Slee Blackwell‘s clinical negligence team combines an ’unwavering commitment to excellence’ with a client-centric approach to represent claimants in the South West and throughout the UK. With offices in Barnstaple and Taunton, the team handles a variety of claims, including birth injury, cosmetic surgery and high-profile mesh litigation. In Barnstaple, Oliver Thorne spearheads the practice, specialising in cases involving baby loss and birth injury, with a particular focus on maternal rights. Working between Barnstaple and Taunton, the ‘exceptional’ Caroline Webber-Brown is highlighted for her expertise in complex mesh litigation and gynaecological negligence, supported by Taunton-based associate Clarissa Ellerington.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I worked Clarissa Ellerington, who was a stalwart throughout an emotive and challenging process. She proved to be an able and empathetic listener but who was always efficient and positive.’
- ‘Oliver Thorne and his team provided clear understanding of our legal position, but with a compassion and understanding of our emotional state. They were there from the start, through all the legal wrangles, through the inquest and the final claim. Frankly, we were blessed to have them, because although they were always highly professional, they showed real empathy and consideration.’
Work highlights
Represented client in cerebral palsy claim where the client's mother was given syntocinon instead of a saline infusion prior to a planned caesarean section. Mother suffered from a placental abruption meaning and emergency caesarean section under general anaesthetic was needed. Client suffered from hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and went on to develop cerebral palsy.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Oliver Thorne
Other key lawyers
Caroline Webber-Brown; Clarissa Ellerington