Stewarts Law LLP’s leading expertise defines the firm’s international injury offering, with the practice maintaining its position as the premier choice for catastrophic personal injury and travel claims. Led by Julian Chamberlayne, the team continues to attract standout instructions across aviation, clinical negligence and travel litigation, and is particularly noted for its ability to handle highly complex claims spanning multiple jurisdictions. Peter Neenan, an aviation specialist, leads the department’s independent technical investigations. Christopher Deacon is frequently instructed in high-stakes claims brought against travel operators and insurers. Scott Rigby is also reputed for his dedicated work on cases involving spinal cord trauma and international accidents. Rebecca Huxford is similarly recommended for her specialism in severe brain injury claims. Sarah Stewart is a key contact for aviation claims, particularly those arising from fatal accidents or serious injuries. The team recently welcomed Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, who is valued for her combined skill in complex child injury claims and cross-border regulatory frameworks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Stewarts are the go-to firm for clients with high-value personal injury or clinical negligence claims. The quality of partners and associates is uniformly excellent.’
- ‘What sets this firm apart is the rare combination of technical excellence, authentic compassion and a deeply personalised approach to client care—qualities that are often aspired to, but seldom realised in legal practice. Their collaborative culture, transparency and cohesion made my legal journey one marked by clarity, reassurance and genuine partnership.’
- ‘James Griffin is, above all, an exceptional professional. He has excellent knowledge of the relevant legislation and how to apply it, and communicates this in an understandable, jargon-free manner.'
- ‘Julian Chamberlayne is so natural and down to earth in his communication, despite retaining overall responsibility that would make others seem overly formal or stiff. He remains calm and collected, and brings out the best in his team. He has an exceptional eye for detail, and it is clear he will stop at nothing to secure the best result for his clients.'
- ‘Scott Rigby is a wizard when it comes to assembling the right team, and never fails to astonish with the speed at which he secures expert availability and timely reports—undoubtedly due to the immense goodwill he has built over the years. He has a wonderful compassion for his clients and an acute knowledge of his team’s strengths, which he draws upon to deliver the best outcomes.’
- ‘Chris Deacon is an excellent lawyer who consistently achieves outstanding results for his clients. He is a true force in the travel market—his case results speak for themselves. He leaves no stone unturned in his drive to succeed.’
- ‘Cheryl Palmer-Hughes is truly exceptional. She is the key player in the cross-border clinical negligence market. She tackles difficult issues with complete ease, and consistently achieves fantastic results for her clients.’
- ‘From our very first contact with the firm, we felt immediately at ease. Their approach was supportive, empathetic and reassuring during an extremely overwhelming and traumatic time. The team demonstrated extensive knowledge and expertise in personal injury law, both domestically and internationally. With a strong global network, they were able to begin gathering evidence swiftly to support our claim. Communication throughout has been clear, timely and compassionate. I would not hesitate to recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal support.’
- 'Christopher Deacon is an exceptional lawyer. Julian Chamberlayne is incredibly experienced. Rebecca Huxford is one to watch.'
- 'Without doubt truly First Class. The Singapore Airlines/Qatar Airways or Emirates equivalent in the legal sector. The team has some extremely talented individuals.'
Key clients
- Families of the Chairman of Leicester Football Club and the family of his two pilots, all killed in the Leicester City Football Club helicopter crash
- Passengers onboard Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, an extreme turbulence event
Work highlights
Acting for the family of Leicester City Football Club chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a £2.15bn product liability claim against Leonardo SpA, an Italian manufacturer, following Khun Vichai’s death in a Leonardo AW169 helicopter crash at the Leicester City Football Club in 2018.
Acted for a Guernsey resident who sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a road traffic accident, resulting in a successful settlement.
Acted for a Palestinian nation who sustained a very severe traumatic brain injury as a result of a road traffic collision, resulting in a settlement (capitalised at over £32m).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Julian Chamberlayne
Other key lawyers
Christopher Deacon; Peter Neenan; Scott Rigby; Sarah Stewart; Cheryl Palmer-Hughes; Rebecca Huxford; James Griffin