Biography
I head a team of specialist solicitors who act for adults and children who have sustained severe brain and/or spinal cord damage. Quite simply, our job is to try and make the lives of our clients and their families easier and more comfortable.
The cases my team pursues are often very complex and involve large amounts of money. Rehabilitation is always at the forefront of our minds and we aim to get our clients the help they need when they need it. This normally involves sorting out help with care and getting the client the therapies they need such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
Equipment/transport/housing/employment and education are some of the other issues that we look at during the course of the claim. Compensation can never turn the clock back but it can enable clients to have a decent quality of life again and reduce or eliminate the stress placed upon their loved ones.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is to listen to the client and find out what their priorities are and then sort those issues out for them. Seeing someone stand, walk or talk again after lots of therapy or seeing a client in their new purposely adapted house with proper bathroom and bedroom facilities always makes my job worthwhile.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I like the fact that the staff of Irwin Mitchell genuinely care for their clients and always try to put the client's needs first. Over the course of my career I have taken over many cases from other firms of solicitors and am always appalled that people take on cases which they do not have the experience and expertise to handle.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I do Pilates Orbit in a quest to keep fit (basically it’s Pilates using a type of skateboard!). I have also recently bought a bike. I like to spend time with friends and family and enjoy eating out, walking and going to the theatre/cinema.
Testimonials
"She shares her knowledge in an extremely supportive manner and recognises and respects others' expertise too." – Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Carolyn Heaton is a brilliant lawyer and meticulous in everything she does – she spots problems coming and deals with them and then gets brilliant results. I cannot recommend the team more highly." – Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)
"She is a great listener and very proactive." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Carolyn Heaton is a truly exceptional partner who is very popular with everybody she works with, extremely conscientious and really delightful to work with. She gets brilliant results for her clients." – Legal 500, 2020
"The client is always first and foremost in her mind. She makes sure she understands their needs and always delivers". – Chambers & Partners, 2019
Sources commend her for her "exceptional forensic ability. She also has a remarkable ability to look ahead at problems that may arise but have not arisen yet." –
Chambers & Partners 2018
Interviewees describe her as "empathetic and sensitive" noting that "she is focused on the best possible rehabilitation and best outcomes for her clients" – Chambers & Partners 2017
"We can't praise you enough for the hours of work that have been done. We always knew it was a difficult case, but you worked hard to bring it to a successful conclusion. It has been a difficult time since our son's accident, but we are pleased that he now has funds to help provide for his needs." – Client
"Although I could speak at length about their professionalism, knowledge and assistance - which is undoubted - the concern they showed throughout for my own welfare and the support their provided is what sets them apart. Throughout my time dealing with [Carolyn] (over a period of approximately 18 months), they proved excellent at their job but also remained patient and ready to take the time to explain the legal jargon which is part of any such case. This human touch makes all the difference for anyone who is new to the legal world." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Carolyn Heaton was the person sent out to me from their Leeds office and straight away I had a feeling of some one who would care for us unreservedly throughout the entirety of the claim. Carolyn was here for us from start to finish... [she] completed each part of the claim with expediency care and kindness and each consultant she found for my husband was the best in their field in this country... I would not hesitate to direct anyone in need of this type of service to contact Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Carolyn Heaton, Alan Ball and the IM team have been nothing but amazing in every area of dealing with our child’s claim. The professionalism and specialised expertise shown throughout the claim and rehabilitation process over the past 10 years never faltered. We can not thank Carolyn and her team enough for the constant support and reassurance through extremely difficult times. We would unreservedly recommend IM." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Carolyn and Alan have made a very difficult process and time uncomplicated and understandable for me and my family. They are always contactable and happy to explain anything to me at any time. They have both been friendly as have all staff I have met at Irwin Mitchell."
"Our case is nearly settled now, thanks to Caroyln, Alan and the people they have introduced to us, my daughter will be cared for all her life, by trained cares and professionals. I really can not thank Irwin Mitchell enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We spent nearly 7 years working with Carolyn and David after our mum had a RTA. There were many hurdles put in our way but they fought it all the way for us and kept us up to date with everything along the way. Thanks again to all the team and also to Henry Witcomb our barrister who all helped and supported us all along the way." - 5* Trustpilot review
