Switalskis Solicitors > Leeds, England > Firm Profile
Switalskis Solicitors Offices
Floor 9 West Village
114 Wellington Street
LEEDS
LS1 1BA
England
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Switalskis Solicitors > The Legal 500 Rankings
Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1
Switalskis Solicitors has multiple specialisms within clinical negligence, spanning maternity negligence, birth injury, brain injury, and baby loss cases, and the associated inquests, with extensive experience in group action claims. The ‘client-focused and fearless’ team is led by Suzanne Munroe, who specialises in cerebral palsy claims, brain injury issues arising from neonatal negligence, and inquests relating to stillbirths and early neonatal death. Sarah Tipton Walker leads a specialist team that focuses on complex, high-value brain injury cases and unusual catastrophic claims, while Richard Starkie is experienced in serious spinal and brain injuries and is skilled in claims that have an international element. Robyn Hawxby is noted for her work relating to spinal and neurological injuries, and stroke claims.Practice head(s):
Suzanne Munroe; Sarah Tipton Walker
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Switalskis has built a hugely experienced clinical team who also take a very personal approach to their clients.’
‘Attention to detail, focus on the client, unswerving devotion to their clients.’
‘Richard Starkie is exceptionally talented. He is assiduous in his attention to detail. He is a first-rate lawyer with good judgment, too.’
‘They stand out for their specialism in maternity claims. They lead the way in supporting clients who have suffered from poor maternity care, both within the claims process and through external reviews.’
‘The team are approachable and friendly people. They can discuss complex terms in a client-friendly way and help people navigate the jargon.’
‘Suzanne Munroe is a people person who shows compassion, understanding and care to all of her clients and their families. She stays up to date with the law and is always looking for solutions, legal and practical.’
‘Sarah Tipton Walker is ferocious and formidable in her fight to get the best outcome for her clients and is not afraid to tackle the more difficult case types.’
‘The Switalski’s clinical negligence team are second to none. They are client-focused and fearless when running client cases. They work closely with other professionals to ensure the best outcome for clients.’
Private client > Family: elsewhere in Yorkshire Tier 1
The ‘knowledge rich and highly specialised’ team at Switalskis Solicitors combines in-depth expertise in financial remedy work with an experienced care team, led by Clare Peckett in Wakefield. In Sheffield, Toby Netting assists clients with a collaborative approach; he is also a trained mediator. Jennifer Heckingbottom heads up the care team in South Yorkshire - ‘a truly first rate care solicitor‘ with experience in high sensitivity matters including forced marriage protection orders. Allan Layfield is particularly recommended for his ‘combination of professionalism and empathy‘, and regularly handles divorce cases involving complex assets.Practice head(s):
Clare Peckett; Toby Netting; Jennifer Heckingbottom
Other key lawyers:
Samantha Downes; Allan Layfield
Testimonials
‘Toby Netting was excellent to deal with, cool and very calm, and always avoided inflammatory behavior whilst dealing with a divorce case.’
‘Very experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge, but also friendly and approachable, communicate well and when they say they’re going to.’
‘Allan Layfield’s combination of professionalism and empathy is a seldom found combination which I believe makes him unique amongst his peers.’
‘The professionalism of the solicitors, especially Allan Layfield, was great. I was able to openly ask questions, from my initial query and the way the firm answered my questions were great. They were clear about what was expected from me and outcome of the case.’
‘Experienced, solid and reliable team. All the lawyers that I have dealt with at this firm are trusted and reliable and the firm overall has the benefit of its extensive infrastructure and weight.’
‘Jennifer Heckingbottom is a truly first rate care solicitor, especially at representing children and working with guardians. Very thorough, very well prepared. Great judgment, flowing from years of experience. One of the most respected in the region.’
‘Toby Netting is very good. He is calm, considered and reasonable whilst representing his client’s interests. He is equally comfortable collaborating and litigating and is a good choice for clients.’
‘Switalskis solicitors have a small niche specialist team that are knowledge rich and highly specialised in the service their provide to their clients. They are friendly and approachable and offer a particularly strong service when representing vulnerable children, in particular teenagers. Switalski’s are a pleasure to work with and are extremely professional in all they do.’
Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 2
Switalskis Solicitors has strength in numerous specialist areas within criminal law, including mental health and mental capacity law, child abuse, and adult abuse claims. Solicitor advocate Michael Devlin leads the team, and has experience representing clients at all levels. Barrister Jim Littlehales has key strength in motoring crime, while Rob Fones is adept in defending clients accused of sexual offences. Sarah Myatt is a qualified solicitor advocate, and has expertise in representing clients affected by mental health issues.Practice head(s):
Michal Devlin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Switalksis still do things the ‘right’ way. They attend court to support counsel and their lay clients. They act quickly upon requests from counsel. They display the highest professional standards and genuinely care about their clients’ cases.‘
‘I would have no hesitation in recommending them if a family member or friend needed representation in criminal proceedings which is, arguably, the best measure of a firm’s qualities.’
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2
Switalskis Solicitors handles a varied spectrum of serious injury cases involving brain injuries, amputations and of life-changing injuries, and also fields a distinct child abuse team. Mark Hollinghurst is head of the brain and spinal injury team, while John McQuater jointly leads the general personal injury; he has a breadth of expertise and experience advising on amputations, fatalities, and complex appeals. Fellow personal injury practice co-head Diane Parker has an impressive track record in employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability, and road traffic accidents. As head of the child abuse litigation practice, David Greenwood also leads on the firm's lobbying and claims work; Amy Clowrey is noted for her significant contributions in this area.Practice head(s):
Mark Hollinghurst; Diane Parker; David Greenwood; John McQuater
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Switalskis’ has grown into one of the strongest serious injury practices in the region. They have a very experienced team, and I really like their emphasis on client care.’
‘Mark Hollinghurst is a partner of great ability and experience. He draws on a huge wealth of experience but has not lost empathy for his clients or the desire to fight to obtain the best results for them.’
‘The personal injury team at Switalskis has forged out a growing reputation in Yorkshire as one of the premier firms providing a specialist service. The team has intellectual strength in depth and with good internal collaboration and diversity.’
‘John McQuater is a personal injury practitioner who has extensive experience in acting on behalf of claimants over a number of years. John has established himself as a widely respected and highly intelligent specialist who is tenacious in acting on behalf of his clients.’
‘John McQuater is not only a living legal library but is the calm voice of reason when problems arise, setting clients, associates and experts at ease.’
‘Diane Parker is an extremely personable individual who puts clients, experts, and the opposing side at ease.’
‘Mark Hollinghurst is a stand-out lawyer, always calm, extremely thorough, pragmatic and sensible and has extensive experience with serious injury claims. He is willing to go the extra mile for his clients.’
‘Switalskis Solicitors manage to combine a very personal, time and care-intensive approach with a hugely successful business. They excel in difficult and sensitive cases because of the care they take in understanding each and every client and their individual needs.’
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
Private client > Court of protection Tier 3
The ‘collaborative’ team at Switalskis Solicitors ‘works efficiently and diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for each of its clients’. The team is renowned for its skill at advising on complex mental capacity issues and welfare cases. It also deftly covers deprivation of liberty and community care challenges. In addition, it receives a regular flow of instructions from the Official Solicitor. Alison Kaye heads the practice. Michael Kennedy is also highly regarded.Practice head(s):
Alison Kaye
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kennedy; Nichola Burridge-Todd; Danielle Smithurst; Robyn Mayoh
Testimonials
‘Switalskis are an extremely impressive, premier firm. They attract instructions in the most complex and interesting Court of Protection cases including serious medical treatment and deprivation of liberty cases. They work and communicate effectively within their own team.’
‘Michael Kennedy is extremely knowledgeable both on the law and procedure relevant to the Court of Protection. He is friendly, approachable and readily available to speak if urgent matters arise in his cases. His advice is always accurate and he is tactically astute.’
‘Michael Kennedy has a lovely manner with both clients and counsel. He is pragmatic in his approach and fights hard for his clients. His is always well prepared and this shows in his advice to the official solicitor which is always clear, concise and well reasoned.’
‘Danielle Smithhurst is brilliant with the client showing empathy and respect, and acts with professionalism at all times. Danielle is knowledgeable, a really good communicator. She impresses me with her unwavering attitude towards upholding the rights of the individual.’
‘Alison Kaye stands out as a hugely committed partner with strong leadership skills and dynamism.’
‘Michael Kennedy’s expertise across Court of Protection and community care law is staggering, and his personable, relatively informal approach creates an environment where clients feel able to engage and express their views even in the most tricky cases. His advocacy is equally brilliant, calm, and reassuring.’
‘Robyn Mayoh is excellent with lay clients. She is able to deliver complex and evolving information in a clear and effective way, whilst putting clients at ease in the midst of a stressful situation.’
‘Alison Kaye, Nichola Burridge-Todd, and Danielle Smithurst discharge their duties as Accredited Legal Representative for P’s assiduously.’
Work highlights
- Acting in a s.15/16 best interests case which involves a young man (19) with global development delay who was moved from his previous placement, a children’s home, to his supported living placement where he receives care, and the main live issues are P’s use of the internet and social media, his contact with others, and his engagement in sexual relations.
- Acting in a s. 15/16 matter for the mother of P, a young man who currently resides with his foster parents.
- Acting for P (a lady with a very rare diagnosis of Cornelia De Langue Syndrome) who has significant care needs, and one of the complexities in this case is that P is non-verbal, so it is difficult to obtain her wishes.
Switalskis Solicitors > Firm Profile
Switalskis provides expert legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses across the Yorkshire region and beyond. Our lawyers offer a comprehensive, highly personal service to clients both locally and nationally.
The firm:
Established by Stephen Switalski in 1993, the firm initially had a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then, we have expanded to 11 locations, employing more than 390 staff in offices across Yorkshire and London who provide a wide array of specialist legal services. We strive to ensure positive outcomes for every client.
The firm offers a wide range of specialist legal services and first-class client care to individuals and businesses in a number of areas of the law. These include abuse claims, brain and spinal injury, child care, clinical negligence, commercial and dispute resolution, commercial property, Court of Protection, crime, family, newbuild conveyancing, personal injury, property development, residential conveyancing and wills and probate.
Many of Switalskis directors and solicitors are nationally recognised experts within their field, leading growing teams of highly capable and ambitious lawyers. Organic and acquisitive growth has been fundamental to the current and ongoing commercial success of the firm.
Switalskis strives to be a great place to work and was included in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Types of work undertaken:
Switalskis clinical negligence team has vast experience and expertise in the area of complex birth injury claims, including cerebral palsy claims. The notably large team also deals with a wide range of claims relating to injuries suffered as a result of medical negligence, including complex neurological claims, orthopaedic claims, oncology claims, psychiatric claims and fatal claims, as well as providing expert representation at inquests.
The Personal Injury team help clients to claim for injuries including those suffered at work, on the road, in public places and on holiday in the UK and abroad. Our specialist solicitors work on industrial disease cases, fatal accidents aviation accidents and farm worker accidents. They deal with unusual cases including cow attacks and poisoning.
The firm’s brain and spinal injury team specialises in complex brain injury claims, including acting on behalf of clients who are in a minimally conscious state (MCS). The team works closely with clients, their families and those involved in their care with the aim of providing the maximum rehabilitation and support.
As a testament to the important and far-reaching nature of the work of Switalskis abuse claims department, the team is regularly instructed to act on behalf of survivors in high-profile cases, including representing victims of the widely reported Rotherham CSE scandal. The team deals with compensation claims relating to child sexual exploitation and abuse against a wide range of organisations and individuals, including local authorities, private care homes and the church.
Switalskis’ Court of Protection team is renowned for dealing with complex mental capacity and welfare cases and deprivation of liberty challenges in the Court of Protection, alongside community care challenges. The department has particular expertise in assisting people who are affected by learning disabilities, autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, mental health issues, acquired brain injuries, behavioural needs and communication difficulties.
The firm’s network of respected family law solicitors provide support to clients facing divorce, child custody, adoption and guardianship issues. Members of the team are trained collaborative lawyers who help clients to have an amicable divorce. The team also assists clients who have issues arising from forced marriage.
Switalskis commercial property team provides a range of specialist support. From securing business premises to dealing with site issues and negotiating terms, the team works with some of the biggest names on the high street.
Other offices: Barnsely, Bradford, Doncaster, Knaresborough, Leeds, London, Pontefract, Sheffield, Wakefield and York.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing director | John Durkan | ||
| Family and child care | Clare Peckett | ||
| Family and child care | Razia Jogi | ||
| Family and child care | Lorrette Law | ||
| Clinical negligence | Suzanne Munroe | ||
| Clinical negligence | Sarah Tipton Walker | ||
| Conveyancing | Sarah Cookson | ||
| Child abuse compensation | David Greenwood | ||
| Mental health law and COP | Michael Kennedy | ||
| Brain injury and serious injury | Mark Hollinghurst |
Solicitor Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr Michael Devlin | Solicitor Advocate | View Profile |
|
Ms Suzanne Munroe | Director & Solicitor Head of Clinical Negligence department | View Profile |
|
Ms Clare Peckett | Director & Solicitor | View Profile |
Barrister Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr Michael Kennedy | Director & Barrister | View Profile |
|
Mr Jim Littlehales | Jim is a high-profile criminal law practitioner in the Leeds area. He… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 34 Number of other UK fee-earners : 126Switalskis Solicitors > Firm Profile
Switalskis provides expert legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses across the Yorkshire region and beyond. Our lawyers offer a comprehensive, highly personal service to clients both locally and nationally.
The firm:
The firm was established by Stephen Switalski in 1993, initially with a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then, we have expanded to 11 locations, employing more than 390 staff in offices across Yorkshire and London who provide a wide array of specialist legal services. We strive to ensure positive outcomes for every client.
The firm offers a wide range of specialist legal services and first-class client care to individuals and businesses in a number of areas of the law. These include abuse claims, brain and spinal injury, child care, clinical negligence, commercial and dispute resolution, commercial property, Court of Protection, crime, family, newbuild conveyancing, personal injury, property development, residential conveyancing and wills and probate.
Many of Switalskis directors and solicitors are nationally recognised experts within their field, leading growing teams of highly capable and ambitious lawyers. Organic and acquisitive growth has been fundamental to the current and ongoing commercial success of the firm.
Switalskis strives to be a great place to work and was included in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Types of work undertaken:
Switalskis clinical negligence team has vast experience and expertise in the area of complex birth injury claims, including cerebral palsy claims. The notably large team also deals with a wide range of claims relating to injuries suffered as a result of medical negligence, including complex neurological claims, orthopaedic claims, oncology claims, psychiatric claims and fatal claims, as well as providing expert representation at inquests.
The Personal Injury team help clients to claim for injuries including those suffered at work, on the road, in public places and on holiday in the UK and abroad. Our specialist solicitors work on industrial disease cases, fatal accidents aviation accidents and farm worker accidents. They deal with unusual cases including cow attacks and poisoning.
The firm’s brain and spinal injury team specialises in complex brain injury claims, including acting on behalf of clients who are in a minimally conscious state (MCS). The team works closely with clients, their families and those involved in their care with the aim of providing the maximum rehabilitation and support.
As a testament to the important and far-reaching nature of the work of Switalskis abuse claims department, the team is regularly instructed to act on behalf of survivors in high-profile cases, including representing victims of the widely reported Rotherham CSE scandal. The team deals with compensation claims relating to child sexual exploitation and abuse against a wide range of organisations and individuals, including local authorities, private care homes and the church.
Switalskis’ Court of Protection team is renowned for dealing with complex mental capacity and welfare cases and deprivation of liberty challenges in the Court of Protection, alongside community care challenges. The department has particular expertise in assisting people who are affected by learning disabilities, autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, mental health issues, acquired brain injuries, behavioural needs and communication difficulties.
The firm’s network of respected family law solicitors provide support to clients facing divorce, child custody, adoption and guardianship issues. Members of the team are trained collaborative lawyers who help clients to have an amicable divorce. The team also assists clients who have issues arising from forced marriage.
Switalskis commercial property team provides a range of specialist support. From securing business premises to dealing with site issues and negotiating terms, the team works with some of the biggest names on the high street.
Other offices: Barnsely, Bradford, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Knaresborough, London, Pontefract, Sheffield, Wakefield and York.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Clinical Negligence client
TESTIMONIAL:
“I will always remember the kindness. You always listened and did the very best for us to lessen the grief we were facing. Your hard work, dedication and compassion was evident and that gave me the hope and strength to continue with the case despite difficult times”.
CLIENT: Clinical Negligence client
TESTIMONIAL:
“Thank you for being open minded and compassionate, for accepting my case, believing in me in the most difficult time of my life, and helping me through your patience and professionalism in getting justice for my baby and my family. Once again thanks for all your dedication, it has been a very enriching experience your representation as our solicitor.”
CLIENT: Clinical Negligence client
TESTIMONIAL:
“The care, compassion and professional way you worked on my case was superb. There was no stone left unturned to get to the truth. At times I felt really down but you have a certain way of picking people back up and getting them focused again. I truly am very grateful for all the work you have put into my case. Once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart”.
CLIENT: Family Law client
TESTIMONIAL:
“I am so happy with your representation during probably the most difficult and stressful time of my life. You definitely went above and beyond to help me. Your professional knowledge and legal advice was without doubt the reason my case was successful. I will be forever grateful.”
CLIENT: Family Law client
TESTIMONIAL:
“At the most traumatic time in your life you need the best legal advice available. At Switalskis I got this and much more. Allan Layfield managed my case with professionalism and skill. He walked alongside me for over 5 years. He was my support, he listened (a lot!), and he was patient and very kind. To find a Solicitor with this skill set and compassion could be suggested a rarity.”
CLIENT: Family Law client
TESTIMONIAL:
“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I have this opportunity to pass on my gratitude to Alison.
Alison has given her all when it has come to my dilemma, giving professional guidance with great integrity. Alison along with her fabulous team have committed themselves to seeing the job in hand resolved right through to the very end. Alison has the ability to keep you on track with the matter in hand whilst being kind, caring and considerate when dealing with sensitive and often emotional issues.”
CLIENT: Court of Protection
TESTIMONIAL:
“There are named members of staff that we can ring for advice. Any 21a referrals we pass to them we know they will be dealt with in a professional manner and we will be kept updated with relevant information. Alison Kaye has over a number of years provided awareness training over changes in legislation and is available to answer our queries and questions. We have also relied on Michael Kennedy for support and guidance”.
CLIENT: Court of Protection
TESTIMONIAL:
“Switalskis solicitors practice is an exceptional practice that is proactive from start to finish of a case and always updates me every step of the way which is important for me and the client. It is no trouble for them to explain what is going on in the case. For me what makes the individuals stand out is the fact they do not keep you waiting, they get back to you straight away they do not keep you waiting. They always update you about the case and when the case is over they let you know”.
Diversity
We are committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment for all employees, clients and visitors. Respect, equality and inclusion is central to the ethos of the Switalskis group and forms the heart of our firm’s values.
We commissioned a review of our working practices to address any areas that we feel were working well and to identify how as a business we could implement better practice.
The paper identified the need to name a new ED&I Lead, who would assume responsibility for strategy relating to policy, standards being met and monitoring as necessary. With our new Head of People (HR), we are rolling out an ED&I Steering Group to drive activity and visibility across the group. Such involvement will be available to all employees and will be driven by our new interactive SwitsHub (intranet).
We have updated our policy so that it shows our commitment to include a specific Trans and non-binary inclusion policy. We encourage individuality and choice.
As demonstrated in our gender pay report, we pride ourselves in equality throughout our business.
We are actively reviewing our recruitment policy to ensure it is progressive and remains in line with our ethos. We recognise contextualised recruitment may assist in uncovering external factors that may have contributed to a candidate’s grades and experience to assist in identifying self-motivated, driven, outperformers. The fact that an individual has overcome many barriers to achieve a certain outcome demonstrates they might well have performed even better if those barriers were removed. We are a business who welcome applications from minority sectors that otherwise may not feel they are afforded the same opportunities.
We are keen and proud to continue supporting our community. Examples of the support include:
- In sponsored partnership with Paces Sheffield – a specialist Yorkshire-based charity, centre, and school for individuals with cerebral palsy and motor disorders
- Bradford City Football Club women – player sponsorship
- We are actively involved with the Leeds Powerchair Football Club and the Yorkshire Powerchair Football League including sponsorship of the team’s kit
- We support Aspirations Day at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Huddersfield
- We offer regular voluntary work for the UK-wide brain injury charity Headway in Barnsley
- Our colleague, Christine Griffiths is a trustee for Disability Sheffield
- Our colleague, Toby Netting hosts an annual guest lecture to Family Law undergraduates at Sheffield Hallam University
- Our colleague, Ruth Coneron supports events at Huddersfield University, inspiring and helping the next generation of family and care lawyers by speaking to students in particular to support the BAME community
- We offer Pro bono work to service users at Huddersfield University Family Law clinic, whilst allowing students to shadow the team in particular to support the BAME community.
Our people are our greatest asset to a successful business and we recognise that in order to achieve equality, diversity and inclusion for all we must strive for progression and thus create fairness for all
- Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant
- Private client > Family: elsewhere in Yorkshire
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
- Insurance > Personal injury: claimant
Firm Rankings
- Private client > Court of protection