Newcastle Office's Regional Managing Partner Given Accolade

A LEADING North East lawyer has been recognised for his work with disabled charities in the region by being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

John Davis MBE, Regional Managing Partner for leading law firm Irwin Mitchell in Newcastle and a specialist in serious injury law, said the accolade was a reflection of the hard work put in by everyone connected with the North East-based charity Brainbox.

Davis is Chairman of the charity, which offers support and counselling to parents of brain injured children, on top of his work with Irwin Mitchell in securing settlements to fund the future care needs and rehabilitation of victims of brain injuries and other serious disabilities, including children.

Brainbox, which is based at Disability North in Newcastle, was set up little more than three years ago and has since helped dozens of families come to terms with their children having suffered a life-changing brain injury. A telephone helpline was set up last year and the charity expanded its services again this year by launching a counselling and listening service for parents and families.

Commenting on the award, Davis, who has been with Irwin Mitchell for 26 years, said: “It’s a great honour but I am accepting it on behalf of everyone who has been involved in the fantastic work undertaken by Brainbox in getting this vital service off the ground in the North East. It’s been a real team effort and so it’s only right that everyone should share in this.

“The feedback from those we have been able to help has been very positive. From my work with Brainbox, but also from representing the families of children who have tragically suffered life-changing brain injuries, I know that they naturally find it very distressing and bewildering. Early access to help is crucial and there are very few parts of the country that are able to offer the services Brainbox can.

“What it aims to do is point people in the right direction for the help they need to support their children and then be there to offer much-needed advice and counselling to help them come to terms with the huge change this brings to their lives. I am very proud to be working with everyone at the charity and of what we’ve achieved in a very short time.”

Davis has been Regional Managing Partner for Irwin Mitchell since the firm opened in Newcastle in 2003. The office on Grey Street now employs more than 50 people.