Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant: Yorkshire

THE FIRM This national colossus is a dominant presence in many of the UK regions, and particularly in Yorkshire, which is home to both the firm's Sheffield-based headquarters and its successful Leeds office. Clients are impressed by its consistent standard of excellence, appreciation of time factors and understanding of the particular sensitivities of litigation in this field.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "dedicated and tenacious" Rachelle Mahapatra is based in Leeds and is considered to be amongst the finest claimant clinical negligence practitioners in the county. "She manages cases well, ensuring they are tackled at an early stage and given direction, which is enormously beneficial," sources say. Mahapatra is best known for her work on cerebral palsy cases and other birth injury claims. She is also skilled at managing surgical negligence cases, in particular those involving colorectal surgery. David Body's reputation in this sector stretches far beyond Yorkshire and he is widely regarded as being one of the top clinical negligence players in the country. While John Pickering's practice isn't exclusively focused on clinical negligence, his work on catastrophic personal injury claims and product liability litigation gives him a rounded approach. He was recently made managing partner of the firm. Associate Caitlin Delaney is a former nurse and midwife and she has used her insight into this field to specialise in obstetric claims, including Erb's palsy and cerebral palsy claims. She is also experienced in oncological claims and has prosecuted cases concerning the failure of keyhole surgical procedures. Esteemed associate Delyth Jones was recently involved in achieving a settlement of £100,000 for psychiatric injuries caused by the knowledge of the risk of CJD.

THE FIRM This Leeds-based firm stands out for the breadth of its specialist knowledge and is widely seen as a top-quality practice, with the lawyers praised for providing real strength and depth.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Three of its practitioners are singled out for praise. "If I had a birth injury case I would go straight to Julia Morrill, if it was an inquest then Fiona Borrill would be the right person, and if it was cancer-related then I would hotfoot it to Susan Bartfield," one commentator noted.

THE FIRM Ashton Morton Slack has enjoyed a highly successful year and continues to develop its clinical negligence experience. Recent cases include cerebral palsy claims and a matter involving the delay in diagnosis of a soft-tissue infection that led to septicaemia, cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain damage.

Sources Say: "The firm makes a point of not shying away from difficult cases, and there is an attention to detail and a willingness to do preparatory work that isn't always present at the larger practices."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ben Gent and Zoe Holland are credited with helping to establish the team as one of the premier practices in Yorkshire.

THE FIRM This regional practice has a 12-strong team that focuses exclusively on clinical negligence work. The firm is held in high regard by the Bar, which considers it to punch significantly above its weight. The team handles a broad spectrum of claims, including birth injury cases and an increasing number of surgical claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Johnson is esteemed as a "flawless clinical negligence practitioner."

THE FIRM This firm has a strong standing in the local clinical negligence market. In addition to offices in Leeds and Sheffield, a recent merger has given the firm a presence in Doncaster.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Janet Baker has an excellent reputation and is one of most renowned practitioners in the field. She has a wealth of experience in high-value claims, including birth injury cases, and is admired for her "expert handling of exceptionally high-quality work."

THE FIRM New to the rankings, Hull-based Stamp Jackson and Procter has a strong reputation in the region and wins glowing feedback from barristers as one of their favourite firms.

Sources Say: "It is well organised, efficient and extremely good at what it does."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Holland, the head of department, is a "switched-on and talented solicitor."