Hudgell Solicitors > London, England > Firm Profile

Hudgell Solicitors
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6NH
England

Transport > Travel Tier 2

Hudgell Solicitors' national practice is well-placed to act for both claimants and defendants in travel PI matters of significant complexity and value, which provides them with ‘insight into litigation strategy from both perspectives’. The team has strong capabilities acting in international cases wherein severe injury has been suffered; it has the capacity to collaborate with foreign legal teams where investigation is required. Travel litigator Paul McClorry heads up the group, is ‘universally respected within the sector’, and is experienced in representing claimants in both individual and group action cases. Tracy Stansfield has expertise acting in work ranging from cases where minor injuries have been suffered, to those of life-changing consequence. Anne Thomson has notable capabilities defending holiday operators.

Practice head(s):

Paul McClorry

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Paul McClorry is a very experienced travel litigator with extensive knowledge of this area. He is tenacious and will take on cases with risk attached.’

‘Paul McClorry is well-known and universally respected within the sector. Calm, authoritative and brilliant under pressure. He has enormous experience in matters of jurisdiction and applicable law.’

‘The team at Hudgells are unusual in that they work for both claimants and defendants, giving them an insight into litigation strategy from both perspectives. This gives them an edge when it comes to negotiations and to predicting what the other side is likely to do. They are also very well resourced by the firm and thrive under strong leadership from Paul McClorry.’

‘Paul McClorry is a standout partner at Hudgells. To clients he is friendly and approachable. To opponents he is reasonable and accommodating, but a tough litigator and negotiator. Tracy Stansfield is highly competent and great with clients.’

‘A close-knit, focused team with real depth of specialism in complex cross-border PI claims.’

‘Paul McClorry is a dominant figure in this field and has extraordinary attention-to-detail in pursuing and defending claims.’

‘Hudgells have been efficient, helpful and understanding in handling our daughter’s personal injury claim. They have kept us informed along the way, and advised on how to proceed.’

‘Paul McClorry has always been exceptionally understanding and sympathetic.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for an 18-year-old girl who has been catastrophically injured in a ski accident in Italy on a school trip.
  • Acting for a client who sustained a very serious knee injury when she slipped by the swimming pool at her hotel in Madeira.
  • Advising a client who sustained a spinal cord injury when he slipped in the shower of his hotel bathroom whilst on holiday in Turkey in 2023.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

Hudgell Solicitors leverages its large and experienced team to offer a wide range of clinical negligence specialisms. The team has a track record in successful high-value and complex cases involving birth injuries, brain injuries, and amputations, as well as more niche areas such as sepsis and medication errors. Chris Moore leads the team and specialises in catastrophic injuries, particularly those suffered at birth. Vince Shore co-leads the team with Moore, with vast experience in cases related to negligent management of pregnancy and birth, including hypoxic brain damage, cerebral palsy and cognitive deficit issues. Helena Wood is recommended for matters involving surgical errors.

Practice head(s):

Chris Moore; Vince Shore

Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Maliakal; Michelle Tebbutt; Helena Wood

Testimonials

‘The firm provided me with a team of well-experienced solicitors who are experts in a particular field.’

‘My lawyer is very dedicated and genuinely caring. She makes sure that I understand everything and explains things really well, giving me all the information I need to make my decision and settle my claim.’

‘From the start, we have been so comfortable with who we work with. Everybody who is working closely with us is amazing; we are kept in the loop every step of the way, and when we have meetings, it’s like being with friends (professionally, of course).’

‘Elizabeth Maliakal is a passionate advocate for her clients, who thoroughly investigates her cases. She understands clinical negligence work and what the real issues are and brings her clients with her. She is good with experts and will not take what she is told at face value if it does not seem to accord with logic or wider practice. Keeps on pushing until she gets the right result.’

‘Since we first contacted Hudgells Solicitors, we were treated with respect, listened to and answered honestly. Every decision and option was explained to us, and we were given the time and advice to make them in our best interest.’

‘Extraordinary commitment to client care marks them out from other large practices. Superb guidance from their highly committed and experienced joint heads of clinical negligence, Chris Moore and Vince Shore.’

‘Hudgells have a big team that handles an extensive range of complex and intricate cases. They are very well known for taking risks and representing those who might not otherwise find representation.’

Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights Tier 4

In the wake of several high-profile public inquiries, Hudgell Solicitors ‘is emerging as a competitor’ in challenging the failings of state bodies and institutions, undertaking judicial review claims, and representing bereaved families in inquests. Executive chairman Neil Hudgell regularly handles inquiries and inquests of national significance, while head of civil liberties Vicky Richardson excels in cases involving police assault, unlawful arrest, and breaches of data protection laws. Terry Wilcox manages the public inquiries team, and Leanne Windass specialises in actions against the police.

Practice head(s):

Neil Hudgell; Vicky Richardson; Terry Wilcox; Leanne Windass

Testimonials

‘Hudgell’s has an increasing body of high-profile civil liberties cases and is emerging as a competitor in the field.’

‘Client focused. They work hard for their clients and build genuine strong relationships with them, which greatly assists in managing a case.’

‘Terry Wilcox is brilliant. Really goes over and above for his clients.’

‘They treat people as individuals and deal with them in a very friendly manner. They provide support where needed and are always available for a chat if need be. You always feel welcome when you visit their offices and a hot drink is always available if you want one. You are always made to feel welcome and wanted.’

‘Terry Wilcox has been particularly considerate and professional. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, and very understanding. Nothing has been too much for Terry and he has made us feel like part of his team.’

‘In seeking to defend fundamental civil liberties with judgment, vigour, and compassion, the firm’s own guiding principles are reflected in those same principles it seeks to uphold for its clients. Its total commitment is something that those it seeks to assist can take for granted.’

‘This firm is distinctive in that its focus has always been on those cases where the rights of the individual are threatened by significant state actors and it is prepared to take substantial risk.’

‘Having identified a meritorious case at the outset, Hudgell’s is more prepared than most of its competitors to take risks and, quite literally, put its time and resources where its mouth is.’

Key clients

400+ Post Office Horizon clients

Relatives of people killed at the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing

170+ injured survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing

Family of Lewis Skelton (deceased)

Groups with Core Participant Status at Covid-19 Inquiry

Martin Hibbert

Families of Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, Anthony Walgate and Jack Taylor – victims of convicted murderer Stephen Port

Victims of London terror attack

Family of Laura Winham (deceased)

Carole Butler (mother of Debbie Padley – deceased)

Family of Nicola Bulley (deceased)

NHSWB (NHS Whistleblowers)

Work highlights

  • Represented more than 650 former subpostmasters across England and Wales who were victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal.
  • Represented – on a pro bono basis – the family of Nicola Bulley at the very high profile inquest into her death.
  • Represented approximately 170 injured survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, with negotiations progressing with a group of defendants.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 4

Hudgell Solicitors handles a wide variety of claims, with a strong focus on negligent surgical errors resulting in hypoxic brain injuries, loss of vision, and incorrect cancer diagnoses. Maria Repanos heads up the practice, and is noted for her broad experience in cases concerning delayed cancer diagnoses, surgical negligence, and wrongful birth, and Matthew Gascoyne stands out due to his deep knowledge of fatal claims and acquired brain injury cases. Caroline Murgatroyd‘s caseload consists of delayed diagnoses of HIV infections, and inquests into fatalities caused by drug errors.

Practice head(s):

Maria Repanos

Testimonials

‘Maria Repanos manages to combine applying a high level of technical ability to any given situation with a humane and compassionate approach which puts the needs of her clients, as individuals, first.’

‘Maria Repanos is an excellent solicitor. She is intelligent, hard-working and efficient.’

‘Caroline Murgatroyd is a great clinical negligence lawyer. Very smart and well-organised. Manages her cases well.’

‘Excellent reputation. Their tenacity is their strength.’

‘The staff are incredibly professional and empathetic. Their knowledge is second to none and I feel completely confident in their ability to get the best outcome for me.’

‘Caroline Murgatroyd is fantastic. She is incredibly professional and knowledgeable.’

‘Matthew Gascoyne has been like a friend to me through the whole time I have been using Hudgells, whilst remaining very professional. He has been very sensitive to my situation, and has also supported me and my family through meetings. The communication with Matthew has been excellent. His advice has also been excellent.’

Work highlights

  • Representing a child who suffered a birth injury due to ischemic hypoxia.
  • Represented a 41 year old ex-nurse who had a delayed diagnosis of anterior cranial fossa meningioma, a benign brain tumour.
  • Representing a child who was born prematurely and was subsequently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It is alleged there was a failure to recognise the mother was at risk of premature labour.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 3

Hudgell Solicitors has strong expertise in catastrophic injury claims, particularly regarding road traffic collisions. The team is led by Samuel McFadyen, who specialises in severe injury cases, especially those involving brain and spinal injuries. Sarah Kidd focuses on public liability and road traffic accident claims.

Practice head(s):

Samuel McFayden; Sarah Kidd

Other key lawyers:

Jane Woodcock

Testimonials

‘Samuel McFadyen is very client-centred and goes the extra mile to ensure the best results for his clients.’

‘Hudgell’s have taken great care to ensure that throughout our claim, we have felt completely supported at every moment. I feel they seek out the best medical experts available, and they got us a case worker to provide everyday assistance.’

‘Samuel McFadyen is an amazing person. He is helpful and understanding; if we have ever needed anything, he has done a great job ensuring it happens. Having Sam working with us has been a very comfortable experience.’

‘All the staff are helpful and always ready to listen.’

‘Hudgell Solicitors have extensive knowledge in the field of personal injury. They know exactly what a client with a life-changing injury needs. They are very client-oriented. Not only did they prepare my claim, but they also made sure that I had the benefits that I was entitled to. The result of my claim exceeded my expectations, thanks to Hudgell Solicitors.’

‘Samuel McFadyen was with me from the first time we met at my hospital bed until the conclusion of my claim. He made sure I had the best support.’

‘Sarah Kidd has been with me every single step of the way. She was kind, caring, sympathetic and very professional. Sarah worked so hard to fight my case and gave me all the support she could. She was outstanding in every single way possible.’

‘The team at Hudgell Solicitors are very approachable, friendly and professional. From the first call to the resolution of my claim, every member of staff I spoke to was brilliant. I’m very happy with my choice of solicitor firm.’

Work highlights

  • Secured a £4.6m compensation settlement with an agreed order for provisional damages approved by the court for further future damages if the client’s condition deteriorates for a man left paralysed by the spinal cord injury he suffered in October 2018.
  • Secured a complete package of specialist rehabilitation and a damages settlement of £1m for a man who suffered a serious brain injury, aged 17, when knocked off his motorbike by a car driver.
  • Providing an ongoing package of financial, physical, emotional and psychological support to an individual and their family following a car accident in which their partner and their child were killed.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 5

Hudgell Solicitors is known for representing numerous survivors of the Manchester Arena Bombing in civil actions for compensation, in addition to handling CICA claims for victims of sexual and domestic abuse. Paul McClorry leads the team, and is well known for his travel litigation capabilities. Rachel Di Clemente is well versed in cases concerning industrial accidents, which result in catastrophic physical and psychological industries. Kerry Gillespie is a key name for amputation and spinal cord injury cases.

Practice head(s):

Paul McClorry

Other key lawyers:

Work highlights

  • Representing injured survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing.
  • Represented a victim of child sexual abuse in a compensation settlement.

CLIENT: Jo Hamilton
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I have been represented by Hudgell Solicitors in what has been described as “The biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history” The Post Office/Horizon scandal. Despite the enormous task they had, their professionalism and utter dedication to their clients is second to none. Every step has been explained and every question answered. I know I am in the safest of hands for the rest of my battle and I can’t recommend Hudgell Solicitors more highly. They are quite simply the best and I thank Neil Hudgell and his amazing team for everything they have done for me.


CLIENT: Carol Pendlebury
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: My husband was let down by the NHS and ended up with an amputation of part of his foot. I contacted Hudgells for advice, and they agreed to take my husband’s case on. I can’t praise Shauna enough as she has been so professional and helpful with everything concerning my case. I’ve felt at ease and had every confidence in her. She took me through the case step by step and went the extra mile to ensure I was ok with the way it was all being handled. Thank you all so much for working so hard on the case on our behalf and winning the case.


CLIENT: Katy Wilson
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: My experience with Michelle Nurse, the solicitor who handled my case at Hudgell Solicitors, was so professional and helpful from start to finish. I am greatly appreciative for their very high standard of client care, which was maintained throughout my case, and communication was always well explained and prompt. I am happy with the result of my case. I would recommend this excellent law firm to anyone as this is the second time using them and both of these times I felt cared for as an individual. Thank you again, Michelle, for all your efforts.


CLIENT: Simon Cambridge
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I was assigned a lovely lady called Mobeena and from the outset she was brilliant. I found the whole procedure from start to finish extremely smooth. Mobeena was friendly, approachable, professional and courteous throughout, and nothing was ever too much trouble. She always kept me informed of updates to my claim, and even when she was on annual leave, other staff members kept me informed of any updates too. I am extremely happy with the outcome and I would definitely recommend Hudgell Solicitors to others. Thank you Mobeena and everyone in the team at Hudgell Solicitors.


CLIENT: Peter Taylor
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: The service received was well structured and clear. Information was provided which allowed informed decisions to be made. Overall, I would rate the service highly both the way it was conducted, and the outcome achieved. The solicitor acting for me, Tracy Stansfield was clearly experienced and knowledgeable about both personal injury claims and the intricacies of dealing with a foreign organisation. Tracy’s advice and strategy during the final negotiations resulted in an excellent outcome with my settlement well in excess of that expected. This was particularly commendable given the intransigent and uncommunicative approach adopted by the defendant. Tracy used this to my advantage to increase the final payment.


CLIENT: Gail Ward
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I would highly recommend Hudgell Solicitors as a solicitor to anyone who is needing legal advice. All the staff that I have dealt with are totally professional. I have been kept informed with everything that is happening every step of the way throughout my claim. There is always someone willing to explain anything that you don’t quite understand, and they will answer any questions you have. You are treated at all times as a friend, not an unknown client. Whoever is dealing with your case really takes the time to get to know you.


Hudgell Solicitors are committed to promoting diversity and avoiding discrimination in all of its dealings with personnel, clients and third parties. We are also committed to promoting diversity in all of our professional activities. In particular, as a business we:

  • Promote equality and diversity in our policies, practices and procedures and in all areas of our work in which it has influence;
  • We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

Our leadership team take pride in their commitment to creating an environment where our staff are respected as individuals and everyone is treated fairly, equally and with respect. We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and during our recruitment process, anyone who applies for a position with the company is treated equally and fairly. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities in relation to job opportunities, promotion and training. These same principles apply to our dealings with clients, suppliers and third parties.

Our equality and diversity statement and our latest SRA diversity survey key statistics are available on our website here.

We have also just relaunched our new community/CSR strategy which now includes a commitment to being ‘locally loyal’ and a programme of community support including:

  • Local partnerships and investment;
  • Benevolent fund and pro bono advice
  • Annual charity of choice; and
  • Departmental charity support.

We are also actively considering our Early Careers Programme and how an apprenticeship programme may help us recruit staff from more diverse backgrounds.

The legal profession is often seen as elitist and we are therefore proud to say that 63.6% of our staff who completed the 2021 SRA diversity survey at the firm attended a non-selective state run or funded school and a further 29.5% attended a selective state run or funded school.

It is of course a core regulatory principle that we act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion, however at Hudgell Solicitors we want our commitment to diversity to go beyond this and be an inherent strength of the business.