The ‘hardworking, efficient and clear thinking’ clinical negligence practice at Weightmans LLP is well positioned to handle highly complex medical malpractice cases on behalf of the NHS. Along with large group claims, the team is proficient in disputes requiring quantum, medical causation and liability expertise, and excels in cognitive, spinal, neonatal, psychiatric and cardiac injury litigation. Department head Rachel Kneale ’brings common sense, insight and poise’ in the team’s most high-value claims, which typically involve neurological and obstetric issues. Paul Thomson often advises on orthopaedic, neonatal, and spinal injury cases. Also part of the core team, Isobel Michie  acts for the NHS and healthcare insurers in the full range of clinical negligence cases, and Rosalind Bird is experienced in catastrophic injury claims, with a particular focus on brain and neonatal injuries.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A firm with national coverage with a very strong presence in London. Attention to detail combined with a calm manner when dealing with challenging matters is the hallmark of this firm.’

  • ‘Isobel Michie is the standout partner. Immensely experienced and very easy to work with.’

  • ‘The team at Weightmans are extremely experienced, have brilliant relationships with the Trusts and NHSR and are very efficient. Always a pleasure to be instructed by solicitors at the top of their game.’

  • ‘Sonia Morgan and Rosalind Bird are standout individuals. Both are very thoughtful and analytical in terms of the law and medicine but combine that with an appreciation of the practicalities of clinical negligence litigation.’

  • ‘Consistently works on high-value, complex cases.’

  • ‘This is a great team undertaking high-quality defendant work. It is noteworthy that they have been engaged for the most challenging of claims against the NHS involving complex and technically difficult matters. They are hardworking, efficient and clear thinking.’

  • ‘Rachel Kneale is a highly experienced practitioner in the field. She brings common sense, insight and poise to any case and is able to grasp quickly the essential and important features.'

  • ‘A seriously professional team who delivered a highly focused product with excellent results for the client.’

Key clients

  • NHS Resolution
  • MDDUS
  • United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
  • Wye Valley NHS Trust
  • Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
  • East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
  • Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
  • Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rachel Kneale

Other key lawyers

Paul Thomson, Isobel Michie, Rosalind Bird, Peter Cutler, Sonia Morgan, Samantha Johnson, Adina Bernstein