Four Lawyers Have Recently Arrived At The Firm Which Is Celebrating 15 Years In The Region

The Newcastle office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell has added to the expertise within its specialist serious injury and medical negligence teams with the appointment of four lawyers.

Alexis Tulloch has been appointed as a senior associate in the medical negligence team and has 18 years of experience in handling complex medical law cases from her time at both Eversheds and then DAC Beachcroft. 

Helen Watt, a Northumbria University graduate who qualified as a solicitor in March this year, has joined the law firm from Blackett Hart and Pratt, having previously worked in financial advice. 

Lindsay Cole, who qualified in 2010 at Winn Solicitors, has also joined as a solicitor from DAC Beachcroft. Lindsay has extensive experience having previously represented both claimants and defendants in personal injury cases.

The most recent independent Legal 500 UK Guide and Chambers UK Guides to the best lawyers in the country ranked Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle medical negligence team as a tier one firm in the region. 

New senior associate Alexis, who has acted for the NHS Resolution on complicated birth, spinal and acquired brain injuries cases, said: “I am delighted to join a team which is so highly respected in this field for both its technical expertise and for putting its clients first. 

“Irwin Mitchell's focus on delivering the highest standard of client care and their ability to access rehabilitation and support services sets them apart and is what attracted me to the firm.”

Jonathan Straughan has also joined the firm, and will sit within its serious injury team. He joins from Winns Solicitors in Newcastle and brings with him experience of dealing with a range of legal cases related to serious injury and road traffic accidents.

A Northumbria University graduate, he originally trained at Alderson Law LLP – formerly Hipkin & Co – in Whitley Bay and developed his interest in serious injury work during his time at the firm. He qualified as a solicitor in 2016.

Originally based on Grey Street but now located at Wellbar Central, the office has grown significantly and is now the base for more than 80 members of staff.

Fran Mayes, lead personal injury partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to welcome Alexis, Lindsay, Helen and Jonathan to the Irwin Mitchell team. I believe their appointments are further evidence of our continued commitment to provide clients with top-class, home-grown expertise.” Fran Mayes - Partner