Barratts Solicitors

Clinical Negligence

Alison is a Law Society and AvMA Clinical Negligence Panel member.  One of the first members of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel and recognised as a leading partner in the field by Legal 500.

I am privileged to have acted for clients in clinical negligence cases for over 35 years. I was one of the first to agree guaranteed annual payments by the NHS to a client with cerebral palsy.  My clients are always my priority, and I am privileged to act as a Deputy for some of my clients and to also see, first hand, how lives can be improved with compensation.

My work in clinical negligence and personal injury has given me a unique insight into the lives of families living with disability and loss as a result of negligent medical care or personal injury.

I specialise in all areas of medical negligence, and I am also involved with Inquests; this is an opportunity to get answers for clients and, where there are failings in patient safety, to seek improvements.

I juggle the skills of a lawyer, social worker, counsellor and negotiator with a lay person’s forensic analysis of medical evidence.  Most importantly I am a listening ear for my clients who put their trust and faith in me.  I cannot think of any other area of the law that is so rewarding.

Recognition

My clinical negligence expertise was recognised by the charity, Action Against Medical Accidents (“AvMA”) for my “work on behalf of injured patients and their families” and “longstanding contribution in the fields of clinical negligence and patient safety.” I am a member of their interview panel for solicitors applying as clinical negligence specialists.

Testimonies obtained by Legal 500, an independent legal guide, note my “vast experience” and “the warmest manner which instantly puts clients at ease”. Sources also describe me as a “hardworking and tenacious advocate” who is celebrated for her “good judgment and thorough approach to a case.”

Chambers, another independent legal guide, describes my “dedication to the client “and note that my “knowledge of the law is superb.”  I am recommended for steering “clients through the litigation process in the most caring and humane manner possible whilst achieving good outcomes.” And am “first rate”.  Clients state that I am “trustworthy” and  have given “the best service possible”.  Other professionals note I am “sensible, approachable and a strong lawyer”.

I am a former member of the Law Society Personal Injury panel and Legal 500 have recognised my specialist experience in traumatic brain injury.  I recently settled a ground breaking road traffic claim for a brain injured client to secure Euro damages linked to earnings in another country.

Charity Work

For many years I have been involved with pro bono work for charities in London and Nottingham.   I am a trustee adviser for Footprints Conductive Education, a Nottingham charity helping children with neurological conditions and Downs Syndrome.  I am a former Secretary of Headway Northwest London and the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum and a former governor of School for Parents (a Scope school in Nottingham).  I have been interviewed by the media and spoken at conferences both in the UK and Australia.

Director of Barratts

I am co-director of Barratts, which is described as having a “small firm sense of client service, with large firm knowledge and expertise”.  Our staff are exceptional, providing a personal, specialist team of experienced senior litigators to achieve the very best for clients.

Le Brasseurs (Medical Protection Society solicitors) Trainee 1986-88; qualified 1988; Stewarts Law,  Associate 1989- 1994; Leigh Day & Co, maternity locum 1994; Kingsley Napley, partner, 1995 - 2001; Barratt Goff & Tomlinson (trading as Barratts Solicitors) Co-Director,  2001 to date.

Trustee Adviser to Footprints Conductive Education Centre.

APIL; AvMA.

Bramcote Hills Grammar School; Reading University 1981-84,  Law degree (Hons 2:1) and Nottingham Trent Law School - law finals - 1985-86

Theatre, music, gardening and piano.  Family and friends.