Bevan Brittan LLP has a stellar reputation for defending clients in ‘ground-breaking claims’, with a notable specialism at the intersection between clinical negligence and human rights claims regarding mental health. Alongside its continued work on the NHS Resolution panel, the firm undertakes private medical malpractice work for insurers and healthcare providers, often involving international claims. Joanna Lloyd heads up the team in Bristol, representing the NHS in high-profile group action and brain injury cases. Simon Lindsay specialises in mental health and human rights claims, while the ‘stand out’ Alison Garrett handles high-value birth injury and cerebral palsy claims. Ceri Catton and Edward Duckworth are other key contacts.

The leading clinical risk team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is well-regarded for defending GPs and NHS trusts in a range of high-value claims, including high-profile group actions and appellate cases before the Supreme Court. A longstanding NHS Resolution panel firm, the Bristol offering also features a dedicated medical malpractice team, acting for insurers and independent provider insureds. Rachel Roberts-Jenkins acts as the firm’s national cluster head for clinical negligence, while insurance law-expert Simon Perkins leads the medical malpractice team. Hannah Volpe leverages specialist expertise in hospital acquired infection and MRSA acquisition claims, while Nigel Montgomery has a longstanding reputation for group actions and catastrophic injury work. Stuart Wallace is a key name for clinical negligence litigation concerning birth, brain and spinal injuries.

Leveraging ‘excellent knowledge of the industry’, Clyde & Co‘s expanding Bristol team advises national healthcare clients in fatal accident inquires, inquests and a range of regulatory and criminal proceedings. Working between London and Bristol, Claire Petts leads the firm’s global healthcare team, while Robert Wilson specialises in high-value brain injury claims, alongside medical malpractice inquests and litigation. In the Bristol office, the ‘excellent defendant team’ includes Sarah Wood, who advises both NHS and private clients in high-profile group actions; Helen Heeley, a specialist in claims involving cerebral palsy, brain injuries and cauda equina syndrome; and senior associates Lea Kelsey and Rebecca Weatherley, who joined the team in 2024 from DAC Beachcroft LLP.