Russell-Cooke LLP’s claimant clinical negligence team handles a broad range of high-value and sensitive claims, from catastrophic birth injuries and wrongful birth, to maternal trauma, spinal damage, and delayed cancer diagnoses. Janice Gardner brings decades of expertise in brain and spinal injury claims, while Dominic Fairclough leads the inquest offering and regularly acts as advocate in complex coronial proceedings. Lucy Lawson and Sarah Towler run high-stakes cases involving cancer and surgical negligence, and Bernadette McGhie, drawing on her experience as a paediatric nurse, leads the brain injury practice. The team is particularly active in maternity-related claims and has recently been appointed to the Birth Trauma Association’s Trusted Legal Partner panel.
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Testimonials
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‘Bernadette McGhie is both an exceptional person and professional. She is extremely knowledgeable, kind, caring and determined. She has very high standards and always delivers regardless of barriers. She is tenacious yet empathetic. She always goes that extra mile for her client.’
‘The ability to help the client achieve a realistic outcome and the ability to empathise with the client.’
‘My case was the first of its kind in the UK and I have nothing but praise for the way it was dealt with. Nothing was too much trouble and considering that they were working in unknown territory it was dealt with with professionalism.’
‘Dominic Fairclough is a client‑focused solicitor with a calm, reassuring manner even in the most challenging situations.'
‘Quite a small, tightly knit team in my experience. They obviously all share a passion for the work they do and are not afraid to help each other. The client care is exceptional. I have recommended them to potential lay clients which is probably the highest praise I can give.’
- 'Dominic Fairclough is a class act: hugely experienced and you would trust him with the most important cases.'
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Practice head
Janice Gardner; Dominic Fairclough; Sarah Towler; Lucy Lawson; Bernadette McGhie