Hill Dickinson LLP‘s group spans Liverpool and Manchester and is renowned for its capabilities in representing its wide-ranging roster of clients, which features NHS Resolution, AXIS Insurance, and various NHS Trusts, in a plethora of complex matters. The team is helmed from Liverpool by Andrew Craggs, who acts for some of the team’s most preeminent clients and is particularly experienced in advising on sensitive matters, such as those surrounding sexual assault, stress, and claims of bullying. From the same office, ’superb operator’ David Locke leads the firm’s national health litigation team and is well-equipped to defend high-profile group action claims and advise on novel issues, such as gender reassignment clinic closures following the Cass Report. Gill Stoll is lauded by clients as a ‘master tactician’; and Joanne Hughes has expertise in GP and dental-related claims. In Manchester, Jonathan Heap acts for private insurer, as well as public sector clients, and frequently works alongside noteworthy practitioner Nick Citron. Jessica Neary departed the Manchester team in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Gill Stoll is a skilled and experienced litigator with outstanding team leadership skills. She gets quickly to the key issues in a case and is a master tactician, always focused on obtaining a cost-efficient outcome for her client.’
‘Nick Citron is a standout performer. He is efficient and works hard to ensure clients are always satisfied.’
‘Andrew Craggs is an effective leader - astute and energetic in the marketplace. Joanne Hughes handles complex, high-value litigation authoritatively and effectively. Ian Gardiner is a very effective litigator with excellent judgment. Jonathan Heap is a creative and charismatic lawyer who has the courage to develop novel arguments. Nina Sahu is impressive in complex cases.'
‘Jonathan Heap is knowledgeable, friendly and is clearly looking after us as a client. Gill Stoll is very good and very responsive to our needs. You always feel confident in their advice.’
‘David Locke is excellent - a partner who leads from the front. He is on-hand to give support, has strategic insight and a good feel for how cases may play out in court.’
‘David Locke is a superb operator. Great knowledge of the sector and good judgement.’
Key clients
- NHS Resolution
- Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Foundation Trust
- Northern Care Alliance
- Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust
- AXIS Insurance
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Spire Healthcare
- Beazley Insurance
- CNA Hardy
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
Acting for NHS Resolution in relation to litigation claims brought arising out of the neonatal deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital.
Acted for a client in the trial win of a clinical negligence claim for NHS Resolution and two NHS Trusts in which the claimant was found to be fundamentally dishonest.
Acting on behalf of NHS Resolution and Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to the claims brought arising out of the maternity Ockenden review.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Andrew Craggs
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joanne Hughes
Gill Stoll
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Nick Citron
Practice head
Andrew Craggs
Other key lawyers
David Locke; Nick Citron; Joanne Hughes; Jonathan Heap; Monia Sood; Nina Sahu; Gill Stoll; Ian Gardiner