Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Medical negligence: defender

A new entrant to the Scottish medical negligence market, Kennedys bolstered its expertise in June 2023 with the arrival of Lyndsey Combe from Clyde & Co. Rory Jackson leads the team.

Medical negligence: defender in Scotland

Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co’s medical negligence team showcases ‘vast experience’ in defender-related mandates, regularly advising major insurance companies and private clients. The team handles high-stakes defect cases, multi-party claims and litigation. Graeme Watson spearheads the healthcare practice, focusing on regulatory matters and regularly representing medical professionals. Other key contacts in the group include Duncan Batchelor, who advises on product liability issues, and Chris Dunn, who handles negligent care claims. Lorne Todd joined from an in-house role in January 2024 and assists with loss claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Graeme Watson


Autres avocats clés:

Duncan Batchelor; Chris Dunn; Lorne Todd; Claire Raftery


Les références

‘A strong and experienced team, who handle the whole range of clinical negligence claims. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Duncan Batchelor and Graeme Watson have vast experience in clinical negligence.’

‘Chris Dunn is a very impressive senior associate. He pays good attention to detail and provides a sound, pragmatic approach to litigation.’

Principaux clients

Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd


Stryker/Depuy International


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended the manufacturers of a metal-on-metal hip implant, Finsbury Orthopaedics, in the first such Scottish case to proceed to proof.
  • Acting for a global manufacturer of pelvic mesh products, Johnson & Johnson, in a personal injury litigation in Scotland.

Brodies LLP

Led by Laura McMillan, the medical negligence team at Brodies LLP is regularly instructed on long-term public inquiries and high-profile court actions before Scottish courts. Other key contacts in the group include Lynn Livesey and Kate Donachie, who advise on fatal accident inquiries and multi-party actions, while Alison Waddell and Lara Graham act for insurers and businesses in aesthetics-related mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura McMillan


Autres avocats clés:

Lynn Livesey; Kate Donachie; Alison Waddell; Lara Graham


Les références

‘The team are approachable and friendly. All very knowledgeable in this area of expertise.’ 

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Scottish Government to act on its behalf in the Infected Blood Inquiry.

BTO Solicitors LLP

The medical negligence team at BTO Solicitors LLP handles a wide array of fatal clinical negligence claims, particularly related to mental health. Team leader and ‘standout litigator’ Laura Donald has ‘unrivalled experience’ in the healthcare sector, and acts for medical and dental members of medical defence organisations. The team also assists with major public inquiries, occupational stress claims and dental negligence matters. Newly promoted partner Jill Harris handles high-value dental claims and is another key contact in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Donald


Autres avocats clés:

Jill Harris; Jennifer King; Natalie McCartney; Cara Docherty; Duncan Mawby


Les références

‘Jill Harris is experienced and great to deal with.’

‘BTO are leaders in the field of medical negligence.’

‘Jill Harris has an excellent strategic mindset, but is also one of the most approachable solicitors in this area of work. Clients can relax in the knowledge that she’s on their side.’ 

Principaux clients

The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland


The Medical Defence Union Limited


Medical Protection Society


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as counsel for the College of Paramedics in the Scottish Covid Inquiry.
  • Representing the corporate interests of MDDUS before the UK Infected Blood Inquiry.