Alison Eddy

Partner Ambassador for Inclusion and former London Managing Partner for Irwin Mitchell LLP.

Having opened the London office for Irwin Mitchell in 1995, I set up and until recently led the medical negligence team in London and I’m recognised as a leading medical negligence lawyer.

I’ve been a passionate advocate for patient safety and for safe, compassionate healthcare for women and have been committed to raising awareness of inequalities in healthcare, particularly in maternity services. 

Championing diversity, inclusion and social mobility within the legal profession is central to my work. In 2008 I helped set up our Diversity & Inclusion Board and led our gender equality group for many years. Irwin Mitchell is currently the only top 50 UK law firm where over 50% of our partners are women. I’ve widely shared how we achieved this, through addressing the barriers women face in progressing their careers and have been an active mentor.

I co- lead our new initiative ‘The Female Voice’ which provides a platform for women from across our networks to be empowered and inspired, to connect, collaborate and share ideas. 

I’m fortunate to be a Trustee for Group B Strep Support charity and a Business Ambassador for Meningitis Now. I’m Global Chair for G100 Diversity Inclusion and Representation Wing, creating connections and finding solutions to global inequalities. 

Testimonials

Legal 500, 2025 - Ranked: Hall of Fame

"Alison Eddy is an absolute legend and very good at client handling." - Chambers & Partners, 2025 (Eminent Practitioner)

"Alison Eddy lives and breathes this area of the law and runs a great team." "She is definitively one of the nation’s pre-eminent clinical negligence lawyers." "I have always been struck by the client care given, as well as the expertise and efficiency of the professional work she delivers." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Star Individual & Eminent Practitioner)

"Alison Eddy creates opportunities for the next generation of CN lawyers and has a legacy in diversity and inclusion whilst servicing her clients’ complex needs in her exemplary fashion." - Legal 500, 2022 (Hall of Fame)

"Alison Eddy is a big name in clinical negligence and has been at the top of her game for decades." – Legal 500, 2021 (Hall of Fame)

"A long-established specialist in this field... She has unrivalled experience and her judgement is always spot-on." – Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Star Individual and Eminent Practitioner)

"Alison Eddy has great powers of analysis and sees straight to the heart of the matter. She is not afraid to challenge people to ensure her clients get the best possible service." - Legal 500, 2020

Alison Eddy "is extremely hard-working, approachable and is a determined advocate for her clients " - Chambers & Partners, 2020

"Leading light… She's very experienced, knowledgeable and very good at strategy," - Chambers & Partners, 2019

"She is one of the greatest claimant solicitors in the market – she really cares about her clients and supervises her team really well." Sources have a "huge amount of respect" for Alison Eddy, describing her as a "brilliant" and "impressive" lawyer.  - Chambers & Partners 2018 

A "wonderful lawyer"... "she's an incredibly committed and very hard-working, inspirational leader," remarks one source. "Brilliant"; "she runs a fantastic team" and provides a "superlative service to her clients." - Chambers & Partners 2017

"A leader in this field" - Legal 500, 2017

Alison Eddy is "as good as it gets", and is exceptionally well regarded by clients and peers alike - Legal 500 2016

Publications

• Contributing author to A Medico-Legal Handbook for Doctors

What inspired you to get into law?

That I would be able to make a real difference to people's lives

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I find it hugely rewarding that through compensation, we are able to improve the quality of lives of our clients by putting in place early rehabilitation, care and support wherever possible.

What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?

Working with talented and passionate lawyers, all working for a common goal to help repair lives that have often been devastated.

What do you do away from the office?

I enjoy walking, travel and relaxing with family and friends.