Bond Turner‘s Liverpool-based cohort is well-versed in acting for claimants in serious injury matters, ranging from poly-trauma to psychiatric injuries. James Tomlinson has demonstrable capabilities in acting for claimants who have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of RTAs in particular, an area of expertise shared by Chantal Rabbetts. Melanie Burden’s experience covers catastrophic injury, as well as public, occupiers’, and employers’ liability matters. The three co-head the practice alongside Hamida Khatun. Sara Stanger departed the group as of March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rebecca Earl is always on top of everything and is able to lay things out for me in a simple way. I am always aware what the next steps are and when they are due to be taken.'
‘The practice was faultless. They gave me huge support and a real holistic service. The practice and James Tomlinson really stand out from others and should be the choice for anybody who has sustained a serious injury. James is the person I would pick to have in my corner, he is super hardworking, cares about his clients and their rehabilitation and will fight to get the right result if required.’
‘James Tomlinson is absolutely stand-out and a real star. He builds a client rapport like nobody else. Friendly, client-focused and rehabilitation-centred. Everything is focused on the client and their recovery. He is collaborative and creative and can always find an effective solution - an exceptional tactician. Calm under pressure and displays great judgement and negotiating skills. Opponents respect him and people listen to and follow his advice.’
‘The client comes first. They have a solid reputation for handling complex catastrophic injury claims. They know the right experts to use to get cases over the line. Some of their clients have complex needs but they go the extra mile.’
‘Hamida Khatun gets great outcomes against the odds. She goes the extra mile for clients. Her knowledge of catastrophic injuries is extensive. She is great with clients and puts them at ease.'
‘The catastrophic injury team are second-to-none. Under the charismatic leadership of Tony Oliver they strive to fight every inch for their clients. The instructions are always of the highest quality and meticulously prepared. They are a joy to work with.’
‘Tony Oliver is charismatic and dedicated. He has an infectious desire to fight for every element of the claim for clients, which permeates throughout the team. Chantal Rabbetts is a dedicated and hardworking lawyer who has a wonderful empathy for all clients, who warm to her instantly - she is also a tenacious lawyer. James Tomlinson has a great eye and feel for a case as well as a fantastic knack for identifying the key features of a case and maximising the return for his clients.’
‘Tony Oliver is a formidable lawyer. He treats each claim like a game of chess, playing several moves ahead of his opponent at all times. Chantal Rabbetts leaves no stone unturned and handles cases with considerable empathy. She is technically brilliant, and she has a fantastic grasp of the medicine that underpins her client's claims. Rebecca Earl is one to watch.'
'Throughout the entire experience, they have been extremely professional and consistent. I am extremely pleased with their services.'
'What makes them unique is the dedication to seeking justice. From the beginning of my accident, the team were there instantly fighting my corner and keeping me updated with all proceedings. They were in communication with the hospital all the way through. If the firm hadn't been there for me then I might not be here today.'
Work highlights
Represented healthcare workers with life-altering physical, psychological, and cognitive injuries after they contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus at work while caring for patients throughout the pandemic in a group action.
Represented in a client in settling a claim on a split liability basis for £1.3m involving a traumatic brain injury and complex pelvic fractures.
Acted on behalf of a female who was run over by a tractor and sustained significant internal injuries along with a hemipelvectomy (amputation of leg above the hip joint).
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Tomlinson; Chantal Rabbetts; Melanie Burden; Hamida Khatun
Other key lawyers
Rebecca Earl; Hamida Khatun; Tony Oliver; Kirsty Mors