Noted for major group actions, Addleshaw Goddard ‘offers a unique one-stop service’ and ’a strong health and safety team that overlaps with product liability work, offering clients solutions whatever the issue.’ These varied mandates range from global product recalls to large-scale commercial litigation. Cécile Burgess leads the group, described as ‘excellent across all technical issues with great client management skills.’ Advice by the group also ranges from product safety to regulatory compliance with health and safety regulations, and disputes such as damage claims. Mark Chesher leads many of these matters, but is also strong in commercial litigation within product liability. Megan Goodman has a strength across the life sciences, automotive and manufacturing industries, among others. The team continued to play a key role in advising the Department for Business and Trade on compensation related to the Post Office scandal; this further highlights the group’s involvement in high profile, major group actions. Elaine Barker stands out for product recalls in the life sciences sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They offer a unique one-stop service with a strong health and safety teams that overlaps with the product liability work, offering clients solutions whatever the issue.’
‘Cecile Burgess is going from strength to strength as a partner, always understanding of clients' needs and objectives. Megan Goodman, now managing associate, is extremely impressive.'
‘The firm has a unique position in the defendant product liability field, having successfully defended major group actions. Led by the superb Cecile Burgess, the group has strength in depth and an impressive combination of legal knowledge, product liability experience, commercial judgement and powerful forensic intelligence.’
‘Cecile Burgess is head and shoulders above her peers. In addition to a razor-sharp litigation sense, she’s superbly practical and an exemplary team player.’
‘They have great strength in depth and are exceptionally good litigators.’
‘Cecile Burgess, Mark Chesher and Megan Goodman are outstanding. They are all very committed to the clients they serve and produce excellent results. Cecile manages cases with great skill and excellent judgement.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable individuals that work tirelessly and diligently. Well resourced for all sizes of cases. Very detail-orientated, which is vital in product liability.’
‘Cecile Burgess is incredibly smart and detail-orientated in her work. Excellent across all technical issues and has great client management skills as well. Collaborative and great to work with.’
'Cecile Burgess is a formidable head of the product liability team. Cool under pressure and experienced in all aspects of product liability work.'
'Megan Goodman is skilled well-beyond her years of qualification and is one to watch in this area. Mark Chesser is unrivalled for the disclosure and privacy aspects of products disputes.'
Key clients
- 70 BMW / MINI dealerships
- Department for Business and Trade (UK Government)
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Britvic plc
- Diageo
- Jaguar Land Rover Limited
- Tata Chemicals Europe Limited
- Müller
- British American Tobacco plc
- Weyerhaeuser Company
- Tropicana
- Many global FMCG brands
- Haribo
Work highlights
Advising BMW/MINI dealerships on the defence of NOx Emissions claims being brought on behalf of over 168,000 potential customers.
Advising the Department for Business and Trade (UK Government) on three different compensation schemes set up to compensate approximately 5,000 sub-postmasters affected by the high-profile Post Office Horizon Scandal (known as the GLO Scheme, the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals).
Advising Jaguar Land Rover Limited on product liability claims and risk management, as well as regulatory, safety and compliance matters.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Mark Chesher
Practice head
Cécile Burgess
Other key lawyers
Megan Goodman; Mark Chesher