Irwin Mitchell’s personal injury and medical negligence department is led by Francesca Mayes, Sarah Coles, Samuel Hill and Ian Toft who bring together expertise in serious injuries, medical negligence claims and workplace illness issues. Mayes, who leads the personal injury department in Newcastle, covers a broad range of personal injury work, while Coles, who divides her time between Newcastle and Leeds, specialises in medical negligence issues. Hill also covers medical negligence work and has been involved in childbirth injury matters, brain injuries and delay in diagnosis matters, and Toft is the regional head of the workplace injury teams in Newcastle and Leeds, assisting clients with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and other workplace illness matters. Laura Mcilduff was promoted to partner in May 2024, and Kate Nicklin rejoined the team from Slater and Gordon in the same month; Justina Molloy also moved to the firm’s Newcastle office, relocating from the firm’s base in Cambridge.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Communication is key and showing empathy and care for the families they are supporting is above and beyond. They are able to explain the most complicated legal jargon into layman’s terms and always making sure that in the middle of it all they are talking about a human being and the impact not just on them but the wider family and I don’t think you can put into words how much of a difference this makes. I wouldn’t hesitate (and have done so often) to recommend Irwin Mitchell to other families.’
‘Sarah Coles has been exceptional throughout in supporting us as a family. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for the help she has provided to our family.’
‘I have always been impressed Irwin Mitchell's Clinical Negligence Team's professionalism. The Team have consistently shown a high level of competence in handling even the most complex cases and they have always exhibited a strong dedication to achieving the best outcome for their clients. The compassionate attitude fosters trust and confidence amongst the clients during what can be an extremely stressful time. I would have no hesitation to recommending the IM Clinical Negligence Team.’
‘I have found the team to be very informative and supportive throughout my dealings with them, to date. Any questions or queries I have raised have been dealt with expeditiously with referrals to more knowledgeable team members/departments made, or offered, where necessary. All of the people I have dealt with have been approachable and highly professional.’
‘My experience of working with the personal injury and clinical negligence teams at Irwin Mitchell has been extremely positive. All members of the team show great compassion towards their clients needs, and client's welfare is of paramount importance. I feel that there is a dedication to making a difference for client's and their loved ones. There is a real sense of collaborative working within the rehabilitation process to ensure that clients receive the best therapeutic input and outcomes. If I ever find myself personally needing legal representation for a personal injury or medical negligence, I absolutely would want Irwin Mitchell on my side.’
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
Other key lawyers
Laura McilDuff; Kate Nicklin; Justina Molloy