Biography
I am head of the Serious Injury team in Southampton and specialise in claims for adults and children who have suffered life-changing injuries, which may include brain or spinal injury. These injuries can result from road accidents, accidents at work, falls from height, defective products or chemical exposure.
I have over 20 years of experience and have acted on behalf of accident victims throughout that time. I am client-focused from the outset. I always ensure that clients receive the rehabilitation they need via co-operation with the defendant insurer, issuing proceedings early and securing court ordered payments or, if liability is disputed, ensuring the NHS provide all available support.
Testimonials
‘Claire Howard has an enviable track record litigating complex brain injury cases, and doing it well. She forms sensible personal and professional relationships with the client, family, treating team and experts. She is not afraid to ask difficult questions, she is willing to continue to learn, and she is clear about boundaries.' - Legal 500, 2025
"Claire Howard is very experienced - she's a force of nature." - Chambers & Partners 2025 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"She knows enough about clinical issues to able to ask all of the right questions while maintaining a charming and engaging persona. Families like her for a very good reason - she can relate to them and, judging by her results, she also knows how to work well with opposing colleagues." - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"She is an expert in high-value litigation involving head and spinal injuries." - Legal 500 2022
"She is straightforward, easy to understand, helpful, thorough, knowledgeable and very experienced. She will give honest and open advice." – Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"Claire Howard is efficient, friendly, personable and extremely capable with a great deal of expertise in her area." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Apart from being an incredibly capable solicitor, very personable, approachable and always willing to help.", additional interviewees laud her as "absolutely amazing," – Chambers & Partners, 2019
A client praises Claire as "absolutely terrific; I have the highest regard for her as a personal injury specialist for spinal injuries. She goes the extra mile and really puts in a shift for her clients." Another adds: "She is responsive, helpful and brilliant to work with. I have 100% confidence in her." – Chambers & Partners 2018
Claire "really fights and gets fantastic results" and "her depth of knowledge is excellent." – Chambers & Partners 2017
"Outstandingly good" – Legal 500, 2017
Claire Howard is "a formidable advocate" and "consistently delivers an excellent service" – Legal 500 2016
"A remarkable lawyer who does tremendous work for her clients" – Chambers & Partners 2016
"Claire Howard 'is very committed,' 'works hard' and 'has great judgment', sources say. She frequently handles complex and high-value claims." – Chambers & Partners 2015
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
To be honest, I fell into it. I wanted to go to university and law seemed a good option. Having completed the degree it seemed sensible to qualify as a solicitor. During my training I realised that personal injury litigation was the area for me. It suited my personality and I really enjoy the client contact and being fulfilled by making a real difference to peoples' lives.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I am in a very privileged position. I come into peoples' lives when they can be in crisis, and am able to take away some of their worries and help individuals and their families rebuild their lives
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy the camaraderie, the fresh and vibrant feel of the new office and working with like-minded individuals where the client always comes first.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I try to support people with a brain injury within the local community as a committee member for the Isle of Wight Headway branch. I volunteer at monthly support group meetings, fundraise and have advocated on behalf of service users and their families. Each year I attend the Headway National Conference and AGM. Out of the office, I enjoy walking Baxter, my flat coat retriever, foreign travel and spending time with my family.
Client Testimonials
"From that very first meeting I can honestly say that nothing has been too much trouble for Claire, she has helped the two of us in so many ways it is impossible to list them all. Whenever we needed her she was available, if she was not able to answer the telephone due to other matters she would always get back as soon as possible, and without exception explained everything in clear understandable terms. Without her initial response and follow up there is no doubt we would not have been able to manage as well as we have." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The Solicitor has been clear in her explanations, helpful, she responds promptly to questions and queries, is easy to understand. It has been great working with her over several years- I have had total confidence in her abilities and her perseverance to see the case to its successful conclusion. She is able to steer you along the route with ease, good humour and lots of information. A big thumbs up!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"We could not have chosen a more competent, efficient, and caring solicitor than Claire Howard. She not only gained an excellent settlement, but in all our dealings with her, she came across in a very friendly, approachable manner... Contacting Irwin Mitchell and gaining the services of Claire was the best decision we could have hoped for. I would highly recommend her and am happy to award the highest rating to a very able and professional solicitor" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Claire Howard from IM was great throughout the process. Very supportive and knowledgeable. Through very difficult times we eventually got a good settlement and without her and the support of the professionals around her we would never of achieve this result. Thank you Claire enormously. Robert & Rita" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I feel very fortunate that a kind neighbour recommended Irwin Mitchell to me for my personal injury claim. Even more lucky was I to have Claire Howard handling my case. She has been hardworking, enthusiastic, kind and most helpful. She has a wide range of contacts in the medical, legal and financial worlds and has networked with them all most effectively." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I hope you know by now how much we value you and how grateful we are to have had you on our side all through this. You have been truly marvellous every step of the way and we have had complete faith in you throughout!" - JC
"Thank you for all your continued support. It has meant so much to me and Andy. I know people will say well it's your job but you always seemed to go that extra mile and encourage. There was many a time that I felt like throwing in the towel but you always gave me that 'fire in my belly' to continue....Thank you" - JL
"Claire has been a pillar of support from our initial contact through to the completion of our claim. We would have no hesitation in recommending her to other families finding themselves in our position" - Mr & Mrs C
"I would like to thank Claire Howard for her consummate professional assistance over the years in what has been a challenging and very complex case. Thank you - you have been great!" - LS
