Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant: Scotland

Anderson Strathern's clinical negligence team represents clients across a range of high-value and complex cases, including a significant number of birth injury cases during the past year. This group also works with the firm's private client team to provide a full service encompassing tax planning, trust formation and investment advice. Sources say: "They research their cases extremely thoroughly and have lots of sensible and pertinent questions to ask of the experts. They are prepared to listen, and to widen their research and seek other opinions as required." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman and dispute resolution partner Robert Carr is praised for his "skill, and thorough knowledge of applicable law and medical issues." Senior associate Judy Williamson is also held in high regard, and she has recently led a number of birth injury and misdiagnosis claims. Catriona Watt is a senior associate who is considered to be "dedicated and experienced," and is valued for her "excellent communication and negotiation skills" in clinical negligence matters.

Balfour + Manson is praised for its "well-organised and efficient" approach to clinical negligence matters. The team's strength and reputation in this field is based upon its "hard-working and focused" attitude and its "knowledge of the difficult medical aspects of each case." Recently the firm has acted in a number of multimillion-pound cerebral palsy cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected Fred Tyler "works extremely hard for his clients and is passionate about what he does." He has particular expertise in birth cases and has recently acted in a complex misdiagnosis case. Elaine Motion is "driven, strong and caring; she pushes hard for her clients." She is noted for her handling of cerebral palsy cases, as is senior associate Ann Logan. Logan is described as "kind, compassionate and focused. Nothing ever stresses her and she is enormously supportive to her clients."

Brodies' clinical negligence team is praised for its responsiveness and the clarity of its advice to clients. The team continues to act on a range of high-value cases, including birth injury, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Armstrong leads the clinical negligence team and has recently advised on a complex birth injury case. Associate Siobhan Sullivan is commended for her efficiency and organisation. She recently settled a reparation case arising from birth mismanagement which caused long-term impairment of limb functionality.

Peacock Johnston has a "recognised level of expertise in clinical negligence, which enables it to communicate over the issues at an appropriate level." This expanding clinical negligence team has been involved in a variety of cases recently, including a fatality caused by alleged multiparty negligence, as well as a number of cerebral palsy claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Pollock is considered to be a "thorough individual, who works hard and is extremely sensitive to the needs of clients." He has particular expertise in cancer-related cases, and he recently acted in a major medical fatal accident inquiry. Associate Laura Ceresa is "straightforward, approachable and reasonable." She has specific expertise in dental cases, having previously worked in dental practice management.