Hall Of Fame

Leading Associates

Personal injury: claimant in West Midlands

Irwin Mitchell

At Irwin Mitchell, ‘the team’s ethos is very much on providing exceptional services to clients’. It handles a substantial caseload of high-value claims. The group supports children and adults who have sustained brain injuries, and those who have suffered spinal cord injuries, limb loss and multiple orthopaedic traumas. It is also frequently instructed in cases involving fatalities, psychiatric injuries, severe burns and loss of vision. Practice heads Stephen NyeLuke DanielsAlida Coates and Philip Banks are all highly regarded. Coates is an accomplished partner who is recommended for her expertise in workplace illness matters. Hilary Wetherell is another notable member of the practice who specialises in matters such as polytrauma and complex high-value fatal accident claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Nye; Luke Daniels; Alida Coates; Philip Banks


Autres avocats clés:

Hilary Wetherell; Alida Coates; Christopher Hurlston; Richard Sweetman; Tom Fletcher; Philip Banks; James Riley; Rebecca Hearsey


Les références

‘Luke Daniels, Christopher Hurlston, Richard Sweetman, Tom Fletcher are all outstanding. I have known each of them to go the extra mile for their clients and to treat them with dignity and respect. They are all very efficient and typically respond within hours when I email requests for advice or information.’

‘This is THE go-to team for claimant personal injury work. I have particular experience of the international travel litigation group at this firm which has a national profile, a large volume of quality work at all levels and which deservedly attracts plaudits from market commentators.’

‘Philip Banks has warmth, empathy, the soundest judgement and a vast reservoir of knowledge in all matters cross-border and travel-related. James Riley is a standout talent in travel personal injury who allies enthusiasm and creativity with excellent legal knowledge: a star in the making.’

Principaux clients

William Hobbis


MJ


Lee Rees


SS v MOD


LH (protected party)


Mr Peter Griffiths


Royal Papworth water contamination (group action)


Mr Roy Fawcett (Deceased)


Deborah Wood


Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

At Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP ‘the ethics of the firm and its culture ensure that the client’s needs always come first’. Rankeshwar Batta (a ‘brilliant leader’) acts for claimants in a broad range of matters from more modest-value claims to complex multimillion-pound cases. The team also represents people at inquests.  Ann Houghton has experience of cases with a foreign jurisdictional element. David Evison has niche expertise in abuse and human rights claims. Senior associate Victoria Fullilove also covers professional negligence matters arising out of personal injury claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rankeshwar Batta


Autres avocats clés:

Ann Houghton; Victoria Fullilove; David Evison


Les références

‘Small, friendly team with a track record of securing excellent results. Rankeshwar (Rankey) Batta – bright, highly personable and committed to securing the best results for his clients.’

‘Rankeshwar Batta leads the team with aplomb; he is warm and extremely personable whilst being committed to securing the right outcomes for his clients. Ann Houghton is one of the best in the business and has a passion for precision.’

‘David Evison handles a chiefly sensitive case load with a caring and calm approach, while Vic Fullilove is a star in the ascendant.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully advised on a complex accident at work where the key issue between the parties was the status of a worker who had suffered a catastrophic spinal and head injury falling through a roof during the course of his employment.
  • Advised a brain-injured child with regard to a claim where he was kicked in the head by a horse in a farmyard field.
  • Advised in a highly complex high-value and complicated CICA claim which resulted in a successful appeal to secure £500,000 (the maximum CICA award available under its scheme).

FBC Manby Bowdler

The ‘supportive, caring and extremely professional’ team at FBC Manby Bowdler is jointly led by Susan Todhunter and Tim Gray. Todhunter has a vast array of experience in serious, complex and catastrophic injuries. She regularly works on cases involving brain and spinal injuries, in addition to multiple injury claims on behalf of severely injured child and adult claimants. Senior associate Adam Wilson is recommended for his handling of high-value work arising from occupier’s liability claims, road traffic accidents and employer liability claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Susan Todhunter; Tim Gray


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Wilson; Tonia Brooks; Michelle Hartshorn


Les références

‘Adam Wilson was both professional and knowledgeable. At all times I felt supported and had confidence in the advice and guidance provided by him.’

‘Sue Todhunter is extremely knowledgeable, understanding and supportive. Keeps you in the loop and explains everything simply and is easy to understand.’

‘Susan Todhunter guided us from the dark and back into the light after my son’s traumatic brain injury. Susan is an exceptional solicitor who cares deeply and is always available to take my calls and quickly replies back to my emails.’

Principaux clients

Carolyn Bailey


Samantha Jones


Ian Field


TNW – Cycling Accident


David Boddington


MAP – Accident at Work


TD – Accident at Work


CB – Road Traffic Accident


OS – Road Traffic Accident


PB – Accident at Work


LB – Accident at Work


Higgs LLP

Higgs LLP has ‘an impressive reputation which continues to grow’. Under the leadership of Andy Shaw, it is known for its experience in major trauma claims, and is praised for its 'exceptional collaborative spirit'. The group has particular expertise in brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and serious orthopaedic injuries, as well as fatal accidents. The ‘compassionate, empathetic and driven’ Steven Santy routinely handles claims for those who have suffered major trauma. Simon Stanfield also garners praise for his experience of dealing with serious and life-changing injuries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andy Shaw


Autres avocats clés:

Steven Santy; Simon Stanfield; Claire Burnell


Les références

‘Claire Burnell stands out as an exceptional lawyer at the firm. She is a rottweiler in furthering her clients’ interests but, equally, knows when to negotiate with other parties. She gets great results.’

‘Andy Shaw – Head of team; hugely experienced; will run extremely difficult cases which other solicitors would pass on. Real expertise in spinal and brain injury litigation. Real people person. His team clearly love working for him.’

‘Steve Santy has many years of PI expertise. Works hard for his clients and their goals. Always provides realistic and pragmatic advice. Substantial case load of brain and spinal injury work. Always goes the extra mile to leave no stone unturned – so important in subtle brain injury cases.

Lanyon Bowdler

The ‘very client-centred’ team at Lanyon Bowdler is ably led by Dawn Humphries who is based at the Shrewsbury office. Humphries excels in serious brain and spinal injuries. She is also well-regarded for her work on employers’ liability claims that arise from accidents at work, particularly at construction sites. Telford-based Debbie Humphries is recommended for her representation of clients who have sustained life-changing injuries. Phillip Roberts is at the Hereford office, and has particular experience in areas such as accident at work cases and loss of limbs claims. Associate Karen Clarke is another notable member of the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dawn Humphries


Autres avocats clés:

Debbie Humphries; Karen Clarke; Alexander Spanner; Phillip Roberts; Jane Miles


Les références

‘Debbie Humphries is very professional and thorough but remains compassionate to her clients. Karen Clarke is also professional and dedicated, she is absolutely devoted to fighting her client’s corner.’

‘Dawn Humphries is an exceptional solicitor and thoroughly decent person.  Dawn was always incredibly kind and made the process of taking legal action as painless as possible.’

‘One of Phillip Roberts’ most admirable qualities is his unwavering commitment to his clients’ best interests. Phillip’s client-centred advocacy ensures that his clients feel supported, empowered, and well-represented throughout the legal process.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented claimant in PI claim against a well-known sporting activities franchise, where claimant sustained a C5 fracture of the neck rendering him tetraplegic, resulting in a claim estimated to be worth over £10m.
  • Represented claimant in PI claim against employer, having sustained fractures to L2, 3, 4 and 5 after falling from a roof. Contentious evidence in respect of quantum led to negotiations which successfully secured a £500,000 settlement for the client.
  • Represented claimant via their litigation friend in a PI claim against a defendant driver, successfully negotiating a settlement of £2.9m ahead of a liability trial.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Karl De-Loyde is at the helm at Thompsons Solicitors LLP, and regularly oversees numerous high-value catastrophic injury cases. Senior solicitor Victoria Kingscote is another member of the ‘highly competent team’. Kingscote works on cases involving head and brain injuries, as well as multiple orthopaedic spinal injuries, and fatalities. Fellow senior solicitor David Gauler is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Karl De-Loyde


Autres avocats clés:

David Gauler; Victoria Kingscote


Les références

‘Known for its commitment to clients, the serious injury team at Thompsons Birmingham have gone from strength to strength in recent years in its TBI, spinal and amputation work.’

‘Karl De-Loyde, partner, is responsible for all serious/catastrophic injury claims across the West Midlands and is particularly savvy in conducting multimillion-pound TBI cases.’

‘Victoria Kingscote is a senior SI lawyer and is approachable, likeable and very experienced in TBI, particularly due to her interest in maximising recovery by rehabilitation.’

Clarke Willmott LLP

At Clarke Willmott LLP, Birmingham-based Philip Edwards, who has been described as a ‘strong communicator’, has particular expertise in brain injury cases. In addition, he deftly handles amputation and fatal claims. At the cornerstone of the practice is rehabilitation, and Edwards closely works with various brain injury case managers to assist clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marguarita Tyne; Lee Hart; Kerry Fifield


Autres avocats clés:

Philip Edwards


Les références

‘Phil Edwards. Experienced and unflappable. First-class service to those who have suffered injuries of the upmost severity. Are very involved with providers of the very latest developments in prosthetics and other aids and equipment, to help maximise recovery.’

‘Philip Edwards is one of the very best personal injury litigators in the country. Vast experience in dealing with cases of the upmost severity, including severe spinal injury, brain damage and amputations. Always puts his client’s interests first.’

‘CW are a team who are highly experienced, offering a plethora of services covering all common areas. Often (in my experience), similar firms which have offerings of this nature and size tend to lose sight of the personal touch. This is one of the many areas which CW separates themselves from the rest’.

Shoosmiths LLP

Chris McKinney heads the team at Shoosmiths LLP, which is skilled at handling serious injury cases with complex liability issues. McKinney specialises in spinal and brain injury claims, as well as amputation cases. In addition, he has a particular interest in fatal injury claims. Senior associate Kate Price-Marson is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris McKinney


Autres avocats clés:

Kate Price-Marson


Les références

‘Chris McKinney – a truly seasoned campaigner. His experience in life-changing injury cases is second to none. Kate Price-Marson – one of the nicest people you could meet but underneath that is a razor-sharp lawyer who will fight endlessly for her clients.’

‘Chris McKinney guided us through every process no matter how big or small and was very knowledgeable in what he does.’

‘Always quick to respond and provide updates on the case and very easy to reach.’

Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors

At Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, Joe Speed has a major focus on serious and catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries, together with amputation cases. The practice also covers incidents resulting in fatalities, as well as criminal injuries which have life-changing impairments. Senior associate Mark Copley is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joe Speed


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Copley


Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Tony Hannington heads the practice at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, which predominantly acts on cases with a significant value. It handles all types of serious injuries including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as complex orthopaedic injuries, amputations and fatal accident claims. Highlights included Vicky Blodwell and Peter Jones’ promotions to the partnership in 2023. Rose Gibson-Harper joined the team from Simpson Millar LLP, also in 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tony Hannington


Autres avocats clés:

Vicky Blodwell; Rose Gibson-Harper; John Greenall; Peter Jones


Les références

‘The personal injury team is a highly successful one that has forged out a deserved reputation as one of the foremost regional performers. There is good diversity within the team, which collaborates well. In addition, it has the benefit of strong leadership and a high level of organisation.’ 

‘Rose Gibson – the most client focussed lawyer in the market.’

‘Their client care skills are second to none. They advise sensibly and pragmatically, are proactive in seeking favourable settlements, and well-organised in preparing claims for trial.’

Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon fields a team which acts primarily for those who have suffered serious and catastrophic road traffic accidents. It is skilled at advising on cases involving traumatic brain injuries, amputations and other issues such as serious polytrauma claims. However, there have been changes to the team as principal lawyer Tracey Benson, who is based in London, and senior associates Gulderen Horton-Salih and Naheed Akhtar are now at the helm, since Steven Baylis’ departure.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tracey Benson; Gulderen Horton-Salih; Naheed Akhtar


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Jackson


Les références

‘Slater Gordon are one of the biggest personal injury firms and combine therefore both strength and depth to allow them to properly cater for any issues that their client might have.’

‘Gulderen Salih – I have found her to be an extremely knowledgeable solicitor who always does an excellent job in best putting forward her client’s position whilst also maintaining an independence that allows her to properly advise her client.’

‘Mark Jackson is rapidly growing in experience and is becoming a reliable, diligent case handler with ever increasing specialist knowledge of higher value claim management.’

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Senior associate Mike Sutton heads the practice at Sydney Mitchell LLP, which advises on a broad array of claims. Recently, it has been instructed on several cases involving polytrauma. The group receives a regular flow of instructions on serious work accidents, and has also been working on some complex cases involving the amputation of limbs.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mike Sutton


Les références

‘Mike Sutton – Hard working. Clients love him. Great communicator and problem solver. Gets what you need to have before a judge to prove a case. Highly competent across the PI spectrum, but particularly good on EL work.’

‘My main contact has been Mike Sutton who has been helpful and friendly, while still being professional and knowledgeable. I would and will recommend Mike to anyone in a similar position to me.’

‘I have been dealing with Mike Sutton who has been consistently caring and professional dealing with this case.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully acted for a client who was a passenger in a taxi that was involved in a head-on collision when another vehicle came on to the wrong side of the road.
  • Acting for a client who suffered ‘polytrauma’ ie multiple and life-threatening injuries as a result of a road traffic accident.
  • Successfully acted for a client who was a self-employed ductwork fitter and who fell while working on a construction site.

The Wilkes Partnership

The Wilkes Partnership is praised for its ‘personal approach’, and is ably led by the ‘extremely experiencedAnnmarie Wilde. It receives a regular flow of work on all types of personal injury claims. The group often works on cases involving road traffic accidents, employer’s liability claims and other matters such as MIB cases. Senior associate Kate Campbell-Gunn is also well-regarded.

Responsables de la pratique:

Annmarie Wilde


Autres avocats clés:

Kate Campbell-Gunn


Les références

‘Annmarie Wilde is an excellent partner. Her personable, professional, efficient, intelligent approach to the work alongside her rigour stands out.’

Annmarie Wilde was professional, also very friendly and polite, but made me feel at ease with the ongoing course of my case. Nothing was too much trouble, and she was always there for me any time I needed advice. ’

‘Extremely caring, and has very good attention to detail. Annmarie Wilde has been extremely caring and compassionate while dealing with my case. She has gone above and beyond and checks in regularly.’

Waldrons Solicitors

John McDonnell is at the helm at Waldrons Solicitors. The practice frequently works on some high-value and catastrophic injury cases, in addition to working on an array of workplace/employers’ liability claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

John McDonnell


Les références

‘Waldrons are a brilliant outfit. I love the rawness of their approach and the determination to take on all comers, no matter whether large law firms or institutions like the MIB. They have some excellent work and the ear of the Police Federation which stands them in very good stead.’

‘John McDonnell is a fabulous head of personal injury. He has huge experience in the trenches and seemingly loves every bit of the fight. Someone you really want in your corner.’

‘John McDonnell is a hugely experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. He is very approachable and always keen to help when needed.’

Principaux clients

Police Federation of England & Wales


Community Trade Union