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
"Carolyn took us from the initial meeting to the conclusion of the case, told us exactly what lay ahead and followed it to a successful conclusion. We were very happy." "Carolyn has a very strong reputation and experience." - - Chambers & Partners 2025 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"She's a lovely and skilled person to work with. I have a lot of respect for Carolyn and the team that she leads." "I think she's among the very best personal injury solicitors in the country. She's always really on it and she really cares about her clients." - Chambers & Partners (Leading Individual - Band 1)
‘Carolyn Heaton is among the very best litigators and leaders of a team. She has outstanding ability. She is extremely ably assisted by Hema Rana (a very hard-working and caring lawyer who carries the heaviest of cases).’ - Legal 500 2024 (Leading Individual)
"Carolyn Heaton leads a really exceptional team – they are all very committed, enthusiastic and thorough. I highly recommend them all." - Legal 500, 2023
"The catastrophic injury team led by Carolyn Heaton is absolutely fantastic – at all levels they outshine other teams and are completely dedicated to getting amazing results for clients. Carolyn is quite exceptional in how she nurtures the team and trains them to a really high standard in every aspect of the work. They are in a class of their own." - Legal 500 2022 (Leading Individual)
Leading Individual - Band 1 - Chambers & Partners, 2022
"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
Client Testimonials
"We have recently had Carolyn & Emily from Leeds dealing with our case. Our case was not your usual case so we weren't sure if we had a chance. It really was complicated. Carolyn & Emily have absolutely smashed it. Not only with our outcome but with all the support we've needed. They have seriously changed the life of our family member & for the very best.
"Never have we had to call them asking where we are in the case. They were on it constantly. We honestly can't thank them enough & even though it's over & we had the best outcome we're going to miss them. I would like to add when we approached Carolyn & Emily, we were so close to missing our deadline, but they worked hard & fast to make sure everything was in on time. Nothing was going to stop these ladies they seriously know their stuff. If you're reading this review go with them, they really are amazing." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I find it hard to put into words how extremely grateful I am to Carolyn Heaton, ably assisted by Emily Sanderson. From being flat on my back in hospital after a car crash to being practically restored to normal, they have been at my side. Likewise with my wife, who has suffered more than me, they were there right from the beginning and for the following two years making our lives bearable and giving us hope for the future. I find it hard to believe anyone could be in better hands. Thank you both so much." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We are grateful to Carolyn Heaton, assisted by Emily Sanderson, for the steady and reassuring support they gave us over the last two and a half years since the car collision that changed mine and my husband’s lives. They have been there from the early days when we were so vulnerable, they took the pressure off, arranged for a team of rehabilitation professionals to help with our recovery and handheld us through the complex and long claims process to a satisfactory settlement of the case. We are greatly indebted to them. We highly recommend Carolyn Heaton and Emily Sanderson at Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"After our son experienced a life-changing permanent brain injury, through no fault of his own, Irwin Mitchell supported us every step of the way. As a result of the knowledge, efficiency and professionalism of Carolyn Heaton (Leeds) and her team, we are able to ensure that our son receives the care and support he needs for the remainder of his life to ensure it is as fulfilled and meaningful as it can be. If you or your loved ones are unfortunate enough to need this support, you should not leave anything to chance; use this company." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I was working with Irwin Mitchell on behalf of my Grandson after he had been in an accident, they were fantastic, what an organisation they are. If I had a question to ask, they made sure the answer was there straight away. I have nothing but praise for the team I had the pleasure of working with and if anybody asked me if I could suggest any solicitors, I would say yes, the one and only Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"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 someone 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 cannot thank Carolyn and her team enough for the constant support and reassurance through extremely difficult times. We would unreservedly recommend IM." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I changed to Irwin Mitchell after a friend highly recommended them when I wasn't happy with my previous solicitor, and it was the best decision I've ever made. They ensured the transition was seamless and repeatedly went above and beyond throughout my case. In what has been the most distressing time of my life, they managed to make me feel supported.
"Nothing was ever too much for them; they were always at the end of the phone if needed. Their attention to detail in my case was unwavering yet they still found time to ensure any worries/questions I had were dealt with efficiently and compassionately. I can't put into words quite what it has meant to have the service Irwin Mitchell has provided me with. I could not recommend them highly enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend Carolyn and Alan for their expert work in being able to secure millions of pounds for their clients which have suffered a catastrophic life-changing injury. They not only managed to deal with each stage of my claim but also empathised with my lack of patience and somewhat short-tempered language. Through the stress of the claim, they were able to approach each situation delicately to help me understand the work that was required whilst giving me the best advice. The standard of professionalism was impeccable and their duty of care to their clients is 1st class." - 5* Trustpilot review
