Led by Martin Usher, Shakespeare Martineau LLP maintains a growing presence in the serious injury and abuse space. The team handles complex spinal cord, brain injury, amputation, and psychiatric harm claims, with recent growth reflected in increasing panel appointments and industry recognition. Usher is recognised for his catastrophic injury work and strong ties with trauma centres and national charities. Malcolm Johnson continues to lead on high-profile abuse litigation, while Kent Pattinson and Simon Pimlott bring further strength in high-value and medically complex personal injury work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very approachable, responsive, friendly, supportive and client focused.'
- 'Malcolm Johnson was honestly amazing. I wanted to give up at so many points, and he kept me going and ended up with a great result. He always replied and told me how everything worked, and knew exactly what to do and how to play certain angles. Could not recommend him enough.'
- ‘The firm have a person-centred approach that helped connect to their clients. I have seen first-hand how they become an extension of their client's life after injury, incorporating knowledge, experience and skill to help guide that person onwards to a new life after life-changing circumstances.'
- ‘A young energetic team. A real understanding of rehabilitation. Easy to get on with and a collaborative style of working. Loved and trusted by clients. Also always willing to learn.’
- ‘The PI team are excellent to work with, very efficient and always make sure I have all the correct information in a timely manner.'
- ‘Kent Pattison is one of the best personal injury solicitors around, he knows what he is doing in the most complex cases and achieves excellent results for his clients.’
- ‘The team is very good and exceptional at client care.’
- ‘Malcolm Johnson is Head of Abuse Claims and is extremely approachable and knowledgeable with a clear passion for supporting the most vulnerable clients. In addition to taking cases, he provides invaluable pro bono support to the charity and children's rights sector, including advice and free seminars for children's rights advocates.'
- ‘Simon Pimlott is a leading light in the claimant market, and should be recognised as such. Always empathetic, but also pragmatic and effective.’
- ‘This firm fights for their client and maximises every claim.’
Key clients
- The Jesus Fellowship Survivors’ Association
Work highlights
Advised The Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association with various matters after its establishment.
Representing a young man who sustained a C6 spinal cord injury in a road traffic accident in March 2023 which rendered him paraplegic.
Represented a man who suffered a severe injury following a road traffic incident involving an uninsured driver.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Martin Usher
Other key lawyers
Malcolm Johnson; Kent Pattinson; Simon Pimlott; Tony Hannington; Vicky Blodwell