Helen Childs and Richard Brooks co-head the personal injury department at RWK Goodman, regarded by one client as an ‘outstanding leader in the industrial disease sector’. The team holds a particular specialism in asbestos-related claims as well as other occupational diseases, a notable area of practice for Childs in particular. Brooks meanwhile advises claimants in chronic pain and neurological disorder litigation, overseeing cases involving injuries acquired at work or from an animal. Maud Lepez, who joined in early 2024, holds over 13 years of experience in cross-jurisdictional personal injury claims acquired during holidays or traffic accidents abroad.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘This team, along with other offices within RWK Goodman, has become an outstanding leader in the industrial disease sector. The real strength of the team lies in the skill and dedication of its fee earners and partners.’

  • 'A specialised firm with dedicated expertise in the personal injury space. Excellent quality.’

  • ‘The team - led by Helen Childs - has really forged ahead in the last 10 years, becoming one of the best in the market, taking on difficult cases and really making a name for themselves in an area of law that previously had been sewn up by a handful of other firms.’

  • ‘Helen Childs leads by example. She is extremely hard working and diligent, and is always available for her clients. She is always able to develop a bound with them that makes them feel comfortable and in control.’

  • ‘An outstanding firm which has grown from strength to strength. A leader in asbestos litigation.’

  • ‘Helen Childs is a force to be reckoned with. Willing to take on the most difficult cases and manages to win them.’

  • ‘Amazing asbestos litigation team - extremely knowledgable and always ready to go the extra mile.’

Key clients

  • Gordon D
  • Clifford W
  • James H
  • Robert S
  • Ellie Thorman
  • Maisie Wood

Work highlights

  • Advised on a mesothelioma claim for a particularly young mesothelioma sufferer with exposure that was at the bottom end of the latency period, during a period of nominal self employment but involving Lane v Shire Roofing “effectively an employee” arguments, and also involving the company’s insurers failing to confirm their involvement despite a positive ELTO search.
  • Advised the family of a man killed in a road traffic accident in France in a claim valued in excess of £5m.
  • Advised Ellie Thorman suing over pelvic injuries which ruined her Army Officer career.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Richard Brooks, Helen Childs

Other key lawyers

Maud Lepez