Hugh James‘ practice is particularly strong in representing claimants in disputes arising from medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs, but has a broad scope of expertise and a history of acting in some of the UK’s largest product liability claims stemming from harmful products, representing large cohorts of claimants. The harmful products team, and overall practice, is led by Mark Harvey, an expert in group litigation orders who embodies the group’s experience in high-profile, high-value product liability claims, acting in cases in front of the High Court in the UK and internationally. Elsewhere, Pauline Roberts in Cardiff is a key support, especially in metal-on-metal hip cases, adding to proficiency in multi-party litigation, and has an established practice in multi-party product liability cases as a whole. Aidan Lloyd offers key support at associate level, representing clients in High Court.

Based in Sheffield, Irwin Mitchell is highly engaged in group claims against manufacturers, which often ends in advising the client on product recall. In addition, lawyers are well-versed in individual claims and healthcare regulations following such claims. As well as representing clients in the High Court in London and in inquests, a further highlight for the group is acting for clients in court within product claims internationally. Tim Annett and Sallie Booth are at the helm, the former of whom has a particular strength in cases stemming from defective bicycles. Among the group’s deep bench at associate level is Catherine Slattery, a practitioner who has experience dealing with medical devices and claims arising from defective products, or product claims stemming from clinical negligence.

With a strong background in product safety and consumer law, in addition to ‘experience of class action/multi-claimant claims, often with an international element’, Leigh Day is strong in high-value corporate scandal and consumer group actions, often publicly significant cases covering the medical devices and consumer goods, including white goods. A standout involvement is in cases shaping consumer law, such as the representation of claimants who have suffered adverse medical effects of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination, litigation which involved government departments and in which experienced litigator Sarah Moore was instrumental. Personal injury lawyer Thomas Jervis specialises in fatal product liability cases or those involving catastrophic injuries. Sally Moore, Sapna Malik, and Gene Matthews head up the team, and Michelle Victor, who is frequently engaged in litigation stemming from metal hip implants, leading to recalls, is a standout practitioner. Elsewhere, Tina Patel departed from the firm in February 2025.