Irwin Mitchell has a pre-eminent reputation in the North East and Cumbria for both personal injury and medical negligence work. The firm offers a full-service approach, drawing on its Newcastle and wider national teams across public law, tax, wills, trusts, and more. Key areas include claims relating to brain and spinal injuries, amputations, RTCs, birth injury, and occupational disease. Francesca Mayes leads the serious injury work in the region, while Sarah Coles heads the medical negligence expertise, supported by Newcastle lead Samuel Hill. Ian Toft oversees asbestos and disease claims, Laura Gabbey-Cristofini leads on polytrauma and fatal accidents, with Kate Nicklin and Laura Mcilduff specialising in life-changing injury claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strengths include exceptional communication and response times. The personal touch and the empathy and support they offer are what I believe make them above and beyond. They recognise that as well as having the legal knowledge and obtaining the best result possible for you, that also you are a family and it’s people's lives that have been affected.'
‘Sarah Coles has supported our family for the past couple of years and continues to do so. Communication and response times are excellent, and nothing is ever too much to ask. She regularly checks in to see if there is anything else she can do and provides continuous updates. Sarah is very proactive, and I feel safe in her hands.'
- 'All of them have excellent communication skills and have made us feel at ease throughout this process, and dealt with sensitivity and empathy. Their dedication to their clients and their families is way above is priceless.'
- 'I absolutely wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and feel very fortunate to have them acting on our behalf.'
‘Justina Molloy is an extremely astute practitioner. Fully aware of the details of the case. Always a clear and well-reasoned plan as to the best way forward. Brings cases to a successful conclusion.’
‘Irwin Mitchell has an excellent serious injury team with strength in depth across the board.’
‘Francesca Mayes is incredibly experienced and commands the respect of defendant solicitors and their insurer clients.'
- 'Laura Mcilduff is an excellent lawyer who gets good results for her clients.'
- 'Small friendly team in Newcastle who do a great job'
- 'Strong team with huge depth of experience that provides a standout service in the most difficult and high value claims'
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.
Ian Toft
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Samuel Hill
Laura Mcilduff
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
Francesca Mayes; Sarah Coles; Samuel Hill; Ian Toft; Laura Gabbey-Cristofini
Other key lawyers
Laura Mcilduff; Kate Nicklin; Justina Molloy