Irwin Mitchell fields a medical negligence team which covers a broad spectrum of claims, from birth injuries and neonatal deaths, to cancers and mental health. Luke Daniels leads the team and is noted for his ability to represent clients across the full range of claims and inquests, with a strong focus on maximum severity birth injury cases. Lisa Jordan has extensive experience in cerebral palsy claims while Emma Rush acts in life-changing injury cases on behalf of adults and children. Sara Burns has a particular focus on brain and spinal injury matters and Laura Daly’s expertise lies in wrongful birth and birth injury claims. Lindsay Tomlinson, Tom Fletcher and Jenna Harris are also key members of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Luke Daniels has a collaborative and sensible approach to litigation. He is pragmatic and it has been a pleasure to work with him to resolve a high value complex clinical negligence claim for our respective clients.’
‘Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham team represents one of the most consistently high-calibre legal practices I have worked with in my role as a psychiatric medicolegal expert. Their instructions are clinically literate, thoughtfully framed, and carefully tailored to each case. They demonstrate an unusually strong grasp of psychiatric complexity, trauma narratives, and medico-legal nuance—qualities that make collaboration both smooth and intellectually engaging.'
- ‘Emma Rush is a leading figure in the field: highly experienced, clinically astute, and unflappable under pressure. She combines strategic vision with emotional intelligence and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of psychiatric complexity. She is widely respected and rightly so—working with Emma invariably means a case has been exceptionally well prepared.'
- 'Allie Louise Grover is an outstanding solicitor with an excellent grasp of both the clinical and human dimensions of a case. Her instructions are clear, empathetic, and grounded in a strong understanding of trauma and its aftermath. She has a calm, balanced communication style and an ability to handle complex psychiatric elements with thoughtfulness and clarity.
- 'Mark Cawley is highly efficient, courteous, and effective. His instructions are methodical and well-organised, and he strikes a strong balance between practical efficiency and sensitivity to the broader emotional and psychological landscape of a case. Tom Fletcher demonstrates real attentiveness and an ability to coordinate complex information with speed and professionalism. He is a clear communicator and a reliable point of contact who contributes positively to the expert-client dynamic.'
- 'Phoebe Smart is intelligent, precise, and easy to work with. She brings quiet competence and focus to every case, ensuring that records are well prepared and timelines run smoothly. Richard Sweetman is warm, articulate, and clinically aware. He communicates with insight and manages sensitive cases with calm assurance. Sara Burns is personable and capable, with a clear, well-organised approach to expert instruction. She demonstrates calm judgement and ensures smooth communication throughout.'
- 'Jatinder Paul brings a wealth of experience and presence to his cases. He communicates with authority and clarity and consistently manages complex medico-legal issues with discernment and professionalism. Jenna Harris is efficient and courteous, with a strong grasp of logistical management and an ability to manage timelines and documentation with precision. Laura Daly coordinates the practical aspects of a case smoothly and consistently.'
- ‘Irwin Mitchell are the dominant force in claimant clin neg nationwide, but in particular in Birmingham. The team is notable for its size, depth of knowledge and understanding, its human touch and the excellent results it achieves for its clients. Nobody does it better.’
- 'The team at irwin Mitchell solicitors are very friendly helpful and will do everything that they can to put you at ease and explain everything to you in detail.'
- 'Excellent knowledge of sector. Personable yet professional with clients. Clear communication. Highly organised.'
Work highlights
Advised claimant who suffered hypoxic injury at birth as a result of a delay in delivery. Settled this year for capitalised value of £10m.
Acted for the parents of a 4-year-old child who died after there was a failure to identify that he had sepsis. Represented the family at the inquest into the child’s death and secured a financial settlement.
Acted for the Claimant following a below knee amputation which it was alleged was caused by a failure on the part of a GP to deal appropriately with ulcers on the Claimant’s foot. After initial denials of liability responsibility was accepted by the Defendant and a settlement of £1.2m secured.
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Practice head
Luke Daniels
Other key lawyers
Lisa Jordan; Emma Rush; Sara Burns; Laura Daly; Lindsay Tomlinson; Tom Fletcher; Jenna Harris; Allie Louise Grover; Mark Cawley; Phoebe Smart; Richard Sweetman; Jatinder Paul