Lauded as ‘one of the best clinical negligence teams in the South West’, Barcan+Kirby LLP harnesses a deep bench of experts to undertake complex injury cases, notably concerning cerebral palsy, head and spinal injuries and fatal accidents. The Bristol team is spearheaded by Richard Harries, a highly respected practitioner with over two decades of experience representing clients in high-value clinical negligence cases involving late diagnoses, severe birth injuries and surgical negligence. Jay Nathwani leverages ’a very impressive knowledge of the sector’, specialising in complex brain injury claims; cerebral palsy-expert Helen Franklin is recommended for her ‘great empathy’ towards clients; and the ’superb’ Charlotte Tracy handles a wide range of claims, including birth injuries and fatal accidents, with a particular focus on cases involving paediatrics and obstetrics. Consultant Claire Hurrell is a key contact for matters relating to brain damage during birth or in the neonatal period, and ‘fearless litigator’ Fiona Dabell also comes recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Harries heads up a very strong clinical negligence team. The attention to detail and legal knowledge makes this one of the best clinical negligence teams in the South West.’
‘Charlotte Tracy is a superb lawyer. She is professional and robust with defendants, whilst being kind and compassionate to her clients. Fiona Dabell is a fearless litigator who always obtains great settlements.’
‘The team at Barcan+Kirby are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. They form sensitive, professional relationships with their clients who have often been badly injury and have a loss of trust in the medical profession.’
‘Claire Hurrell: a very switched on, thoughtful and capable lawyer. Richard Harries: great on the big cases.’
‘One of the top clinical negligence teams in the South West.’
‘Richard Harries knows the market well, and fights his clients' corner until the end. He is a fantastic litigator. Helen Franklin is as thorough as they come and deals with clients with great empathy.’
‘I regularly recommend Barcan+Kirby to people for advice on clinical negligence matters. They are a very close team with an impressive array of talented lawyers who have, over the years, produced remarkable results. They provide client focused and innovative services that provides a really professional and effective service to clients and they are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Jay Nathwani has a very impressive knowledge of the sector and a great way with clients. She is a pleasure to work with.’
'Barcan + Kirby have a team which focuses above anything else on knowing and understanding their clients. This allows them to look beyond the legal technicalities in any case and achieve what is important to their clients. They are a specialist team of hugely committed individuals who really care about their clients.'
'I have worked with many individuals in the team, but Charlotte Tracy and Fiona Dabell are two that really stand out. Their level of analysis and forensic attention to detail in some very complex cases has been impressive.'
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.
Helen Franklin
Jay Nathwani
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Fiona Dabell
Charlotte Tracy
Practice head
Richard Harries
Other key lawyers
Jay Nathwani; Helen Franklin; Claire Hurrell; Charlotte Tracy; Fiona Dabell