Fletchers Solicitors‘ practice, which transferred from Shoosmiths LLP in 2025, stands out due to its deep knowledge of high-value, complex clinical negligence cases involving birth, brain and spinal injuries. Phil Barnes leads the practice and Kashmir Uppal is an expert in catastrophic injury cases, most notably cerebral palsy claims. Natasha Read is a key name for high-value neurological cases, while Richard Bannister often advises on fatal accidents, delayed cancer diagnosis, brain injury and surgical cases. Dan O’Keeffe specialises in spinal injury and Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) matters. Sharon Banga focuses on complex birth injures and claims relating to kidney, neurological, spine and amputation injuries. Nicholas Tubb is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kashmir Uppal has shown great understanding of our case and demonstrates superb knowledge and understanding of our difficulties and shows lots of empathy for the problems we have experienced. The team around Kashmir have all been very helpful, respectful and patient.'
- ‘Pam Westwood is an excellent lawyer. Able to manage complicated cases with calm authority. Great manner with clients and able to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a claim early on.’
‘Natasha Read is a truly exceptional solicitor who never shies away from hard work or challenging cases. She achieves outstanding results in the most challenging and complex of cases and always puts her clients first.'
‘The clinical negligence team are dedicated to fighting tough cases. They are not a firm solely after easy wins, and their people are consequently better lawyers for regularly taking on cases that need to be finessed and looked at from every angle to ensure prospects are as favourable as they can be.’
‘Phil Barnes is incredibly supportive of junior members of the clinical negligence team. He takes a personal involvement with clients on cases being run by junior members. This is fantastic for the client, given the breadth and depth of his knowledge as well as his experience tactically, and it is fantastic for the team who get continued support beyond their training so as to enable them to deal with the most complex of cases when their time comes.'
- 'Becca Horley is a stand-out associate. She is a fantastic lawyer, but she is also a figurehead pressing for support for those who have suffered serious injuries at a visible level.’
Work highlights
Acted in a complex high value clinical negligence cerebral palsy claim which was settled for £28.5 million capitalised.
Acted in a complex clinical negligence case involving nerve injury to the right brachial plexus and long thoracic nerve, achieving settlement 9 days before trial for £2 million.
Acted in a claim relating to a negligent 2- year delay in diagnosis of cervical cancer impacting upon the claimant’s ability to have children. The claim settled for £3.125million.
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.
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
Phil Barnes
Other key lawyers
Kashmir Uppal; Natasha Read; Richard Bannister; Dan O’Keeffe; Sharon Banga; Nicholas Tubb; Pam Westwood; Becca Horley