The Manchester-based cohort at Leigh Day is well-known for its capabilities in handling complex clinical negligence matters regarding cerebral palsy, amputation, spinal injury, wrongful birth, and fatal claims, among others. The ‘absolutely amazing’ Stephen Jones heads up the team and his workload ranges from mismanagement of birth cases to delayed diagnosis matters. Brendan Hope has experience in obtaining multi-million-pound settlements for his clients who have suffered injuries from a range of contexts; a recent example of his work alongside Jones is a sensitive and complex matter in which failure to properly diagnose a mental health issue resulted in a fatality. Lauren Tully’s workload incorporates complex maternity cases, including those where PTSD and sepsis have resulted from labour mismanagement. Rebecca Ridgeon is noted by clients as a ‘stand-out solicitor’.
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Work Department
Clinical Negligence
Position

Stephen has specialised in clinical negligence work since qualification, with particular expertise in cerebral palsy, spinal and amputation cases.  Over many years has consistently secured million pound plus awards: since joining Leigh Day in 2015 these include awards of £13m (spinal claim, 2021), £10.677m (cerebral palsy, 2021), £4.05m (spinal claim, 2025), £2.25 (spinal claim, 2019) and £1.8m (fatal claim, 2025); recently secured interim payments of £5.58m on account of damages in ongoing cerebral palsy claim, and damages of £850,000 for an avoidable forefoot amputation. Previously acted for Denise Hendry, wife of former Scotland footballer Colin Hendry, obtaining then highest award ever made in a cosmetic surgery case. Stephen has a specific interest in Inquiry and inquest work: represented over 100 patients at Ashworth Hospital in Fallon Inquiry; he acted as Solicitor to Royal Liverpool Children’s Inquiry (“Alder Hey Inquiry”) and Redfern Inquiry into tissue sampling (“Sellafield Inquiry”); and regularly represents families personally at inquests.

Career

Joined Pannone (now Slater and Gordon), 1984; qualified 1986 and became national Head of Clinical Negligence.

Joined Leigh Day in 2015 as Partner, heads up Manchester Clinical Negligence team.

Memberships
Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel, AvMA Solicitors Referral Panel.

Content supplied by Leigh Day

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stephen Jones in particular was excellent from the very start to the end of my claim. He has a wealth of knowledge, knows exactly what to do next and is extremely empathetic. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He is very personable too whilst remaining professional.’

    ‘Stephen Jones is absolutely amazing, kind, approachable, easy to talk to (even about embarrassing matters) and has phenomenal knowledge and experience, plus so much attention-to-detail. Cannot praise him enough. Stephen Clarkson is also very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.’

    ‘Stephen Jones is an excellent lawyer and a wonderful human being. He has always conducted himself in a professional, compassionate manner, is totally honest and been realistic when discussing my expectations.’

    ‘They took the time to listen to my concerns, provided clear and honest advice, and ensured that I felt supported throughout the process. Their responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile made a significant difference in my experience. Particular praise goes to Lauren Tully, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental in the successful outcome of my claim.’

    ‘From the first day, procedures and processes were discussed, avoiding any legal jargon and building a firm foundation of trust and support. No 'pie in the sky' promises were made and I felt at ease that my case would be treated with the respect and professionalism it deserved.’

    ‘Stephen Jones has demonstrated outstanding professionalism in handling what is both a sensitive and complex medical negligence case. His calm, open and honest communication style put us at ease from day one. He clearly explained each stage of the process, and we are incredibly grateful for his transparency throughout. He showed a genuine interest in the case, which instilled great trust in us as we navigated this unfamiliar journey.'

    ‘Rebecca Ridgeon is a stand-out solicitor - efficient, focused, smart and also caring and empathetic.’

    ‘Stephen Jones, Brendan Hope and Lauren Tully are fabulous solicitors embodying a notably intellectual approach to the complex issues of law and medicine in their cases and mastering them thoroughly, whilst coupling that with client empathy and a real determination to pursue their claims.’

Work highlights

Represented the client in a spinal injury case which settled for £4,050,000 in June 2024.
L500 | Stephen Jones - Leigh Day > Clinical negligence: claimant > North West | Legal 500 law firm profiles