North West Office Celebrates Latest Success

THE MANCHESTER office of national law firm, Irwin Mitchell, has once again performed strongly across both its personal and business teams in the latest edition of leading industry publication Legal 500.

From its Quay Street base, the firm has achieved top tier rankings from the independent report – which surveys all UK law firms – in Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and Debt Recovery.

Partner and serious injury expert Jonathan Betts, from Sale, who represents clients with brain and spinal cord injuries and amputees, is praised for his ‘star quality; and the way he ‘relates superbly’ to clients.

On the recognition Jonathan said it reflected the philosophy of his team, and spoke of his passionate belief in the work he does. He said: “My clients have often experienced life changing injuries through no fault of their own which can mean they require rehabilitation and therapy.”

He continued: “Whilst no amount of money can make up for the injuries they have suffered, I feel extremely passionate about helping get my clients gain access to funds they need to ensure the highest possible quality of life whether that be in relation to care, accommodation or treatment.”

Jonathan went to school in Leicestershire and University in Newcastle, and moved to Manchester in 1997 when he joined Alexander Harris in Altrincham. When asked why he chose to work at Irwin Mitchell, he said: “We’re all hard-working and share the same drive to help people who would like answers. I’m passionate about helping people and their families whose lives have been devastated by serious injury, and working within a strong team of similarly-minded colleagues helps me to achieve this.”

Other highlights for the Personal Injury team include Regional Managing Partner Grahame Codd being recognised for appointing ‘experienced collision investigator’ Christopher Noblett who joined the firm last year to assist in obtaining justice for victims who have suffered accidents and injuries on the roads. Whilst Geraldine Coombs came recommended.

The firm’s Clinical Negligence Team, led by brain and spinal cord injury expert Lindsay Wise, is commended for its ‘truly holistic service, regularly settling claims in excess of £1m and undertaking inquest and inquiry work’. Lindsay Wise also receives high praise for her leadership skills and the way she ‘guides those below her with a steady and intelligent hand’.

Codd said: “ In the Personal Injury field the work we do helps our injured clients and their families rebuild their lives after serious injury and, in many cases, establishes long term care support and a better quality of life. This requires an especially high level of client service, to which we are strongly committed, and I thank everyone across the team for their continued dedication and hard work."

Irwin Mitchell has continued to boost its growing reputation as a credible and leading provider of business legal services.

In addition to being recognised as a top tier firm in the area of Debt Recovery, the firm also performed well in Crime, Fraud and Licensing category with the firm moving up into a top 2 spot. Here Irwin Mitchell was described as ‘one of the leading firms in the north’ with Partner Dan Stowers being described as having ‘maturity and perception in criminal and regulatory cases beyond his years’, whilst colleague Paul Haycock was recognised for his ‘gravitas and judgment’.

The Employment team saw its position rise up to tier 3 - the second consecutive year of improvement. The team, which acts for individuals as well as large businesses, has continued to grow during the last year with Partner Ed Cotton being praised for the ‘level and depth of his experience and his supportive approach’.

Grahame Codd added: “This is another strong performance by Irwin Mitchell’s Business Legal Services team which reflects our continued investment as well as our dedication to delivering innovative and high quality service and expertise to all of our clients across a broad range of legal services.

“Economic conditions over the last 12 months have remained very tough – and there are fresh challenges ahead. However, we will continue to invest as we firmly believe it puts us in the strongest position to understand and support our client base, whilst continuing to grow our own business.”