a particular specialism in acting for victims of trafficking. Chris Callender forms part of the leadership trio and has extensive experience bringing claims against the police and prisons for failing in their duty of care. Co-head Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann specialises in public law challenges concerning the rights of children and vulnerable migrants, while co-head Dan Rosenberg is an expert in education-related judicial reviews, particularly unlawful exclusions.
London > Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights - Tier 3 firms
Simpson Millar LLP fields a ‘fantastic team’ of human rights specialists who are active across the spectrum of HRA and ECHR related claims, spanning work for victims of trafficking and vulnerable children, as well as inquests and claims against public authorities. One leading figure within the team is Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann, who has recently handled complex cases concerning discrimination under Article 14. Chris Callender is another senior figure, with particular expertise representing children and young people. Dan Rosenberg and Sarah Woosey spearhead the education and children’s rights offering.
London > Public sector > Administrative and public law - Tier 3 firms
Active across the full range of administrative and public law areas, Simpson Millar LLP handles complex judicial review work spanning community care, children’s rights, and education, with a particular specialism in acting for victims of trafficking. Chris Callender forms part of the leadership trio and has extensive experience bringing claims against the police and prisons for failing in their duty of care. Co-head Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann specialises in public law challenges concerning the rights of children and vulnerable migrants, while co-head Dan Rosenberg is an expert in education-related judicial reviews, particularly unlawful exclusions.
London > Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights - Tier 3 firms
Simpson Millar LLP fields a ‘fantastic team’ of human rights specialists who are active across the spectrum of HRA and ECHR related claims, spanning work for victims of trafficking and vulnerable children, as well as inquests and claims against public authorities. One leading figure within the team is Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann, who has recently handled complex cases concerning discrimination under Article 14. Chris Callender is another senior figure, with particular expertise representing children and young people. Dan Rosenberg and Sarah Woosey spearhead the education and children’s rights offering.
London > Public sector > Administrative and public law - Tier 3 firms
Active across the full range of administrative and public law areas, Simpson Millar LLP handles complex judicial review work spanning community care, children’s rights, and education, with a particular specialism in acting for victims of trafficking. Chris Callender forms part of the leadership trio and has extensive experience bringing claims against the police and prisons for failing in their duty of care. Co-head Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann specialises in public law challenges concerning the rights of children and vulnerable migrants, while co-head Dan Rosenberg is an expert in education-related judicial reviews, particularly unlawful exclusions.
London > Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights - Tier 3 firms
Simpson Millar LLP fields a ‘fantastic team’ of human rights specialists who are active across the spectrum of HRA and ECHR related claims, spanning work for victims of trafficking and vulnerable children, as well as inquests and claims against public authorities. One leading figure within the team is Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann, who has recently handled complex cases concerning discrimination under Article 14. Chris Callender is another senior figure, with particular expertise representing children and young people. Dan Rosenberg and Sarah Woosey spearhead the education and children’s rights offering.
London > Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights - Tier 3 firms
Simpson Millar LLP fields a ‘fantastic team’ of human rights specialists who are active across the spectrum of HRA and ECHR related claims, spanning work for victims of trafficking and vulnerable children, as well as inquests and claims against public authorities. One leading figure within the team is Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann, who has recently handled complex cases concerning discrimination under Article 14. Chris Callender is another senior figure, with particular expertise representing children and young people. Dan Rosenberg and Sarah Woosey spearhead the education and children’s rights offering.
Wales > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 4 firms
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.
Wales > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 4 firms
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.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire - Tier 4 firms
Patricia Cannon leads the childcare proceedings team at Simpson Millar LLP in Leeds, and also heads up the firm’s public law family department nationally. The team deals with complex public law childcare cases involving vulnerable clients, and has substantial experience working with local authorities. Additionally, it has notable experience regarding adoption matters and special guardianship orders.
Wales > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant - Tier 4 firms
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.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire - Tier 4 firms
Patricia Cannon leads the childcare proceedings team at Simpson Millar LLP in Leeds, and also heads up the firm’s public law family department nationally. The team deals with complex public law childcare cases involving vulnerable clients, and has substantial experience working with local authorities. Additionally, it has notable experience regarding adoption matters and special guardianship orders.
Expertise and Services
Simpson Millar has expert Personal Injury Solicitors based across England and Wales and specialist teams of solicitors dealing with serious and life changing injuries, with expertise in areas including:
Accidents at work
Accidents in public places
Abuse
Industrial Disease
Severe brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Road traffic accidents
Accidents and illness on holiday
Medical Negligence
Simpson Millar’s Medical Negligence Solicitor specialise in areas including:
Birth injuries
Amputations
Surgical errors
Delayed diagnosis of cancer
Sepsis claims
Eye injuries
Hospital negligence
Divorce, Family and Children
Simpson Millar’s family team can help people dealing with complex and emotional family matters, such as:
Divorce
Separation
Child custody disputes
Prenup and Postnuptial agreements
Conveyancing
Simpson Millar’s national team of experienced Conveyancers and Conveyancing Solicitors can advise on every aspect of buying, selling and remortgaging a property, including both leasehold and freehold properties, Help to Buy and Shared Ownership.
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Simpson Millar’s specialist Wills, Trusts and Probate team can advise on issues including:
Writing Wills
Tax planning and inheritance advice.
Setting up Will and Personal Injury Trusts
Managing the Probate process
Education Law
Simpson Millar has the UK’s largest team of Education Law experts, who can advise on issues including:
Education, Health and Care Plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities
School admissions and exclusions
Judicial reviews
Residential placements
Disputes with independent or private schools
Linked family proceedings
Home-to-school transport
Prosecutions for non-attendance
Court of Protection
Simpson Millar’s Court of Protection Solicitors offer expert legal advice and representation to anyone involved in a dispute over whether or not a person has capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Many of the team have acted in high-profile cases in the Court of Protection, and can also act as Professional Deputies for anyone who has lost capacity.
Dispute Resolution
Simpson Millar’s Dispute Resolution team can help with issues including:
Professional negligence
Contentious Probate and Will challenges
Consumer disputes
Contract disputes
Data breaches
Leasehold property issues, such as rising ground rents
Community Care
Simpson Millar’s Community Care team can advise if a person has difficulties accessing NHS or local authority services, and have lots of experience of handling complex cases involving people’s Social Care and Primary Health needs.
Care Home Fees
Simpson Millar’s Care Home Solicitors can help you recover care home fees if you’ve been wrongly turned down for support or haven’t been assessed for Continuing Health Care costs.
Employment Law
Simpson Millar’s Employment Law Solicitors have been independently recognised as specialists in this field, and in 2019, the company was named in The Sunday Times as one of the Best Law Firms for Employment Law. The team advises on issues including:
Settlement Agreements
Breach of contract
Discrimination at work
Equal pay
Protective awards
Whistleblowing
Restrictive covenants
Sexual harassment
What makes us different?
Diversity
Simpson Millar is committed to equality across the business, and is dedicating to promoting an inclusive culture, both within the business and across the wider industry. The company aims to achieve a diverse, representative workforce consisting of different values, experiences and backgrounds, as well as making sure every single colleague achieves their full potential.
Simpson Millar is proud of its efforts to encourage greater gender diversity within the firm. For instance, 41% of its leadership team identify as female, along with 33% of its senior management team. In addition, more than 50% of those who were promoted to Partner, Senior Associate and Associate last year identified as female.
Simpson Millar’s history dates back to 1841, when Henry Simpson became a partner based in the London Bridge area. In 1876, Charles Palmer joined the practice and the firm was renamed to Simpson Palmer. It then merged with WR Millar and Sons in 1978 to form Simpson Millar.
In 2015, the company purchased Colemans-CTTS, forming a national law firm with offices across England and Wales. This was followed by further acquisitions of EAD Solicitors and JWK in 2018, and the company is now engaged in a 5-year plan to grow and become the UK’s leading consumer law firm.
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Vision and Values
Simpson Millar has a clear and straightforward aim – to create a simpler way of addressing your challenges, and doing things differently if and when there’s a better way. In order to do this, we have programme called PRIDE to help us achieve this. PRIDE, is made up of 4 core areas:
Pride in our community
Pride in our environment
Pride in our people
Pride in our clients and the pro bono work we do
We recognise our responsibility to all our colleagues, clients, business partners and suppliers and the broader society in which we work.
We live to embrace and drive social responsibility across everything we do. We have clear aims and goals and believe our PRIDE programme will make sure that we deliver against them.
These are our aims in our PRIDE programme.
Pride in our community
We aim to:
Help and provide support to vulnerable groups and individuals within our local communities
Work closely with similar like-minded local businesses, organisations, charities and support groups to support and help develop the local community
Create better local communities in which our colleagues live and work
Pride in our environment
We aim:
To reduce waste and work more efficiently
Make better use of technology to reduce the impact on the environment from less paper to less travel
Encourage our colleagues to consider the environment and actively seek better ways of doing things
Pride in our people
We aim:
To make sure every colleague has pride in what they do, in Simpson Millar and the service we give to our clients
To create a rewarding but challenging place to work
Make sure everyone has an opportunity to develop and become the best they can
To have friends rather than colleagues
Pride in our clients and the pro bono work we do
We aim:
To help people unable to pay get the legal help and advice they need
Help build morale and teamwork through our Lawyers facing new challenges and working collectively to help solve problems
Allow our Lawyers to learn new skills
We also have an internal values programme for all staff, called the 8 Pillars. These help us to be clear about how and what we should deliver to our clients each and every day.
