The Ipswich office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP plays a key role in the firm’s national corporate claims practice, which acts directly for clients rather than through insurer panels. The practice is led by senior partner Nicola Lashmar, who focuses on crisis management and the resolution of high-value and sensitive injury claims; she has an impressive roster of clients, among them Johnson Controls, the Civil Aviation Authority, Thames Water and GSK. Lashmar recently defended Norfolk County Council against a claim brought by the wife of a deceased motorcyclist, who blamed a negligently resurfaced road for the accident. Louise Bland, legal director Paul Coppin, and principal associate Wayne Donovan also play pivotal roles in the practice.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Delivering cost-efficient resolution of disputes.'
'Louise Bland is highly competent and prepares clear and detailed instructions.'
'Louise Bland is very focused on the needs of her professional clients, tactically astute to protect her clients interests and a clear communicator.'
'Proactive, Knowledgeable and approachable. Advice is clear and concise.'
'The team is very knowledgeable on a wide area of topics. Anything that is new or not certain is researched thoroughly to provide the correct advice.'
'They are hugely experienced and knowledgeable, proactive, pragmatic and excel at thinking outside the box.'
'Nicola Lashmar is an outstanding legal practitioner whose empathy, intelligence and tenacity represents a unique standard of excellence in itself.'
'Louise Bland is highly approachable and an extremely safe pair of hands. She is extremely knowledgeable in the law and has strong strategic capabilities, ensuring that the defence of claims are handled in a positive and proactive manner.'

Key clients

Johnson Controls International
Civil Aviation Authority
Thames Water Utilities Limited
UK Research & Innovation
Norfolk County Council
Gov Facility Services Limited
Resolute Management Limited
LV
National Grid Electricity Distribution plc
Buzz Group
GSK
Lyondellbasell

Work highlights

Acted for a national leisure sector client when a customer was left tetraplegic after taking part in activities at the client’s centre. The claimant in his 20’s required lifelong care. The accident had potential to cause huge damage to the client’s brand if not sensitively handled.
Advised a global energy client in a claim where the claimant suffered life changing injuries to lower limbs following an accident on ship. The accident led to a health and safety prosecution with the potential for reputational damage.