Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant: The South

THE FIRM Based in Southampton, this general commercial firm is clearly in the top tier when it comes to claimant clinical negligence.  The clinical negligence team comprises ten fee earners and recent highlights include settling a claim concerning the delayed diagnosis of breast cancer shortly before the case was due to be heard by the Court of Appeal.

Sources Say: "It is head and shoulders above much of the competition in this region."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison McClure is considered to be "the main draw" on the team. McClure enjoys a strong reputation amongst clients, competitor firms and the Bar.

THE FIRM This Hampshire-based firm is instructed in a wide range of clinical negligence cases and is particularly adept when it comes to tricky liability issues. It retains its impressive position despite the loss of Carole Watts to Pictons. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS James King's caseload includes both personal injury and clinical negligence claims. He enters the rankings this year on the back of strong peer feedback for his "first-rate preparation of cases."

THE FIRM This practice has increased in size this year following the recruitment of a number of junior fee earners. Based in Brighton, the group wins much of its work from clients based in Sussex and the surrounding area, although its reputation has a much wider geographical range.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Melanie Minter has a history of medical negligence defence work, which helps her to anticipate the decisions of the NHSLA panel firms. Recent matters include a stillbirth case where the schedule of loss amounted to more than £1 million. Robert Bell is praised by clients for his "experience, focus and direct attitude."

THE FIRM Moore Blatch has undergone some significant changes over the past couple of years, including converting to LLP status in April 2008. It continues to impress in the sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The clinical negligence department is led by former Capsticks solicitor Timothy Spring. He has a wealth of experience in cerebral palsy cases and is particularly adept at managing cases involving infectious diseases of the brain.

THE FIRM Penningtons' clinical negligence department is going from strength to strength and is able to take on the most difficult and high-value cases.

Sources Say: "It competes successfully with the larger and better-known firms nationally."

KEY INDIVIDUALS When it comes to clinical negligence law, Alison Appelboam Meadows is "assured and extremely knowledgeable." Her administrative and client relationship skills are similarly commended: "She is organised, determined and compassionate." She is best known for her work on cerebral palsy claims and other cases involving serious neurological injuries. Philippa Luscombe concentrates on neurosurgical and orthopaedic cases, and is praised for being "sympathetic with her clients, but at the same time realistic in her approach." Tim Palmer has developed a niche practice dealing with cases that involve A&E, although he is also known for his work on child brain injury claims. He impresses with his sound knowledge of high-value medical negligence cases. Senior associate Emma Duff is showing "great promise and developing into a fantastic clinical negligence lawyer."

THE FIRM Based in Kent, this outstanding practice has a stellar reputation and is endorsed by clients for its efficiency, successful record and compassion.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patricia Fearnley is "superb when it comes to analysing evidence" and "every one of her clients gets a Rolls-Royce service." She takes on a range of cases but is best known for her handling of obstetric and cerebral palsy claims, in addition to her inquest work. Fiona Mills is also held in high regard by the market, and Andrew Watson has taken up a position as a consultant at the firm. He is exceptionally well thought of by fellow clinical negligence practitioners, who describe him as "absolutely top-flight" and commend him for "establishing such a fantastic ethos, which continues to run through the firm."

THE FIRM This clinical negligence practice is now well established as a force to be reckoned with, including in high-value catastrophic injury claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Whiteley is head of the clinical negligence group. Sources are impressed by his "vision and clarity" and his "ability to explain the litigation process to his clients in a straightforward way." Clare Carter is a "safe pair of hands who is a pleasure to work with." She is also commended for being "always extremely mindful of the needs of the claimant families."