The Liverpool-based cohort at Weightmans LLP boast a workload that includes defending its notable list of clients in contentious cases regarding lack of proficient care and catastrophic injury claims, as well as in various group action claims. In addition to its contentious capabilities, the team provides preventative strategic advice on issues including patient safety and risk management. ‘Very experienced litigator’ Ian Critchley heads up the offering alongside Richard Jolly, who is experienced in acting for NHS trusts and private medical clients, and Vicky Morris, who has expertise in patient safety matters and novel cases, as well as in group actions. Medical malpractice and dental negligence cases are specialist areas of Chris Dexter. Birth injury, wrongful birth, and claims involving foetal exposure to sodium valproate are core areas of strength for Lisa Spencer, while June 2024-promoted partner Samuel Harland has significant experience handling product liability and infected blood matters. Jessica Neary joined the team in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team provides an excellent service. The team has good experience and expertise of the medical issues underlying claims and prides itself on giving its clients early, sensible and realistic advice.’
‘Ian Critchley is a very able lawyer. He is extremely hardworking and has good judgement. He also has excellent client care skills. He is a very experienced litigator. I have been impressed by his strategic and tactical skills and overall command of his cases. He achieves excellent results for his clients through his clear-sighted identification of the key issues.’
‘Weightmans have real strength in depth. They have a team which is strong at all levels.’
‘Richard Jolly is a star individual and very well-respected in the sector. He takes an active interest and role in all areas of the healthcare business.'
‘A leading firm in the defendant clinical negligence field with wide ranging experience across the breadth of claims.'
‘A key player in the North West and a hugely capable team covering the spectrum of health care litigation.'
Key clients
- NHS Resolution
- IDH
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
- Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS Blood & Transplant
- Wirral Community NHS FT
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
Advising NHS Resolution, NHS Blood and Transplant, and various NHS Trusts, amongst others, on several proposed group actions being brought by and on behalf of people infected with viruses, including HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, through the use of blood and blood products.
Advising NHS Trusts on claims involving foetal exposure to sodium valproate.
Assisted St Helena Government with the setting up and running of a compensation scheme for any patients who suffered avoidable harm during treatment by a doctor employed in the British Overseas Territory, and there are expected to be over 100 cases.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Richard Jolly; Ian Critchley; Vicky Morris
Other key lawyers
Chris Dexter; Lisa Spencer; Alison Brennan; Samuel Harland; Jessica Neary